Since 1967, Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) has been committed to improving the lives of individuals who are DeafBlind or have a combined hearing and vision loss. HKNC is dedicated to working with each person to achieve their desired goals towards independence, employment, and quality of life, based on their talents, preferences and aspirations. We currently have an exciting Full-Time career opportunity available to join the HKNC team as a Human Resources Assistant. The Human Resources Assistant will perform administrative tasks and services to support effective and efficient operations of the organization’s Human Resources department
This is an in-person position based out of our Training Building in Sands Point, NY.
Rate of Pay: $45-50k annually
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Maintains accurate and up-to-date human resource files, records, and documentation.
- Answers frequently asked questions from applicants and employees relative to standard policies, benefits, hiring processes, etc.; refers more complex questions to appropriate senior-level HR staff.
- Conducts periodic audits of personnel and HR files to identify missing, expired, incomplete, or improperly filed documentation; prepares follow-up lists and updates records as documentation is received.
- Performs pre-employment and routine background checks including education verification, reference checks and driving record checks on newly hired employees.
- Assists with the scheduling of new hire and companywide orientation, meetings, and HR Trainings including setting up interpreting support, outlook calendar requests, reminders, and attendance tracking.
- Performs data entry in ADP/HRIS system. Compiles and runs routine reports.
- Assists with HKNC Recruitment efforts including working with managers to update job descriptions, post positions, look for alternative job posting sites, take down positions, etc.
- Maintains compliance records such as annual physicals, PPD’s, OMIG and OIG checks.
- Assigns required training through the HR training platform, monitors completion, sends reminders, and prepares status reports for HR follow-up (harassment, safe driving, safety).
- Assists with planning and execution of special events such as benefits enrollment, organization-wide wellness meetings, employee recognition events, and other HR sponsored events.
- Answers routine questions from applicants and employees regarding standard policies, benefits, hiring processes, forms, and HR procedures; refers complex or sensitive matters to appropriate HR staff.
- Assists with onboarding and offboarding administration, including preparing packets, collecting forms, updating checklists, coordinating notifications, scheduling and conducting new hire orientation, and filing final documentation.
- Travel to other HKS site locations (Hempstead, Sands Point, Islandia) may be required.
Responsible for other duties as may be assigned or requested by his/her immediate supervisor and/or the Director of the Department.
REQUIRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
- Associate’s degree in related field required. Prior related office experience required. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential situations with tact, professionalism, and diplomacy. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
- Proficient with or the ability to quickly learn payroll management, human resource information system (HRIS), and similar computer applications.
PREFERRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
- Associate degree in Human Resources, business administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Prior administrative or office experience required; experience supporting Human Resources is strongly preferred.
- Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, organizational, and customer-service skills.
- Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism, tact, and discretion.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines and follow-up items.
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and Zoom.
- Proficiency with, or ability to quickly learn, ADP, HRIS, applicant tracking, learning-management, and similar business systems.
- Ability to coordinate interpreters and accessible meeting logistics in a timely and organized manner.
At HKS we strive to provide a healthy work-life balance for our employees. we offer generous paid time off and comprehensive benefit package including:
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- 2 week's Paid vacation annually
- 2 Paid Personal Days annually
- Paid sick time
- 11 Paid Holidays Off Annually
- Life Insurance
- Short/Long Term Disability
- 403b Program w/Employer Match
- Flexible Spending/ Healthcare Savings Accounts
- Voluntary Ancillary Plans
- Employee Assistance Program
- Career Advancement Opportunities
HKS is committed to providing reasonable workplace accommodations to individuals with illness, injury, or disability to complete the essential functions of their job.
Skills Required
- Associate's degree in a related field
- Prior related office or administrative experience
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations professionally
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- Ability to quickly learn payroll management, HRIS, and similar computer applications
- Bachelor's degree
- Experience supporting Human Resources
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365, Teams, and Zoom
- Experience with ADP, applicant tracking systems, learning management systems, or similar business systems
- Ability to coordinate interpreters and accessible meeting logistics
What We Do
For over 125 years, Helen Keller Services has helped individuals of all ages who are blind, DeafBlind, or have low vision to develop independence and to participate actively and fully in their communities. Mission Our mission is to help individuals of all ages who are blind or visually impaired, and who may have additional disabilities, to develop independence and to participate actively in their communities, and to provide public education and blindness prevention programs. Company Overview Founded in 1893, Helen Keller Services for the Blind offers a wide range of services and programs for people of all ages who are blind or have vision impairments. Thousands of people in the New York metropolitan area and in Nassau and Suffolk Counties take advantage of these services every year. Description Headquartered in Brooklyn, HKSB has additional rehabilitation sites in Hempstead and Huntington, Long Island. The agency also operates the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults (www.hknc.org) in Sands Point, New York, with regional offices around the country. Products • Employment Services • Low Vision Services • Rehabilitation Services • Services for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities • Services for Students • The Children’s Learning Center








