Human Resources Specialist

About The Company

California Institute of Applied Technology (CIAT) is a dynamic and innovative educational institution committed to fostering student success through high-quality programs and a supportive learning environment. With campuses in San Diego, CA, and Albuquerque, NM, CIAT emphasizes excellence, integrity, and inclusivity in all its endeavors. The institute values continuous growth, professional development, and a student-centric approach, striving to prepare graduates for meaningful careers in their chosen fields. CIAT’s mission is to provide accessible, innovative, and effective education that empowers students to achieve their personal and professional goals. The organization fosters a culture of collaboration, respect, and accountability, ensuring that both staff and students thrive in a positive and engaging environment.

About The Role

The HR Specialist at CIAT is a vital member of the People & Culture team, responsible for supporting a broad range of human resources functions to ensure a seamless employee experience. This full-time, remote position requires residing in California, Florida, or New Mexico, and involves managing processes related to onboarding, benefits administration, payroll, and leave management. The HR Specialist serves as a subject matter expert, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, as well as internal policies and accreditation standards. Reporting directly to the VP of People & Culture, the role demands a proactive and detail-oriented professional capable of handling sensitive information with integrity and professionalism. The position offers an opportunity to contribute to a positive workplace culture, enhance operational efficiency, and support employee engagement initiatives. The HR Specialist will also play a key role in data management, compliance, and strategic HR projects, fostering a collaborative environment aligned with CIAT’s core values and mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (HR certifications preferred)
• 2-3 years of progressive HR experience, demonstrating expertise in at least two core HR functions
• Experience with HRIS systems such as Paylocity and/or Employee Navigator is a plus
• Proficient knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and trends
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic and high ethical standards
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project)
• Adaptability and flexibility to changing priorities and environments
• Ability to work outside of regular hours as needed to meet deadlines

Responsibilities

• Implement, improve, and coordinate onboarding processes to ensure a positive new hire experience and cultural integration
• Manage start dates and onboarding logistics with candidates and hiring managers
• Prepare, review, and process new hire documentation, including I-9s, background checks, transcripts, and certifications
• Evaluate background check results, identify discrepancies, and coordinate follow-up actions
• Conduct new hire orientations and facilitate employee onboarding activities
• Serve as the primary contact for employee benefits inquiries, enrollments, and system updates
• Track benefit enrollments, reconcile invoices, and resolve discrepancies with vendors and payroll
• Support annual open enrollment activities, including communication and system updates
• Monitor employee satisfaction with benefits and recommend improvements
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and applicable regulations
• Oversee timekeeping system accuracy, review employee timecards, and coordinate approvals
• Monitor and track paid time off and leave balances
• Prepare and verify payroll data, including hours, bonuses, deductions, and final payments
• Serve as the main point of contact for payroll-related employee inquiries
• Manage leave requests, including FMLA, ADA, PDL, workers’ compensation, and accommodations
• Track leave usage, update records, and coordinate return-to-work procedures
• Partner with payroll to ensure accurate compensation during leave periods
• Maintain confidential medical and leave documentation
• Support managers throughout employee leave processes
• Maintain accurate HR records, ensuring data integrity and audit readiness
• Generate reports, respond to employment verifications, and manage exit processes
• Track performance review schedules and training certifications
• Analyze HR metrics to support strategic initiatives in engagement and retention
• Assist with special HR projects and initiatives as assigned
• Promote employee participation in HR programs, embodying CIAT’s values and culture

Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay rate ranging from $27.00 to $30.00 based on experience and qualifications
• Opportunity to work remotely within approved states, promoting work-life balance
• Engagement in a collaborative and inclusive organizational culture
• Participation in professional development and growth opportunities
• Contributions to impactful educational initiatives supporting student success
• Access to comprehensive benefits programs, including health, dental, and retirement plans (details may vary)
• Involvement in employee engagement activities, wellness programs, and team-building events

Equal Opportunity

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

Key skills/competency

• Human Resources Specialist
• Onboarding
• Benefits Administration
• Payroll Processing
• Leave Management
• HRIS Systems
• Employment Law Compliance
• Employee Relations
• HR Data Management
• Professional Development