Sr. HR & Workplace Culture Specialist

Who We Are Looking For:

Are you the Sr. HR & Workplace Culture Specialist we’ve been searching for? In this role, you will have the opportunity to share your passion for helping others by collaborating with our team!

The Sr. HR & Workplace Culture Specialist will assist in the daily functions of the Human Resources (HR) department, including administering state and federal leave of absence programs, long-term disability, workers' compensation, and employee benefit programs, hiring and interviewing staff, and acting as a resource for company policies and practices.

In addition, the Sr. HR & Workplace Culture Specialist will help ensure that HR practices align with organizational goals and are guided by a People, Culture, and Social Impact framework, supporting a responsive, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture that reflects the needs of our workforce.

Schedule: This full-time position is based in Needham, Massachusetts, and requires being on-site in Needham.

Salary: $75,000 - $85,000 per year

What You'll Do:

• Performs tasks required to administer and execute human resource programs, including but not limited to employee benefits and leave, workplace investigations, and training and development. Assists as needed in employee onboarding and orientation; performs background checks.

• Communicates with employees regarding their need for leave and/or modified work schedules, ensuring they are aware of their responsibilities and any required documentation and notice.

• Advises managers and employees on the interaction of leave laws with paid time off and long-term disability benefits.

• Oversees the return-to-work process for employees returning from extended FMLA, workers' compensation, or other leave(s).

• Facilitates other leave requests, which may include accommodation requests under the ADA.

• Maintains knowledge of all applicable leave and accommodation laws, including FMLA, ADA, and relevant state/local laws.

• Under the direction of senior management, conducts interviews, gathers data, and prepares reports in internal workplace investigations.

• Preserves the confidentiality of employee personnel and medical files.

• Maintains compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, as well as best practices; reviews policies and practices to ensure ongoing compliance.

• Handles employment-related inquiries from applicants, employees, and supervisors, referring complex or sensitive matters to the appropriate staff.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

People & Culture:

• Assist in implementing People & Culture initiatives that promote inclusion, collaboration, and employee well-being across the organization.
• Support organizational culture efforts by coordinating employee engagement activities, recognition programs, and communications that reflect core values.
• Review and interpret workforce feedback (e.g., employee engagement surveys, retention data, exit trends) to help identify opportunities for improvement at both the organizational and team levels, and to inform culture and HR practices.
• Ensure that HR processes and practices align with an equity-driven, inclusive approach to employee experience, rooted in our mission.

In this role will contribute to the continued development of our People & Culture framework as it grows, ensuring that future initiatives are responsive to staff needs and organizational goals.

Why JRI?   

• Be who you are! JRI is committed to creating a workplace built on respect, collaboration, and opportunity, where every employee is valued and supported in making a meaningful impact. 
• We offer a $2,000 bilingual bonus to new hires who speak a second language other than English! 
• Reimbursement is available for employees to cover the registration costs and annual fees for any professional license required for work such as LMHC, LCSW, LICSW, RN and more! 
• Access to our excellent Blue Cross medical and Delta Dental benefits. 
• Retirement benefits including 401K matched up to $800 a year and pension after 5 years of employment. 
• Professional development opportunities such as tuition reimbursement up to almost $4000 per year and discounted tuition rates to select partnership colleges and universities! 
• Wellness benefits including access to employee engagement groups, self-care resources, and an Employee Assistance Program. 
• Generous paid time off up to 19 days for full time employees in your first year and much more!

Requirements:  

• Must be 21 years of age.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources required; Business Administration or related field a plus.
• At least two year of human resource management experience required.
• SHRMCP or HRCI certification is a plus.
• First hand experience with championing a Workplace Culture.
• Experience working with diverse populations preferred.
• Thorough knowledge or ability to quickly get up to date on employment-related laws and regulations.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Proficiency with—or ability to learn swiftly—the UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) HRIS system.
• Experience working with diverse populations is preferred.
• Ability to speak a second language—Spanish, Portuguese, or Haitian Creole—a plus!
• Candidates should have strong verbal and written communication skills; interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills; and organizational skills with strong attention to details.
• Candidates should have effective time management with deadline adherence; analytical and problem-solving abilities; task prioritization and delegation skills.
• Background and driving record checks will be performed.

At JRI, we are committed to fostering a workplace where every team member feels valued and respected. We believe that a culture built on mutual respect, collaboration, and opportunity allows our staff to thrive and do their best work. By supporting one another and recognizing each person's contributions, we create an environment where people can grow, develop their skills, and make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. JRI is an equal opportunity employer.

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