Job Title: Human Resources Associate (HRA)

Location: Independence, MO; Kirksville, MO; Columbia, MO; St. Louis, MO
Department: People and Culture
Employment Type: Full-Time

Are you passionate about supporting people and creating an exceptional employee experience? Join our compassionate, collaborative team as a Human Resources Associate (HRA), where you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on both associates and the communities we serve. This position offers the chance to build valuable HR experience, collaborate with supportive leaders, contribute to important people-focused initiatives, engage with associates across multiple regions, and play a key role in maintaining a positive workplace culture. We are seeking a detail-oriented, customer-focused professional who enjoys helping others, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and takes pride in delivering high-quality administrative and human resources support.

The Human Resources Associate provides essential administrative and operational support to the People and Culture team while serving as a trusted resource for associates seeking HR guidance and assistance. This role supports a variety of human resources functions including new hire onboarding, associate recognition programs, personnel records management, HRIS administration, background screening processes, compliance monitoring, employment verifications, and special projects. The HRA works closely with Human Resources Business Partners and leadership to help ensure an outstanding associate experience throughout the employment lifecycle.

This position offers…

• Employee Assistance Program – 24/7 counseling services, legal assistance, & financial consultation for you and your household at no cost
• Mileage Reimbursement – Company paid for work functions requiring travel
• Employee Discounts – Hotels, Theme Parks & Attractions, College Tuition
• Workplace Culture - An environment cultivating employee wellbeing, valuing each individual's humanity, and actively promoting a healthy, joyful workforce
• Additional Perks & Benefits - Scroll down to bottom of this post to learn more

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver engaging new-hire orientation sessions and serve as a welcoming resource for new associates throughout the onboarding process
• Support associates and leaders by providing responsive, professional customer service and guidance on human resources matters
• Coordinate associate recognition programs including milestone certificates, sympathy gifts, and other appreciation initiatives
• Create and distribute associate photo identification badges utilizing designated badge software
• Maintain accurate associate records through HRIS data entry, system updates, and administrative processing
• Manage personnel, medical, contractor, student, and volunteer files while ensuring proper organization, retention, and compliance standards
• Conduct ongoing background screening activities including annual criminal history and driver record verification processes
• Monitor personnel file compliance, track required documentation, and communicate follow-up needs with associates and supervisors
• Process employment and income verification requests in a timely and confidential manner
• Assist with unemployment claims administration by gathering relevant documentation, responding to electronic submissions, and supporting hearing preparation as needed
• Scan, update, and maintain electronic and physical human resources records to ensure accuracy and accessibility
• Serve as backup support for the HR email inbox by responding to or routing urgent inquiries appropriately
• Participate in recruitment events, job fairs, wellness initiatives, leadership meetings, and other people-focused activities
• Assist with special projects, mailings, filing, copying, and other departmental initiatives as assigned
• Utilize HRIS systems, Microsoft Office applications, and other business software effectively to support department operations

Education, Experience, and/or Credential Qualifications:

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent required
• Minimum two (2) years of administrative experience required
• Minimum one (1) year of human resources experience preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other business software applications
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately manage sensitive information

Additional Qualifications:

• Successful completion of background checks including criminal history, driving record, and abuse/neglect screenings
• Exceptional attention to detail with a strong commitment to accuracy
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to complete projects independently
• Positive attitude with a commitment to outstanding customer service
• Proven ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Passion for supporting associates and serving healthcare professionals

Physical Requirements

• Perform primarily sedentary work activities
• Lift, carry, push, pull, or move up to 10 pounds occasionally
• Sit for extended periods throughout the workday
• Walk and stand occasionally as needed to perform job duties
• Utilize standard office equipment and computer systems regularly
• Perform tasks requiring visual focus, attention to detail, and frequent computer use

Keywords: Human Resources, HR Associate, HR Administration, HRIS, Employee Relations, New Hire Orientation, Onboarding, Personnel Records, Human Resources Support, Administrative Support