Human Resources Associate I

Job Summary

The Human Resources Associate supports the Human Resource Group by contributing across the full employee lifecycle, including talent acquisition, onboarding, performance processes, employee engagement, HR operations, payroll and benefits support, HR systems administration, and compliance activities. This role serves as a versatile and collaborative partner to employees, managers, and HR leadership to ensure efficient HR delivery, regulatory compliance, and a positive and engaging employee experience.

The Human Resources Associate plays a key role in both strategic people initiatives and day-to-day HR operations, ensuring continuity of services through cross-functional support and collaboration within the HR team. The essential functions listed may be allocated or specialized based on individual experience, strengths, and organizational needs.

Essential Functions

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Support

• Support full-cycle recruiting efforts by sourcing, screening, and interviewing candidates, coordinating with hiring managers and HR leadership to meet staffing needs now and in the future.
• Assist with job postings, candidate communications, interview scheduling, and participation in hiring decisions.
• Represent the organization at recruiting, branding, and career events as assigned.

Onboarding & Employee Lifecycle

• Coordinate new hire onboarding activities, including preparing materials, facilitating orientation, scheduling early check-ins, and supporting smooth integration into the organization.
• Administer employee lifecycle transactions such as hires, transfers, promotions, status changes, and terminations with accuracy and timeliness.
• Maintain employee personnel files and documentation in compliance with recordkeeping requirements.

Performance, Development & Employee Education

• Support performance management processes, including coordinating performance review cycles and tracking related documentation.
• Assist with employee learning and development initiatives, including training programs, Tuition Reimbursement Program, internship programs, and manager/employee development activities.

Employee Engagement & Experience

• Conduct and support employee check-ins and engagement initiatives to enhance retention, wellbeing, and workplace culture.
• Coordinate employee recognition programs, including Years of Service, Employee of the Quarter, and Birthday programs.
• Assist with planning and coordinating company events, employee activities, luncheons, and celebrations, including logistics and vendor coordination.

Payroll, Benefits & Compensation Support

• Assist with payroll preparation and processing by ensuring accurate data entry, recordkeeping, audit support, and resolution of payroll inquiries.
• Support benefits administration activities including enrollments, qualifying life events, open enrollment, benefits record maintenance, and employee inquiries.
• Support compensation and incentive programs by assisting with administration, tracking eligibility and payouts, maintaining documentation, and supporting reporting needs.

HR Systems, Data & Compliance

• Administer HRIS transactions, maintain accurate employee data, manage system workflows and access, and generate reports and dashboards as needed.
• Support compliance efforts by maintaining required employment documentation and assisting with internal and external audits.
• Monitor adherence to federal, state, and local employment

HR Service Delivery & Facilities Support

• Serve as a primary point of contact for employee HR inquiries by providing timely, accurate, confidential, and professional support; escalate complex or sensitive matters as appropriate.
• Coordinate facilities-related activities including office maintenance, vendor services, workplace safety needs, and inventory tracking of office supplies and equipment.

Other Duties

• Perform additional tasks and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• College Degree preferred or a minimum of 1-2 years of Human Resources or administrative experience.
• Effective and accurate written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential situations with tact, professionalism, and diplomacy
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• This individual must be a team player, show initiative, adaptable, and able to multitask, work independently, and meet deadlines.
• Proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Must present a professional image

The Bank reserves the right to change or modify the employee’s job description whether orally or in writing, at any time during the employment relationship. Additionally, the Bank, through its supervisors, may require an employee to perform duties outside their normal description within the sole discretion of the supervisor. The lack of appropriate and timely execution of the essential job functions will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

CommerceWest Bank is committed to providing equal opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, gender identification, or sexual orientation. CommerceWest Bank will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the California Fair Chance Act.

Employee must comply with all applicable Bank Secrecy Act and Anti-money laundering laws and regulations, all Bank policies and procedures, and any other applicable banking laws and regulations.