Job Summary

The Senior HR Compliance Specialist is responsible for ensuring the organization’s HR policies, practices, and processes comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. This role serves as the organization’s subject matter expert in HR compliance, advising leadership and establishing governance frameworks to ensure enterprise-wide compliance.

Major Responsibilities/Activities

HR Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure organizational compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations (e.g., FLSA, FMLA, EEO, ADA, wage and hour laws).
• Monitor and interpret changes in employment laws and regulations; proactively recommend and implement necessary updates to policies, procedures, and practices.
• Identify enterprise-wide compliance risks and lead cross-functional initiatives to mitigate exposure and strengthen organizational controls.
• Lead and coordinate responses to external agency claims and complaints (e.g., EEOC, DOL), partnering with internal stakeholders and legal counsel to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant resolution.
• Partner with legal counsel to proactively assess employment-related risks and ensure HR policies, practices, and programs align with current legal and regulatory requirements.

Policies, Audits & Governance

• Establish governance and audit mechanisms to ensure compliance across all HR functions.
• Maintain and update HR policies, procedures, and the employee handbook to ensure alignment with legal requirements and organizational standards.
• Lead internal HR compliance audits, including documentation reviews, process audits, and remediation planning.
• Serve as the primary HR point of contact for internal and external audits.
• Ensure consistent application of HR policies and compliance standards across departments.
• Manage and continuously improve HR compliance documentation and recordkeeping practices.

Programs & Process Oversight

• Partner with HR teams to ensure background check processes are compliant with applicable laws and organizational standards, including establishing appropriate controls and monitoring mechanisms.
• Provide compliance oversight for HR programs such as background checks, employee records management, document retention, onboarding and offboarding processes, leave administration, ADA accommodations, workers’ compensation and safety programs, and employee classification, ensuring alignment with applicable laws and organizational standards.
• Ensure proper classification of employees (e.g., exempt/non-exempt) and adherence to wage and hour regulations.
• Review HR processes (e.g., onboarding, offboarding, leave administration) to ensure compliance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Partner cross-functionally with Payroll, Benefits, Talent Acquisition, and HR teams to ensure alignment with compliance requirements.

Training & Education

• Partner with People Enablement to support and deliver training on HR compliance, policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Educate managers and HR team members on compliance-related topics and best practices.
• Develop tools, resources, and guidance to support consistent and compliant HR practices.
• Ensure required compliance trainings (e.g., anti-harassment, workplace violence prevention) are implemented and completed in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements, including establishing tracking, reporting, and retraining mechanisms.

Required Education, Skills, & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field with 5-7 years of progressive HR experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• HR certification required.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulations, including wage and hour, leave laws, EEO, workers’ compensation, and ADA compliance.
• Experience conducting HR audits and managing compliance programs.
• Demonstrated experience leading responses to external agency claims and complaints (e.g., EEOC, DOL), including coordinating with legal counsel, risk/insurance partners, and internal stakeholders to ensure timely and compliant resolution.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply complex regulations in a practical business environment.
• Strong sense of confidentiality regarding personnel information, financial information, employee health, and other sensitive subjects.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage time, prioritize work effectively, meet deadlines, and remain productive amid frequent interruptions and with limited supervision.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and presentation skills with persons from various backgrounds and education levels.
• Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders without direct authority.
• Strong customer/personal service skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products.
• Willing and able to adapt to changes in work environment, procedures, priorities, and job duties.
• Proficiency in English is necessary for job-related communication, including understanding policies, writing correspondence, and engaging with colleagues or clients.

Working Environment

• The office environment is a controlled indoor setting with minimal exposure to adverse conditions.
• Noise levels in the office are typically moderate and consistent with a standard office setting.
• For employees approved to work in a hybrid or remote setting, a quiet, private workspace free from significant distractions is required to ensure productivity during work hours.
• A reliable internet connection is required for hybrid/remote work. EMS|MC will provide necessary equipment, including a computer, monitor, keyboard, mouse and headset.

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting: frequent and prolonged periods of sitting at a desk while working on a computer.
• Communication: frequent and prolonged periods of speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
• Fine motor skills: frequent use of hands for typing and operating a computer mouse.
• Movement: occasional walking and climbing of stairs; limited bending, kneeling, lifting, and carrying of office-related items.
• Travel: must be able to travel occasionally to attend required company meetings.

Pay range: $85,000 - $100,000 with final compensation based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and business needs. Individuals in this role are eligible to participate in a comprehensive benefit package, including a retirement plan, health coverage, and paid time off. Visit https://emsmc.com/careers/ to explore our total rewards package.  

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities as needed to support their ability to perform these essential functions. If you require an accommodation for this position or to participate in the application process, please contact HR at humanresources@emsmc.com.

The responsibilities and duties outlined in this job description are not exhaustive and may be subject to change to meet the needs of the business. This job description is not an implied contract of employment and does not alter the at-will employment relationship.