Overview
We are seeking an experienced, proactive, and detail-oriented HR Specialist – Employment Law & Compliance to support a growing daycare organization with multiple locations across New York City. As the company's first dedicated HR professional, the successful candidate will be responsible for establishing structured HR processes, overseeing employee relations and compliance matters, supporting recruitment and onboarding, and managing day-to-day HR operations. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of U.S. employment laws, particularly New York State and New York City regulations, and experience handling complex employee matters, enforcing workplace policies, and ensuring HR compliance across multiple locations. This individual must be highly organized, capable of working independently, and confident advising management on HR policies, employee relations, and compliance-related concerns.

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Eastern Time (Flushing, New York)
• Part-Time: 20 hours per week

Responsibilities

Employment Law & Compliance

• Monitor compliance with applicable federal, New York State, and New York City employment laws and regulations.
• Ensure consistent enforcement of the employee handbook, workplace policies, and internal procedures across all locations.
• Maintain accurate documentation of employee relations, disciplinary actions, investigations, and compliance matters.
• Conduct internal HR compliance audits, identify potential risks, and recommend corrective actions.
• Support policy updates, compliance training, and regulatory requirements, including employee certifications, background checks, and mandatory training.

Employee Relations & Investigations

• Manage employee relations matters, including workplace investigations, grievances, disciplinary actions, and performance-related concerns.
• Resolve complex employee issues and advise management on appropriate actions in accordance with employment laws and company policies.
• Address employee inquiries, attendance concerns, workplace disputes, and other HR-related matters.
• Support performance reviews, employee evaluations, disciplinary documentation, and professional development initiatives.

HR Policies & Procedures

• Develop, implement, and maintain employee handbooks, HR policies, internal procedures, and standardized HR workflows.
• Establish structured HR processes and ensure consistent implementation across multiple locations.
• Regularly review and recommend improvements to existing policies and procedures.

Recruitment & Employee Management

• Coordinate recruitment activities, including job postings, candidate screening, interviews, and hiring documentation for teaching, childcare, and administrative positions.
• Develop and manage employee onboarding and offboarding processes, ensuring all required documentation is completed.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records, employment contracts, attendance reports, and leave documentation.
• Coordinate employee timesheets, attendance, leave requests, and payroll-related information.

HR Administration & Employee Engagement

• Prepare HR reports, monitor employee-related activities, and identify opportunities for operational improvements.
• Support employee engagement, staff retention initiatives, and a positive workplace culture.
• Collaborate with management across multiple locations to ensure effective and consistent HR operations.

Requirements

• 3–5 years of Human Resources experience, preferably in an HR Specialist, HR Generalist, Employee Relations, or HR Compliance role.
• A strong background in employment law and regulatory compliance who can expertly manage legal employee relations, resolve complex concerns, and ensure strict enforcement of the employee handbook across our operations.
• Experience handling employee relations matters, workplace investigations, grievances, disciplinary procedures, and performance management.
• Experience interpreting, implementing, and consistently enforcing employee handbooks, workplace policies, and HR procedures.
• Experience managing recruitment, onboarding, offboarding, employee records, and general HR administration.
• Ability to identify HR compliance risks, maintain accurate documentation, and advise management on appropriate employee-related actions.
• Experience developing, implementing, and improving HR policies, procedures, and internal workflows.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, conflict-resolution, and time management skills.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and ability to handle confidential employee information.
• Ability to work independently, manage complex HR matters, and coordinate with multiple managers and business locations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and HR management systems.

Nice-to-Have

• Previous HR experience within childcare, daycare, preschool, or educational organizations.
• In-depth familiarity with New York State and New York City employment regulations and childcare-related compliance requirements.
• Experience supporting HR operations across multiple business locations.
• Experience establishing an HR department, policies, and procedures for a growing organization.
• Experience conducting internal HR audits and facilitating compliance training.
• Familiarity with payroll systems and HR software.

Independent Contractor Perks

• Permanent work from home
• Immediate hiring

Note
Please click the "APPLY" button to complete your application, including the assessment questions, technical check, and voice recording. Your hourly pay rate will be established based on your performance in the application process; submissions with all requirements fulfilled will receive priority review.

One application, multiple possibilities: When you apply, our team reviews your background against all current openings, not just this one! If a different role fits your skills, we'll get in touch! We also encourage you to keep exploring our job board and apply directly to any position that excites you.