HR Generalist

The Human Resources Department of the Committee for Public Counsel Services is seeking an experienced HR practitioner for a HR Generalist – Payroll role.  This position will be eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

We fight for equal justice and human dignity by supporting our clients in achieving their legal and life goals. We zealously advocate for the rights of individuals and promote just public policy to protect the rights of all.

Our Values

Courage   
•   Accountability   
•   Respect   
•   Excellence     

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION MISSION STATEMENT

CPCS is committed to protecting the fundamental constitutional and human rights of our assigned clients through zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and the fullness of excellent legal representation.  We are dedicated to building and maintaining strong professional relationships, while striving to accept, listen to and respect the diverse circumstances of each client, as we dedicate ourselves to meeting their individual needs.  It is our CPCS mission to achieve these goals, and in furtherance thereof, we embrace and endorse diversity, equity and inclusion as our core values as we maintain a steadfast commitment to: (1) Ensure that CPCS management and staff members represent a broad range of human differences and experience; (2) Provide a work climate that is respectful and supports success; and (3) Promote the dignity and well-being of all staff members. CPCS leadership is responsible for ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion. The ability to achieve these goals with any level of certainty is ultimately the responsibility of each member of the CPCS community.

AGENCY OVERVIEW

CPCS is the state agency in Massachusetts responsible for providing an attorney when the state or federal constitution or a state statute requires the appointment of an attorney for a person who cannot afford to retain one.  The agency provides representation in criminal, delinquency, youthful offender, family regulation, guardianship, mental health, sexually dangerous person, and sex offender registry cases, as well as in appeals and post-conviction and post-judgment proceedings related to those matters.

The clients we represent are diverse across every context imaginable and bring many unique cultural dimensions to the matters we address. This reality creates a critical need for CPCS staff to be culturally competent and able to work well with people of different races, ethnicities, genders and/or sexual orientation identities, abilities, and limited English proficiency, among other protected characteristics.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Human Resources Department of the Committee for Public Counsel Services is committed to providing excellent customer service for all of our employees in a client-centered work environment characterized by dedication to the agency mission, inclusion, and respect for diversity.

The HR Generalist - Payroll is a key position on the Payroll Team in the Human Resources Department.  We are seeking applicants who can provide excellent customer service to all CPCS employees and help to ensure that payroll is processed in an accurate, compliant, efficient, and timely manner.  The HR Generalist - Payroll will regularly communicate with CPCS employees as well as individuals in other agencies and organizations. The HR Generalist - Payroll will be cross-trained to act as back-up to other HR team members to ensure coverage in all areas.

The HR Generalist - Payroll reports to the Payroll Manager.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS 

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field and at least three (3) years of human resources experience, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and skills; and,
• Access to a personal computer with home internet access sufficient to work remotely.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office systems, including Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, Windows; knowledge of PeopleSoft HRIS preferred;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and to exercise considerable judgment and discretion;
• Unwavering commitment to developing a diverse workforce;
• Ability to organize and implement detailed and complex projects, with strong attention to detail;
• Positive phone and in person presence in dealing with law schools, applicants and legal community;
• Ability to think strategically, creatively and function in a fast-paced changing environment;
• Ability to handle a wide variety of duties and work within the HR team to provide best customer service to CPCS staff; and
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience making presentations.

COMPENSATION

CPCS offers a competitive compensation, benefits, and pension package; a diverse and inclusive culture; colleagues and co-workers who are committed to and passionate about their work; and the opportunity to serve. CPCS work culture also promotes work/life balance, providing work from home options and flexible hours. Salary Range: $65,300 - $95,896.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties of the HR Generalist - Payroll include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting with all CPCS payroll processes, including time and attendance, for the Agency's approximately 725 employees and ensure that payroll is processed in an accurate, compliant, efficient, and timely manner;
• Assisting the Payroll Manager with payroll operational issues including creating an audit system to ensure payroll processes are complete and accurate;
• Providing effective and efficient payroll customer service to employees by ensuring the HR staff has accurate information to respond to questions and issues.  Training CPCS managers, supervisors, and staff on SSTA as needed.  Serving as on-site CPCS HR/CMS and SSTA expert;
• Reviewing and processing manual employee reimbursement entries in HR/CMS and the Labor Cost Management portal (LCM);
• Maintaining accurate records of employee transactions;
• Running and reviewing bi-weekly and monthly payroll reports to audit HR/CMS data via the Commonwealth Information Warehouse (CIW) and correct any discrepancies;
• Keeping up to date with applicable laws, acts, policies, and system changes and communicate changes to CPCS staff;
• Serving as backup for on-boarding of new Agency staff by entering employees in the Commonwealth's HR system (currently HR/CMS), and serving as a backup for benefit orientation for new hires, and entering relevant benefit options at time of employment;
• Assisting HR Team with special projects as assigned and provide back-up for other HR staff when needed;
• Providing excellent customer service to all who interact with the HR Unit by responding in a timely, accurate, respectful, and professional manner to customer service questions and requests; and,
• Other duties as assigned.

EEO Statement

The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran or military status, genetic information, gender identity, or sexual orientation as required by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other applicable federal and state statutes and organizational policies.  Applicants who have questions about equal employment opportunity or who need reasonable accommodations can contact the Chief Human Resources Officer, Sandra DeBow-Huang,