HR Generalist
Hamden, CT | Full-Time, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm | Exempt
Support People. Strengthen Culture. Drive Excellence.
The Children’s Center of Hamden is seeking an enthusiastic, high-energy, detail-oriented HR Specialist who will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of HR operations while providing outstanding service to the staff and the organization.
Who We Are:
For more than 190 years, The Children’s Center of Hamden has supported children and families through times of need. Today, we act as a comprehensive behavioral health and educational organization serving communities across Connecticut.
We offer a continuum of behavioral health, psychiatric, and special education services that guide vulnerable youth safely back to their homes, schools, and communities.
Our campus includes a residential program, a K-12 approved private special education school, Outpatient clinic, Extended Day Treatment program and a Quality Parenting Center.
Why Join The Children’s Center?
Supportive, Mission-Driven Culture - We are a collaborative, mission-driven team! Every staff member is provided with the tools, training, and guidance to expand their knowledge, skills and abilities while making a meaningful impact on youth and their families.
Quality and Affordable Benefits – Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, employee assistance program, and wellness programs. On one of our medical plan options, The Children’s Center covers 90% of the employee premium and contributes generously to the Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).
Generous Paid Time Off – Vacation, sick, personal days, and 12 paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving.
Retirement Saving Plan - We offer a 401(k) plan with employer contribution to help you build financial stability for the future.
Education Assistance & CEU Accredited Training - Interest-free tuition loans, ongoing CEU-accredited training, and opportunities for career advancement.
What You’ll Do
- Support a workforce of over 200 people by working in ADP Workforce Now and Workforce Manager to ensure data accuracy and keep the organization audit ready at all times.
- Handle leave of absence administration from initial paperwork until employee returns to work; this includes setting up and tracking the leave period in ADP.
- Track staff compliance with mandatory trainings, annual trainings, renewal of professional licenses and other regulatory training.
- Counsel and support staff regarding benefit plans and life changes; assist with open enrollment event.
- Process schedule changes and employee status changes.
- Administer off-boarding process.
- Handle HR compliance reporting throughout the year and at year end.
- Assist with employee relations and investigations as needed.
- Participate in special projects and other duties as assigned.
What We’re Looking For
- 3-5 years HR experience; knowledge of CT HR law;
- Passion for a mission oriented, non-profit environment.
- Growth mindset, positive attitude and willingness to learn something new every day.
- Strong customer service approach, collaborative work style, personal accountability and willingness to grow in the position.
- Ability to stay organized and effective in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong HRIS skills, preferably ADP Workforce Now/Workforce Manager
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field preferred.
- Experience working in a union environment preferred.
- Experience in nonprofit education, behavioral health/human service settings strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of employment law, HR compliance, benefits, and leave administration.
- Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
- Able to maintain appropriate personal boundaries with young people and families served on campus.
The Children’s Center of Hamden is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
Skills Required
- 3-5 years of human resources experience
- Knowledge of Connecticut human resources law
- Strong HRIS skills, preferably ADP Workforce Now and ADP Workforce Manager
- Knowledge of employment law, HR compliance, benefits, and leave administration
- Ability to handle confidential information professionally and discreetly
- Strong customer service, collaboration, organization, accountability, and adaptability skills
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a related field
- Experience working in a union environment
- Experience in nonprofit education, behavioral health, or human services
- Ability to maintain appropriate personal boundaries with young people and families
What We Do
For more than 190 years, The Children's Center of Hamden has supported children, adolescents, and families through times of need. Today, we are a comprehensive behavioral health, psychiatric, educational, and family support organization serving communities across Connecticut. Our continuum of care helps children and young adults navigate emotional and behavioral health challenges, trauma, substance use, learning needs, and barriers to stability at home, in school, and in their communities. Our Services • Outpatient Services — Flexible behavioral health treatment for children and teens experiencing emotional or behavioral challenges. • Substance Use Treatment & Recovery — Evidence-based support for youth and young adults navigating substance use and recovery. • Extended Day Treatment (EDT) — Structured afterschool and summer behavioral health services for youth who need more support than weekly therapy. • Psychiatric Residential Treatment (PRTF) — Short-term, comprehensive residential care for youth experiencing acute mental health challenges. • Whitney Hall School — A state-approved K–12 special education school integrating academics, behavioral health, and individualized support. • Quality Parenting Center — A welcoming space that helps children and families in foster care maintain and strengthen family connections. Our Approach We provide family-centered, trauma-informed care in safe, structured environments that help youth build skills, strengthen relationships, and move forward with confidence. Who We Partner With We work closely with families, school districts, behavioral health providers, healthcare organizations, state agencies, and community partners across Connecticut because lasting progress happens together. Accredited & Licensed The Children's Center of Hamden is accredited by The Joint Commission and licensed by the State of Connecticut. Whitney Hall School is approved by the Connecticut State Department of Education.
