What Does an HR Specialist Do?
A human resources specialist focuses on a specific area within the broader HR field, providing deep expertise and operational support in functions such as benefits administration, recruitment, compliance, or training. Unlike generalists who manage a broad range of HR tasks, specialists concentrate on refining, optimizing, and managing processes within one HR discipline. They serve as subject matter experts and often act as liaisons between HR, employees, vendors, and leadership teams.
HR specialists are critical to ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance within their focus areas. Whether coordinating open enrollment, managing employee leaves, screening candidates, or implementing training programs, specialists help maintain the integrity of the company’s HR practices. They also contribute to policy development, reporting, and education efforts to ensure both employees and management are aligned with organizational objectives and regulatory requirements.
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HR Specialist Core Responsibilities
- Deliver focused support within a designated HR function (e.g., benefits, recruiting, compliance)
- Serve as a resource to employees and managers on domain-specific policies and procedures
- Maintain up-to-date documentation and compliance with relevant laws and company standards
- Execute and optimize workflows related to the specialist area (e.g., benefits enrollment, job postings, audits)
- Support internal communication and education efforts regarding processes and timelines
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including finance, legal, IT, and external vendors
- Assist with data reporting and performance metrics for their HR specialty
- Contribute to process improvement and employee experience initiatives
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Subject-specific expertise (e.g., ERISA for benefits, EEO/OFCCP for recruiting, FLSA for compliance)
- Proficiency in relevant HR systems and data platforms
- Ability to generate reports and track metrics related to the specialty area
- Familiarity with employment law and HR documentation
Soft skills
- High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
- Clear, professional communication and stakeholder management
- Process-oriented thinking with a focus on problem-solving
- Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines independently
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or related field required
Certifications
- None required
- Specialty-specific certifications preferred (e.g., CEBS for benefits, AIRS for recruiting, SHRM-CP or PHR for generalist functions)
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in a focused HR function within a mid-size or large organization
- Background supporting regulated industries or compliance-heavy environments
- Knowledge of federal and state labor laws relevant to the specialty
- Experience optimizing or automating HR workflows using digital tools
- Demonstrated success collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders
National Average Salary
HR specialist salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a HR Specialist is:
$59,633
Sample Job Description Templates for HR Specialists
Entry-Level HR Specialist
Position Overview
We are seeking an Entry-Level HR Specialist to provide foundational support in one or more human resources functions, such as onboarding, benefits coordination, or recruitment assistance. This role is ideal for candidates with some HR internship or administrative experience who are looking to grow their expertise in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities
- Assist with onboarding tasks including new hire documentation and orientation scheduling
- Provide administrative support to benefits, recruiting, or employee relations teams
- Maintain employee records and update information in the HRIS
- Respond to basic employee questions related to policies, procedures, or payroll
- Help schedule interviews and manage applicant communications
- Prepare reports, spreadsheets, and internal HR documents
- Support compliance and audit processes by organizing required documentation
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with HRIS platforms and Microsoft Office or Google Workspace
- Basic understanding of HR policies and employment regulations
- Strong data entry and recordkeeping skills
Soft skills
- Eagerness to learn and take initiative
- Organized, detail-oriented, and reliable
- Good written and verbal communication skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in HR, business, or a related field preferred
- Associate’s degree accepted with relevant internship or administrative experience
Certifications
- None required
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or co-op experience in HR or office administration
- Exposure to recruiting, onboarding, or compliance processes
Mid-Level HR Specialist
Position Overview
We are hiring a Mid-Level HR Specialist to independently manage a core HR function such as benefits administration, leave management, or talent support. This role blends execution with process improvement and requires a working knowledge of labor law, HR systems, and organizational policy.
Responsibilities
- Administer and monitor key HR programs within assigned specialty
- Provide detailed guidance to employees and managers on policy matters
- Maintain and audit HR data in compliance with regulatory and internal standards
- Serve as the subject matter expert in one HR function
- Support cross-functional HR initiatives such as system upgrades or policy reviews
- Generate standard reports and dashboards for HR leadership
- Respond to complex employee inquiries and escalate when appropriate
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in HRIS systems (e.g., ADP, Workday, SAP)
- Knowledge of employment law relevant to specialty (e.g., FMLA, HIPAA, I-9)
- Intermediate Excel or reporting software skills
Soft skills
- Strong problem-solving and process optimization mindset
- Clear, professional communication across departments
- Adaptability and ownership of assigned HR tasks
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required
Certifications
- None required
- PHR or specialty certification preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Two or more years of HR experience in a designated specialty
- Experience in policy documentation and employee-facing communication
Senior HR Specialist
Position Overview
We are hiring a Senior HR Specialist to lead specialized HR operations, serve as an internal advisor, and support cross-functional strategic initiatives. This role combines deep functional knowledge with stakeholder collaboration and may oversee high-impact compliance or employee lifecycle projects.
Responsibilities
- Own the development and delivery of key HR programs in a specialty area
- Lead audits, compliance reviews, or system enhancements within assigned function
- Advise HR managers and senior leadership on best practices and legal risk
- Mentor junior HR staff or specialists in day-to-day tasks
- Analyze metrics and recommend program enhancements
- Liaise with external vendors, legal counsel, or auditors as needed
- Contribute to company-wide HR initiatives and organizational strategy
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expert knowledge in a specific HR function and its related compliance landscape
- Strong reporting and data analysis capabilities
- Experience with enterprise HR platforms (e.g., Oracle, UKG, SAP SuccessFactors)
Soft skills
- Strategic thinking with strong follow-through
- Leadership presence and mentoring skills
- Excellent judgment and problem-solving in complex scenarios
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s preferred
Certifications
- PHR, SHRM-CP, or relevant specialty certification required
- SPHR or SHRM-SCP preferred for larger or regulated organizations
Preferred Qualifications
- Five or more years of HR experience with progressive responsibility
- Prior experience leading HR process improvement or change management efforts
Remote HR Specialist
Position Overview
We are seeking a Remote HR Specialist to manage core HR responsibilities from a fully remote setting. This role supports a designated HR function and ensures consistent service delivery to a dispersed workforce using digital tools and cloud-based platforms.
Responsibilities
- Execute function-specific HR processes such as onboarding, benefits, or employee support
- Communicate policy updates, deadlines, and support resources to remote employees
- Maintain accurate digital records and employee data
- Respond to HR inquiries via chat, email, and virtual meetings
- Assist with compliance across multiple states or regions
- Collaborate virtually with HR team members, managers, and external vendors
- Track workflows and deliver updates to team leads or managers
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in remote HRIS platforms and digital collaboration tools
- Understanding of multi-state compliance requirements
- Strong digital documentation and file management
Soft skills
- Strong written and asynchronous communication
- Proactive approach and time management
- Ability to build rapport virtually across time zones
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required
Certifications
- None required
- PHR or SHRM-CP preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in a fully remote or hybrid work environment
- Familiarity with digital employee support or onboarding tools
Bilingual HR Specialist
Position Overview
We are hiring a Bilingual HR Specialist to provide inclusive, accessible HR support in both English and Spanish (or another specified language). This role ensures clear communication, equitable access to HR services, and regulatory compliance for multilingual workforces.
Responsibilities
- Provide HR support, documentation, and communication in both languages
- Translate policies, job postings, training materials, and announcements
- Assist employees and managers with HR questions in their preferred language
- Conduct bilingual onboarding and orientation sessions
- Support investigations or exit processes with appropriate interpretation
- Help ensure inclusivity and accessibility across HR practices
- Partner with HR leadership to identify gaps in language services
Requirements
Hard skills
- Full professional fluency in English and Spanish (or other applicable language)
- Experience translating HR content and delivering bilingual support
- Proficiency in HR systems and document management
Soft skills
- Cultural awareness and inclusive communication
- Trust-building and active listening across diverse teams
- Ability to remain neutral in sensitive or high-stakes conversations
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required
Certifications
- None required
- Bilingual certification or PHR preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting multilingual or frontline workforces
- Background in employee relations or talent support in bilingual settings