Human Resources and Support Staff Manager

Human Resources and Support Staff Manager 

About SLD 

The Summit Legal Defenders’ mission is to treat every client as an individual, not the sum of their charges. We envision our work within the context of social justice and the opportunity for growth and change. Our attorneys work to offer solutions to problems and navigate the criminal justice system in partnership with the client. Our goal is to provide high-quality legal service to the indigent population of Summit County in a respectful, diligent, and responsive manner.

We are a non-profit agency established in 1974 and our main office is located in downtown Akron, Ohio, led by Director Andrea Whitaker. 

Job description: Human Resources and Support Staff Manager 

The Human Resources and Support Staff Manager must maintain the highest personal, professional, and ethical standards as a member of this office. A commitment to indigent defense and compassion for clients and families is essential. The Human Resources and Support Staff Manager reports to the Director. If an attorney, the outside practice of law is not permitted. 

The Human Resources and Support Staff Manager is crucial to assuring high-quality indigent representation to the citizens of Summit County by supporting the SLD staff and working within a culture of client-focused service.  All case, client, and human resources information received as part of the Human Resources and Support Staff Manager position must be kept confidential during and after employment with SLD. 

The Human Resources Manager position is based in the downtown Akron office; however, the Human Resources and Support Staff Manager may need to travel to the Juvenile, Stow, and Barberton offices as needed.  Travel to meetings, conferences, and other events throughout the State of Ohio may be a part of the Human Resources and Support Staff Manager’s schedule.  Other travel may also be required. SLD offers medical coverage, paid vacation, sick time, and personal time.  This is an at-will, salaried, exempt position.

Main duties:

Supervise support staff including performance reviews, general staff management, and issue resolution. Facilitate support staff training and assist in identifying training needs and opportunities. 

Manages human resources by planning, implementing, and evaluating employee relations and human resources policies, programs, and practices. 

Assist with managing staffing issues, defining responsibilities, division of workload, and collaborating with managers to determine most efficient use of resources.

Support the mission of the SLD and support the Director and Management in accomplishing the mission and goals of the SLD.

Oversee management of benefits, payroll, insurance, and retirement systems, including policy renewal and COBRA.

Support recruitment, retention, and separation of staff, including facilitating the hiring, overseeing on-boarding and off-boarding process and assisting the management team to recruit high-quality, mission-aligned candidates.

Manage employee handbooks and other internal documents and policies, including recommendations, revisions, and compliance updates.

Manage performance evaluations for all staff, including revision, training, focus groups, and communication plans. 

Support employee wellness and engagement by planning and executing a wellness policy and wellness programming for the staff and by planning corporate and community events.

Maintain compliance with state, federal, and local employment and benefits laws and regulations.  Assist Director with DEI, EEOC, FMLA, ADA, unemployment, and other employee initiatives, including compliance and making best practice recommendations.

Support Director on issues around substance abuse by staff including solutions, support, and disciplinary issues and assist employees, counseling, and other aspects of support, leave, and accommodations.

Assists and advises on disciplinary issues.

Assist with or manage employee complaints and work to resolve disputes in conjunction with other management staff.

Salary and Benefits 

Salary range is $90,000.00 – $100,000.00, commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid vacation, sick time, life insurance, dental, vision, medical, and retirement 401(k). SLD does not participate in the OPERS retirement system. Employees qualify for PSLF. This is an exempt, at-will position.

Qualifications:

Commitment to SLD strategic goals and high-quality indigent representation of clients.

Working knowledge of federal, state, and local employment regulations and practices. 

Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. 

Commitment to engaging with employees with empathy, discretion, and a focus on solutions.

Must be able to effectively interact with the management team, attorneys, social workers, interns, support staff, vendors, and all others who might come in contact with the SLD. 

Bachelor’s degree from accredited university in human resources management or related field required. Master’s degree preferred. SHRM certification preferred.

Minimum of five years of human resources experience strongly preferred. 

Experience with managing successful teams and increasing supervisory responsibility. 

Proficient in Microsoft Office including Word, Outlook, and Excel. Ability to use various on-line meeting platforms including Zoom and Teams. Ability to learn and use case management system software.

Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

APPLICATION

• Cover letter addressing your interests and experience.
• Resume.
• Name, relationship, and contact information for three references.

Send materials to: employment@legaldefenders.org