Human Resources Specialist

General Description of Duties The Human Resources Specialist serves as a key operational partner within the Human Resources Department, providing direct support to agency leadership and employees across programs. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws; leads the administration of leave and workers' compensation programs; manages HR reporting and workforce data analytics; and oversees employee communication initiatives that promote engagement and transparency. The Human Resources Specialist collaborates closely with department leaders to support performance management, employee relations, and workforce planning. By aligning HR processes with organizational strategy and mission, this role strengthens Unified Community Connections' ability to deliver high-quality services to the individuals and families we support. Who Should Apply This position is ideal for a detail-oriented, service-driven HR professional who enjoys balancing compliance, data, and people support. The right candidate is proactive, organized, and confident navigating complex employee matters such as leave administration and workers' compensation. Successful candidates are strong communicators who can build trust with leadership and frontline staff while maintaining confidentiality and sound judgment. If you enjoy using data to inform decisions, improving processes, and supporting a mission-driven organization that makes a meaningful difference in people's lives, this role is a strong fit. Candidates with experience in nonprofit, healthcare, human services, or multi-site environments are encouraged to apply. About Unified Community Connections Unified Community Connections is a leading provider of services and programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Maryland. We believe that all people living with disabilities have the right to be treated with respect and dignity as well as to exercise the same control over their lives as any other person. Essential Tasks and Responsibilities: In a manner consistent with Unified Community Connections' Mission Statement, the Human Resources Partner will: Strategic Support Collaborate with department leaders to understand business objectives and workforce needs, aligning HR strategies with organizational goals. Act as a trusted advisor on HR policies, procedures, and best practices to drive agency results. Analyze HR metrics to identify trends and recommend actionable strategies for improvement. Employee Relations Serve as a point of contact for employees and managers, addressing workplace issues and concerns in a timely and effective manner. Investigate and resolve employee complaints or conflicts, ensuring compliance with company policies and applicable laws. Promote a positive workplace culture by supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Performance Management Guide managers and employees through the performance review process, providing coaching on goal setting, feedback, and career development. Address performance issues proactively and collaboratively to ensure alignment with organizational expectations. Compliance and Risk Management Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including FMLA, ADA, and EEOC requirements. Maintain accurate employee records and HR documentation in compliance with legal standards. Partner with leadership to manage risk and address potential HR-related liabilities. Change Management Support organizational change initiatives by fostering communication, managing employee expectations, and facilitating training. Act as a change agent to drive engagement and adaptability among employees. HR Program Implementation Lead or support the rollout of HR programs and initiatives, such as wellness programs, recognition systems, or workforce planning. Partner with other HR functions to develop and execute strategies for benefits, compensation, and succession planning. HR Lead Areas Leads the Workers' Compensation claims process for the Agency ensuring compliance include required OSHA reporting. Leads Family Medical Leave and Accommodations for the Agency ensuring compliance. Leads the employee communications including but not limited to, employee surveys, newsletter, and recognition programs. Assist in the management and maintenance of the Human Resources Information System and reporting including the development of specialized computer reporting to better analyze Human Resource metrics. Responsible for the completion of reports from the HRIS as needed for surveys and other needs. Other Duties This position will require driving to other locations at least 2 times per month. Travel reimbursement is offered. Demonstrate sound judgment, problem solving and critical thinking skills. Work effectively and cooperatively with peers and administration to ensure professional high-quality service delivery. Comply with all applicable local, state, and federal employment laws. Ensures all deadlines are met. Demonstrate good attendance and punctuality. All other duties as required or assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities: None Qualifications: The specific requirements listed above represent most of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to fulfill the requirements of the position. To successfully perform this job, the employee must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential task. Must be able to demonstrate skills in the following areas: problem solving, project/task management, time management, dependability, good judgment, safe work practices, service delivery, and ensuring confidentiality. Education and/or Experience: Bachelor's Degree and 2 years of experience of human resources experience preferred. Experience may be considered in lieu of some or all of the educational requirement. Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure: whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. Language Skills: Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions and written correspondence and interpret documents. Ability to write reports and complete forms or other documents as required. Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook). Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Must successfully complete all agency designated training within first ninety (90) days of employment. Must attend in-service training as required. Must have valid state driver's license with no more than two (2) points. Training: Must complete, pass, and maintain all Unified Community Connections training upon hire and on a recurring basis as requested or required. Physical Demands: While performing the tasks of this position, the employee is required but is not limited to stand, walk, sit, bend, write, type, etc. Vision abilities required for this position include, near distance, far distance, peripheral vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job tasks. Work Environment: At Unified we are committed to providing a safe working environment for all employees and to prevent all work related injuries and illnesses. Working in a safe manner is an essential function of this position. Home and office settings with varying degrees of background noise. Light and ventilation as found in typical home or office settings. Employee will frequently be in areas occupied by individuals in UNIFIED's Residential and Day Programs and must be professional and respect individual's fundamental rights. Other: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Therefore, the employee may be requested to perform other reasonable, related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or other management as required. UNIFIED reserves the right to revise or change job duties at its discretion. It is mutually agreed that the job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. It is also understood that the organization reserves the right to change work schedules at their discretion. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Created: 2026-03-04