People Solutions (HR) Assistant

About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 3 million members in more than 8,600 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of “Gods work. Our hands.,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCAs roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.

The Lutheran Center (national office) is located in Chicago, Illinois. A staff of approximately 400, under the leadership of the Presiding Bishop, serve as administrators, advisors, conveners, partners, and resource people for the ELCA and its ministries. Staff lead the work of national, domestic, and global ministries and programs including Lutheran Disaster Response, ELCA World Hunger, Service & Justice, Christian Community and Leadership, and Innovation. We are also home to five of our separately incorporated ministries: The Mission Investment Fund of the ELCA, Women of the ELCA, Lutheran Men in Mission, the ELCA Foundation and the ELCA Federal Credit Union.

About the position

This position is part of the People Solutions (human resources) team in the Office of the Presiding Bishop. Every function of the Office of the Presiding Bishop serves to support and guide members of this church as we wonder, discover, and boldly participate in what God is up to in the world.

The People Solutions Assistant will report to the Executive for People and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and will provide high level administrative tasks and services to support effective and efficient operations of the People Solutions team.

This is a full-time, regular, hybrid (Chicago-based), exempt position. This position has responsibilities that will require being in the Lutheran Center office on a regular, weekly basis.

Candidates for this position must reside within the fifty United States or the District of Columbia and be authorized to work lawfully in the United States. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

1. Maintains accurate and up-to-date human resource files, records, and documentation.

2. Answers frequently asked questions from applicants and employees relative to standard policies, benefits, hiring processes, etc.; refers more complex questions to appropriate people solutions colleagues.

3. Maintains the integrity and confidentiality of human resource files and records.

4. Performs periodic audits of HR files and records to ensure that all required documents are collected and filed appropriately and ensuring compliance with various policies, laws, etc.

5. Provides administrative support to the People Solutions team, including Leadership Development, Benefits, Business Partners.

6. Conducts or assists with onboarding and new hire orientation.

7. Completes Forms I-9, verifies I-9 documentation and maintains I-9 files.

8. Submits online investigation requests and assists with new-employee background checks.

9. Responds to requests for employment verification.

10. Assists with processing of terminations.

11. Assists with the preparation of the performance review process.

12. Assists with recruitment and interview process. Tracks status of candidates in HRIS and responds with follow-up letters at the end of the recruiting process.

13. Schedules meetings and interviews as requested.

14. Performs other duties as assigned.

1. Associates degree and minimum 2 years of professional human resources work experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

2. Working knowledge or the ability to quickly learn payroll management, HRIS (Paylocity), and similar computer applications.

3. Professional HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP, etc.) desirable.

4. Excellent verbal and written communication skills; interpersonal and customer service skills; excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

5. Working understanding of human resource principles, practices and procedures.

6. Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

7. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, etc.), online communication platforms, etc.

8. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

9. Appreciation for the mission, vision, and values of the ELCA.

Physical

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear, use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone. This position requires sitting for long periods of time. Employee will occasionally need to lift boxes or materials up to 15 pounds. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel

Minimal local travel for team retreats, etc.

Benefits

The ELCA offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees, including employer paid health premiums for employees, health and dependent care FSAs, a health savings account (HSA) with an employer contribution, life insurance, and a substantial employer contribution to 403b retirement plan (no match required). We also offer a generous paid time-off policy including 17 paid holidays. All benefits commence on your start date.

Contact

If you have questions about this job or your application, please complete this form to contact People Solutions (HR).

Salary

Commensurate with qualifications and relevant experience.