Position Title:                   Human Resource Manager

Department:                     Administrative

Employment Status:     Full-time; exempt

Location:                      Jackson or Memphis

Supervisor:                        Director of Finance

Supervises:                   Employee Relations Specialist

Prepared:                    1/24/2025

Job Summary:

The Human Resource Manager oversees all aspects of human resources practices and processes.  This position is integral to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace and ensuring our team has the resources and environment they need to provide exceptional legal services.  The Human Resource Manager handles recruitment, performance management, training and development, benefits administration, compliance with labor laws and regulations, and assistance in developing and updating policies. They supervise the Employee Relations Specialist (ERS), oversee the ERS’ work, and provide training and mentorship.

Duties/Responsibilities:

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following tasks:

Human Resources

• Enhances WTLS’ human resources by planning, implementing, and evaluating human resources policies, programs, and practices.
• Oversees the administration of human resource programs, including compensation, benefits, leave, disciplinary matters, disputes and investigations, performance and talent management, productivity, recognition, and morale, and training and development.
• Maintains the work structure by updating job requirements and job descriptions for all positions, and ensures job descriptions are compliant with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Manages employee and volunteer records, including internal documentation and documentation required by external agencies.
• Leads annual analysis of health insurance options and works with benefit vendors to coordinate staff registration and renewals.
• Administers employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and COBRA.
• Works with the Executive Leadership Team to establish and maintain salary structures.
• Directs and oversees preparation of government reporting documents
• Oversees worker’s compensation claims.
• Manages recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and offboarding.
• Updates and maintains HR templates, including hiring, disciplinary, and performance documents.
• Serves as lead in employee disciplinary actions and works with the Employee Relations Specialist to address employee grievances.
• Oversees the work of ERS’ on mediating and resolving workplace conflicts and issues with empathy and fairness.
• Plays critical leadership role in fostering a positive workplace culture that promotes collaboration, respect, and engagement.
• Collaborates with Executive Leadership Team to develop and manage performance appraisal systems tailored to the needs of the organization.
• Collaborates with Executive Leadership Team regarding implementation of policies and procedures, safety of the workforce, recruiting and hiring high-performing employees, labor, legislative, and other human resource issues.
• Organizes and/or leads regular HR-related staff and management trainings.
• Maintains organizational staffing chart and contact lists.
• Maintains compliance with mandatory workplace postings.
• Serves as custodian for federal I-9 filings.
• Serves as Title VI Coordinator.
• Provides guidance and support to managers on performance management issues.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations.
• Evaluates organizational effectiveness and provides HR insights and recommendations to senior management.

Supervisory Duties

• Oversees the daily activities of the Employee Relations Specialist, ensuring they provide timely and accurate support to employees and management.
• Manages HR and employee relations, ensuring that all matters are handled professionally and efficiently.
• Supervises employees with ongoing feedback and performance reviews. 
• Fosters positive work relationships and promotes cooperation among staff. 
• Monitors work product to ensure efficient and quality work. 
• Participates in and implements management and administrative decision-making involving personnel and WTLS policy.  
• Supervises and enforces WTLS policies and procedures. 
• Conveys staff concerns about office and program issues to management. 
• Maintains HR and Personnel SharePoint sites. 
• Keeps staff apprised of important issues and new developments within the office. 
• Stays apprised of changes in law and practices related to HR. 
• Trains staff on issues concerning HR and personnel and identifies or creates staff training to increase knowledge of HR, personnel, and management issues. 
• Provides mentorship and guidance. 

General WTLS

• Participates on internal committees, work groups, and other efforts to promote and improve WTLS operations.
• Establishes and maintains professional working relationships with office staff.
• Accurately records and updates timekeeping entries in real-time, ensuring detailed and precise documentation of work hours, project time allocation, and task completion for reporting and payroll purposes.
• Complies with program policies and regulations of the Legal Services Corporation and other funders.
• Complies with relevant portions of the Legal Services Corporation’s Performance Criteria and the American Bar Association’s Standards for the Provision of Civil Legal Aid.
• Complies with all applicable organizational, professional, and legal requirements for confidentiality.
• Performs other duties as requested by the Executive Leadership Team.

Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the qualifications, knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job.    

• At the minimum, an Associate’s degree plus more than 25 years of human resource management experience; or a Bachelor’s degree plus more than 20 years of human resource management experience.
• Certified in human resources (i.e., aPHR, SHRM-CP, or higher).
• Knowledge of HR systems and databases with the ability to leverage technology to streamline operations.
• Ability to research and find the answer to HR issues as they arise.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Success Factors:  

• Demonstrates a commitment to the principle of equal justice and to advocacy for low-income persons by actively participating in initiatives and projects that promote access to legal services for low-income individuals, advocating for their rights, and ensuring their voices are heard and respected in all professional activities.   
• Treats clients, staff, and the public with dignity and respect. 
• Appreciates the experiences and needs of people of diverse economic, social, and cultural backgrounds. 
• Demonstrates a personal sense of integrity. 
• Takes ownership of projects and produces solid work products in an organized manner. 
• Works as a member of a team and independently, including willingness to help others (cooperative) and share knowledge, information, contacts, and experience. 
• Addresses issues in a timely manner. 
• Uses a high level of professionalism, diplomacy, and sound judgment. 
• Handles and prioritizes multiple, competing demands. 

Working Conditions:

• Work during office hours between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. A minimum 30-minute break must be taken when at least 6 hours are worked. Work hours must be accurate and contemporaneously recorded. A flextime of work hours may be used, if approved. Your supervisor will consider the needs of the office and the preference of more senior employees before approving flextime. Work after hours or on weekends may be occasionally required.
• Work is performed primarily in an office setting and at recruitment events.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Often communicating with people using the phone, email, via video call, or in person.
• Occasionally lift up to 15 pounds.
• Travel within the WTLS service area may be necessary.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Compensation: $75,600 to $94,500, DOE. This is a full-time position.
• Benefits: Full-time benefits include the ability to participate in WTLS’ health insurance plan, dental plan, vision plan, LTD, Life Insurance, 401k retirement plan, paid Annual Leave (based on years of employment-starting at 12 days per year), paid Sick Leave (12 days per year), paid Holidays (12), and paid week off between Christmas and New Year. 

How to Apply: Use this link to complete the application. Applications will be accepted, and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. No inquiries accepted. Only applicants scheduled for interviews will be notified.    

WTLS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.

Position Title:                    Paralegal/Office Coordinator

Department:                      Family Centered Legal Solutions (FCLS)

Employment Status:       Full-time

Location:                             Huntingdon Office

Supervisor:                         Ashley Parker

Supervises:                        None

Prepared:                           February 11, 2025

Job Summary:  WTLS represents clients in civil legal matters and works with community organizations and client groups. Candidates should have a strong commitment to access for equal justice for our low-income neighbors in West Tennessee who face overwhelming problems regarding basic rights to shelter security, income security, financial security, and freedom from abuse for which there is a legal solution.

The paralegal will work under the supervision of the Family Centered Legal Solutions (FCLS) Project Manager and provide support for FCLS-funded attorneys. Under the supervision of an attorney, the paralegal will interview clients, gather project eligibility information, prepare documents, maintain case files, and perform outreach to community partners and client groups. This position is funded by the FCLS grant with Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services. The project’s focus is stabilizing the household by providing outreach, education, and holistic legal advocacy to low-income families with children. Case work focuses on family, consumer, housing, and public benefits issues. Grant positions are funded through the duration of the grant, and subsequent renewal could result in modification of job duties and responsibilities.  

Additionally, the paralegal will intake walk-in applicants for WTLS services in the Huntingdon office. As the sole paralegal stationed in the Huntingdon Office, this position also includes office coordinator duties, as described below.

Duties/Responsibilities:

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following tasks:

Paralegal Duties (FCLS and Intake)

• Intake and interview walk-in applicants 
• Gather pertinent information about case from applicants
• Perform legal needs assessments
• Conduct food stamp/benefit screenings
• Under the direction of an attorney(s), interview clients and ascertain substantive elements of the client’s problem
• Meet and communicate with clients
• Gather project eligibility information
• Maintain accurate and contemporaneous case notes
• Draft letters, memoranda, and other documents
• Maintain case files
• Research, as needed
• Distribute community education materials
• Speak at community events

Office Coordinator Duties

• Treat all visitors, applicants, and clients with courtesy and respect 
• Oversee day-to-day administrative functions of the office, including, but not limited to ensuring the office is open to the public with staff available for walk-ins from 8:30am-5:00pm, filing, data entry, and correspondence 
• Manage office supplies and equipment, ensuring adequate stock levels and arranging repairs or replacements as needed 
• Maintain efficient filing system for client records, legal documents, and other important paperwork in compliance with WTLS’ Document Retention Policy 
• Manage WTLS community education materials contained in office 
• Maintain and operate postage machine and other office equipment 
• Notify Facilities Coordinator when repairs are needed 
• Perform minor routine maintenance, such as replacing light bulbs and air filters 
• Maintain company car(s), if car(s) are located at the assigned office 
• Receive mail, distribute to staff, and ensure mail is dropped off daily 
• Liaise with the Facilities Coordinator and external vendors/contractors to address maintenance issues and ensure a comfortable working environment 
• Enforce health and safety protocols in accordance with regulatory requirements  
• Maintain general office tidiness and notify Facilities Administrator when cleaning services are not meeting standards 
• Coordinate office schedule and ensure at least one staff is in the office each workday 
• Has purchase authority up to $300 for non-emergency supplies/services and up to $500 for emergency supplies/services 

General WTLS: 

• Maintain contemporaneous timekeeping 

• Establish and maintain a professional working relationship with staff  

• Participate in staff meetings, board meetings, and other meetings, as requested   

• Participate on internal committees, work groups, and other efforts to promote and improve organizational operations

• Comply with program policies and regulations of the Legal Services Corporation and other funders

• Comply with relevant portions of the Legal Services Corporation’s Performance Criteria and the American Bar Association’s Standards for the Provision of Civil Legal Aid  

• Comply with all applicable organizational, professional, and legal requirements for confidentiality

• Perform other duties as may reasonably be requested

Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the qualifications, knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job.   

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and at least 3 years of related experience; or paralegal certificate from college or technical school ; or equivalent combination of education and experience  

• Experience working with low-income populations  

• Ability to work independently

• Ability to analyze complex problems and develop creative solutions   

• Effective communication skills sufficient to represent clients and give public presentations, conduct training, and perform client outreach 

• Sufficient computer skills to be able to maintain client records, prepare documents, and maintain time records

• Ability to competently use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Professional, and other company software packages  

Success Factors:  

• Demonstrate a commitment to the principle of equal justice and to advocacy for low-income persons
• Treat clients, staff, and the public with dignity and respect 
• Appreciate the experiences and needs of people of diverse economic, social, and cultural backgrounds
• Demonstrate a personal sense of empathy and integrity
• Take ownership of projects and produce solid work products
• Work as a member of a team and independently including willingness to help others (cooperative) and share knowledge, information, contacts, and experience
• Address issues in a timely manner
• Use a high level of professionalism, diplomacy, and sound judgment
• Handle and prioritize multiple, competing demands

Working Conditions:

• Work during office hours between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. A minimum 30-minute break must be taken when at least 6 hours are worked. Work hours must be accurate and contemporaneously recorded. A flextime of work hours may be used, if approved. Your supervisor will consider the needs of the office and the preference of more senior employees before approving flextime. Work after hours or on weekends may be occasionally required.
• Pursuant to the WTLS telecommuting policy, may work 2 days per week remote after completion of 90 day probationary period. The scheduled remote days will be determined based upon staffing of the unit, and the remote schedule may be amended with prior approval of the FCLS Project Manager. 
• Work is performed primarily in an office setting and at outreach sites.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Often communicating with people using the phone, email, video call, or in person.
• Occasionally lift up to 15 pounds.
• Travel within the WTLS service area may be necessary.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Compensation: Starting salary is $44,458.  This position is a full-time position and compensation is made according to the Wage Administration Plan that became effective on August 1, 2007 (as revised on April 22, 2019). A $1500 stipend will be provided for office coordinator duties.
• Benefits:Full-time benefits include the ability to participate in WTLS’ health insurance plan, dental plan, vision plan, LTD, Life Insurance, 401k retirement plan, paid Annual Leave (based on years of employment), paid Sick Leave (12 days per year), paid Holidays (12), and paid week off between Christmas and New Year. 

HOW TO APPLY: Submit application materials using this link. Applicants must include a resume, writing sample, and three references with phone numbers. Applications will be accepted, and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. No inquiries accepted. Only applicants scheduled for interviews will be notified.  

WTLS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.