Human Resources Specialist

Position Summary

The Human Resources Specialist will provide hands-on strategic support for the day-to-day Human Resources functions.  Areas of responsibility include hiring, employee relations, benefits administration, workers compensation claims, and associate inquiries for all five entities.

Compensation:

• 76,000-$80,000

Schedule:

• Monday – Friday

• 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Benefits Per Company Plan Details:

• Medical, Dental, Vision

• 401k Matching Plan

• Life Insurance

• Hospital Confinement Plan

• Pet Insurance

• 3 Weeks of PTO

• 8 Paid Holidays

**The terms and conditions associated with each Benefit are outlined in the Associate Handbook, additional documentation provided by Human Resources, or within the policies of the carriers providing the benefits

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Administer employee benefit programs, including tracking associate eligibility, coordinating enrollments, managing qualifying life events changes, and facilitating the annual open enrollment process in coordination with Payroll and the HR Manager.
• Ensure ACA compliance by verifying ADP reporting accuracy and preparing data for 1095-C form submissions.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for associate benefits inquiries, including 401(k) questions, and coordinate with ADP to resolve issues.
• Oversee the new hire process, including background checks, onboarding documentation, I-9 verification, and completion of new hire paperwork.
• Process and maintain accurate employee records in ADP, including new hires, terminations, transfers, benefits setup, time clock setup, and troubleshooting timekeeping issues.
• Process and document employee status changes, including title changes, department transfers, and compensation adjustments, in coordination with Payroll.
• Supervise and support the daily tasks and projects of the HR Coordinator and HR Recruiter under the direction of the HR Manager.
• Assist the HR Manager with employee relations matters, including supporting or conducting workplace investigations and addressing associate concerns when appropriate.
• Assist the HR Manager with recruitment efforts for leadership and management positions across the organization.
• Coordinate and execute employee separations, including resignations and terminations, ensuring proper documentation, final pay processing coordination, and personnel file closure.
• Conduct employment verifications and reference checks as requested.
• Respond to associate inquiries across all company entities, including Ponte Winery, Ponte Vineyard Inn, BOTTAIA Winery, and Hawks View Winery.
• Coordinate with Payroll to process verifications of employment, disability paperwork, and wage garnishments.
• Manage Workers’ Compensation administration, including filing new claims, maintaining claim tracking logs, and coordinating with managers regarding work restrictions.
• Track leaves of absence under the direction of the HR Manager, including collecting medical documentation, updating managers on associate status, and coordinating return-to-work processes.
• Assist the HR Manager with the handling of legal correspondence, including subpoenas, legal notices, and other official requests, ensuring proper documentation, response coordination, and timely communication with legal counsel when applicable.
• Process vendor invoices through Bill.com for HR-related services, including background checks, Rancho Runners, DMV records, and CalChamber services.
• Maintain organized personnel files and ensure proper filing of employee documentation.
• Assist the Managing Partner and COO with HR-related projects and initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the HR Manager.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business, or related required
• 3+ years of HR experience required.
• Society for Human Resource Management certification (SHRM-CP) preferred.
• Must demonstrate the ability to maintain confidentiality at all times, handle personnel matters effectively, and handle employee and public personnel inquiries with sensitivity, tact and diplomacy.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Reliable and supportive team member
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in MS office is required.
• Computer skills and knowledge of relevant software.
• Experience in ADP Workforce Now is required.