Job Summary
The HR Assistant supports the Human Resources department with a primary focus on talent acquisition and employee onboarding, while also assisting with benefits administration and general HR activities. This position serves as an important point of contact for candidates, new hires, hiring managers, and employees throughout the recruitment and onboarding process.
The HR Assistant is responsible for coordinating recruitment activities from job posting through candidate selection and onboarding, ensuring a positive and professional candidate experience. This position will work closely with hiring managers to understand staffing needs, identify qualified candidates, coordinate interviews, and facilitate timely hiring decisions.
Essential Responsibilities
Talent Acquisition & Recruitment
- Coordinate the full recruitment process for assigned positions, from job posting through candidate selection.
- Develop, post, and maintain job postings across appropriate employment websites and recruitment platforms.
- Review resumes and applications to identify candidates who meet established qualifications and position requirements.
- Conduct initial phone and/or video interviews with qualified candidates.
- Evaluate candidates based on job requirements and provide recommendations to hiring managers.
- Coordinate interviews between candidates and hiring managers, including scheduling and follow-up.
- Maintain regular communication with candidates throughout the recruitment process.
- Communicate hiring updates, candidate feedback, and recruitment activity with hiring managers.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date candidate records within the applicant tracking system (ATS) or HR system.
- Assist with background checks, employment verification, pre-employment requirements, and other hiring activities.
- Help develop and maintain a pipeline of qualified candidates for current and anticipated openings.
- Represent JWA professionally throughout the recruitment process and promote the company as an employer of choice.
New Employee Onboarding
- Coordinate the onboarding process for new employees from acceptance of an offer through their first day and beyond.
- Coordinate new hire orientation and ensure employees receive information regarding company policies, procedures, benefits, payroll, and other employment-related matters.
- Ensure required employment documentation is completed accurately and timely.
- Coordinate with hiring managers and other departments to ensure new employees are prepared for their first day.
- Assist with employee setup within HRIS, payroll, benefits, timekeeping, and other applicable systems.
- Serve as a point of contact for new hires during the onboarding process and respond to questions or direct them to the appropriate resource.
Benefits Administration
- Assist with the administration of employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and other company-sponsored benefits.
- Assist employees with benefit enrollment, changes, and general benefit-related questions.
- Maintain accurate employee benefit records and ensure enrollment information is entered and maintained appropriately.
- Support annual open enrollment activities and employee communications.
- Coordinate with benefit providers and internal HR personnel to resolve employee benefit issues.
- Maintain confidentiality of employee benefit and personal information.
HR Administration & Support
- Maintain accurate and confidential employee and recruitment records.
- Assist with HR reporting, tracking, and preparation of recruitment and employee-related reports.
- Support employee communications and HR-related initiatives.
- Assist with employee file maintenance and other HR administrative activities.
- Ensure HR processes are completed in accordance with company policies and applicable employment requirements.
- Provide general administrative support to the HR Manager and HR department.
- Perform other HR-related duties and special projects as assigned.
- The company reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.
Job Qualifications
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
- 1–3 years of experience in Human Resources, recruiting, talent acquisition, or a related administrative role preferred.
- Previous experience with recruiting, interviewing, and candidate screening strongly preferred.
- Experience using an ATS, HRIS, payroll, or benefits administration system preferred.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple open positions, candidates, and priorities simultaneously.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive employee information with discretion.
- Professional, approachable, and service-oriented demeanor.
- Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with hiring managers and other departments.
Additional Expectations
- Maintain a high level of professionalism, confidentiality, integrity, and discretion in all HR activities.
- Provide a positive and professional experience for candidates throughout the recruitment process.
- Respond to candidates, employees, and hiring managers in a timely and professional manner.
- Build strong working relationships with hiring managers and department leaders.
- Take ownership of assigned recruitment activities and proactively communicate potential delays or challenges.
- Maintain accurate documentation and ensure recruitment and onboarding activities are completed in a timely manner.
- Stay informed of company policies, HR procedures, and applicable employment requirements.
- Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to support other HR functions as business needs require.
- Contribute to a positive workplace culture and support JWA’s commitment to attracting, hiring, and retaining qualified employees.
- Perform all duties in accordance with JWA policies, procedures, and established standards.