Human Resources Manager

The Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) is an independent executive branch agency with oversight and ombudsperson responsibilities, established by the Massachusetts Legislature in 2008. The OCA's mission is to ensure that children receive appropriate, timely, and quality state services, with a particular focus on ensuring that the Commonwealth's most vulnerable and at-risk children can thrive. Through collaboration with public and private stakeholders, the OCA identifies gaps in state services and recommends improvements in policy, practice, regulation and/or law. The OCA also serves as a resource for families who are receiving, or are eligible to receive, services from the Commonwealth. Office of the Child Advocate | Mass.gov


Working under the supervision of the CFO, the Human Resources Manager is responsible for overseeing core HR operations, supporting managers and supervisors in addressing employee performance matters, and ensuring consistent, accurate, and compliant HR practices across the organization. This role manages the full employee lifecycle, from hiring and onboarding to performance management and recordkeeping, while maintaining HR policies and the employee manual.


The right candidate for this position has a track record of supporting HR operations and performance management in a Commonwealth of Massachusetts state agency. You have excellent attention to detail and develop processes to ensure extremely high accuracy in payroll and records management. You operate independently at a high level and can triage and manage multiple time-sensitive priorities at once, exercising sound judgement and discretion regarding confidential matters. You are sensitive and discreet when addressing employee concerns and know when to escalate issues to senior leadership. You are driven to support a positive work environment and experience for staff. Most of all, you have a passion for improving the lives of the children and youth of the Commonwealth and want to be part of an innovative, growing team of public servants who share that passion.


This job requires an individual to work in-person at the OCA's Boston office 1-2 days per week, and occasionally more often for in-person meetings.

Application Instructions

Applications are to be submitted on the Mass Careers website: MassCareers Create a Profile guide | Mass.gov . A cover letter and resume are required parts of the application. Please do not contact the OCA via phone to inquire about the status of your application. If you need any support with submitting your application, please refer to MassCareers Resources | Mass.gov . Review of applicants will start immediately and continue while the position is posted, with first consideration given to those received on or before October 7, 2026.


The OCA is committed to creating and supporting an inclusive work community that is free of all forms of discrimination. The OCA does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis under Massachusetts law.

The OCA encourages applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to apply for positions, including candidates who have personal and/or professional history with the child protective and/or juvenile justice systems.


Duties & Responsibilities:

Employee Relations:

• Provide guidance and support to employees and supervisors on HR-related questions, conflict resolution, and workplace concerns.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and productive work environment.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state employment laws.
• Coordinate employee engagement initiatives to create an environment that reflects the OCA's values and promotes employee well-being.

Performance Management:

• Partner with managers and supervisors to address employee performance issues, including coaching, documentation, and improvement plans.
• Lead the annual performance cycle, including goal setting, mid-year reviews, and annual evaluations.
• Provide training and guidance to leaders on effective feedback, documentation, and employee development strategies.

HR/CMS & Records Management:

• Ensure accurate and timely maintenance of employee data in the Massachusetts Human Resources/Compensation Management System (HR/CMS).
• Audit records regularly to ensure compliance with organizational standards and regulatory requirements.
• Support compensation updates, job changes, and organizational structure changes within the system.
• Maintain employee files.

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding:

• Manage the recruitment process, including preparing and posting job solicitations, screening candidates, recommending interview participants and questions, and preparing job offers.
• Coordinate onboarding activities to ensure new employees have a smooth and well-supported transition into the organization.
• Partner with hiring managers to ensure role clarity, training plans, and early performance expectations are established.

Employee Manual & HR Policy Management:

• Maintain and update the OCA employee manual to reflect current policies, procedures, and legal requirements.
• Communicate policy changes to employees and ensure consistent application across the agency.
• Serve as a resource for employees seeking clarification on policies, benefits, and HR procedures.

Qualifications:
Required:

• Previous experience with HR/CMS
• Understanding of federal and state employment law and policies
• Excellent oral and written communications skills
• Strong coaching and problem-solving skills
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgement
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and deal effectively and tactfully with others
• Ability to coordinate competing interests and work under time constraints
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 Suite, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other commonly used computer software applications

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or related field
• Five (5) years of progressive HR experience, including performance management and employee relations
• Strong knowledge of Commonwealth of Massachusetts HR/CMS system, employment law, and HR best practices