The Senior Human Resources Specialist is a professional who exudes a passion for the school, its students, its employees, and its mission to serve. This position reports directly to the Director of Human Resources.

The Mission of Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) is to develop and deliver education that enhances the options available for persons with visual impairments, including those with additional challenges so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives.

Organizational Description: 

OSB is a dynamic and multi-faceted organization centered around the operation of a private non-profit school for ages 3 to 21.  Formal and informal parental feedback consistently highlights the caring and committed staff as a primary strength of the School.  Along with three other Chartered Schools for the Deaf and Blind throughout Pennsylvania, OSB receives general operating support through an annual state appropriation that partially subsidizes the salaries and benefits for over 230 employees.  In addition to school operations, OSB manages expansive Birth to 3 Services in multiple counties and oversees an International Program that serves nine developing countries in Southeast Asia. Additionally, OSB provides itinerant services by Teachers of the Visually Impaired to students in local school districts and charter schools.  Since 1832, OSB’s legacy of innovation in service to children who are blind or visually impaired has been propelled by an energetic and dedicated workforce.

Job functions: 

The Senior Human Resources Specialist will assist with Human Resources matters including but not limited to gathering, collecting, and maintaining documents and records required for contract and policy development, investigations, employee benefits, payroll, and timekeeping. Additionally, the HR Specialist will assist the Director of HR with assigned projects.

• Serves as the initial contact and liaison for intake and assessment of employee inquiries related to policies, procedures, and compliance
• Assists with recordkeeping related all Human Resources processes and procedures including but not limited to hiring, termination, leave, transfer, and promotion particularly as related to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), affirmative action, maintaining employee records, record retention, and diversity initiatives.
• Conducts surveys, interviews, and other research related to human resource policies, compensation, procedures and reports results to the Human Resources Director.
• Supports the Director of Human Resources with employee relations matters, including disciplinary actions and workplace investigations.
• Maintains knowledge and understanding of laws and regulations related to EEO, affirmative action, leave management, benefits, payroll, recruitment, and generally accepted human resources principles.
• Assists with preparation of plans, policies, benefits administration,  documents, and reports including EEO-1, affirmative action plans, organizational charts, labor agreements, and employee handbooks.
• Assists with preparation of documents and records required for contract negotiations, meetings, reporting, and payroll administration
• Acts as liaison to other departments and committees in the organization
• Supports human resources processes including but not limited to recruiting, investigations, onboarding, payroll, benefits administration, offboarding and separations, vendor management, leave administration, and employment eligibility
• Assists in the planning and execution of employee events, such as New Employee Orientation, Staff Development Days, Staff Appreciation Day, Vision Certification Luncheon, Open Enrollment and other events as requested.
• Complies with the Policies and Procedures of Overbrook School for the Blind.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business, Accounting, or related field preferred.
• Preferred minimum of  five years of professional human resource experience, preferably in an education or non-profit environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines, multi-task, and thrive in an extremely fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.  
• The proven ability to complete tasks with a keen eye for detail and accuracy.
• Thorough understanding of the education and/or non-profit environment and what the HR role is in those spaces.
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with a strong desire for career progression and continuous professional development
• Thorough understanding of laws, regulations, and guidelines related to human resources
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, google suite, HRIS, Applicant Tracking, and/or related software.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Benefits and Pay:

OSB offers a competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant’s training and experience, including liberal financial support for the pursuit of advanced degrees.  Applications from members of communities traditionally under-represented in school administrative positions are invited.

Overbrook School for the Blind Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) has, and will continue to follow, a policy of recruiting, employing and promoting individuals best qualified for any position by reason of education, training, and experience without regard to race, color, ancestry, genetic information, familial or marital status, domestic or sexual violence victimization, ethnicity, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or a related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or non-job-related disability or the use of a guide or support animal because of blindness, deafness or physical disability.  OSB shall not discriminate against an individual who has exercised his/her rights against discrimination in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Overbrook School for the Blind offers a competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant’s training and experience.