Human Resources Partner

Aspire Living & Learning is a mission-driven non-profit organization dedicated to empowering neurodiverse individuals across New England and Maryland. Through innovative programs and compassionate services we support people to live learn and work as independently as possible. Join a collaborative values-based organization where your work directly impacts the lives of others.

The HR Partner at Aspire Living & Learning serves as a strategic partner for managers ensuring they have the tools training and support to lead engaged inclusive and effective teams. This role helps strengthen Aspires workplace culture through thoughtful HR practices that balance relationship-building with operational consistency in a human services environment.

Working in close collaboration with the broader People & Culture teamincluding Recruiting People Operations and Workplace Learningthe HR Partner supports the full employee experience from onboarding through growth and development. This role brings a strong understanding of HR best practices to help identify opportunities for system improvements support employee development and build leadership capacity. A key part of this work is helping managers understand their responsibilities and confidently navigate challenges in a way that reflects Aspires mission values and goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic HR partner to designated managers providing guidance on performance management talent development and employee relations to foster an effective and inclusive workplace.

• Collaborate with leadership to ensure managers have the resources and training necessary to identify and develop high-potential employees.

• Work closely with the Recruiting People and Culture Operations and Workplace Learning teams to create a seamless and positive employee experience from recruitment to development.

• Participate in workforce planning succession planning and organizational changes with a focus on aligning talent strategies with organizational goals and values.

• Provide expertise on employee relations matters ensuring fairness and transparency and working with managers to resolve complex issues.

• Use data and HR metrics to recommend strategies that enhance employee engagement retention and culture alignment.

• Provide clear interpretation and guidance on HR policies emphasizing their role in shaping our organizational culture.

• Maintain awareness of employment laws and funding source regulations that impact hiring training and overall employee management; provide guidance to Talent Acquisition and Operations teams to ensure compliant and effective practices.

• Facilitate the development and delivery of training programs to address identified employee development needs and promote a positive organizational culture.

• Collaborate with leadership and managers to identify areas for improvement in employee performance and provide tailored coaching and development support.

• Interpret and communicate HR policies and practices ensuring managers understand their impact on organizational culture and goals.

• Effectively manage and resolve complex employee relations issues ensuring fairness and transparency in all investigations.

• Contribute to the design and implementation of employee recognition programs that enhance employee morale and retention.

• Assist in the evaluation and continuous improvement of training programs ensuring they meet the needs of the workforce and foster cultural growth.

• Promote a positive and collaborative work environment supporting efforts to boost team morale productivity and retention.

• Complete any additional responsibilities or projects as assigned to support the effective operation of the People & Culture team and the organization.

Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively engage with managers employees and other teams.

• Strong interpersonal skills and a customer service orientation with a focus on building positive relationships across the organization.

• Proficiency in HR best practices including performance management employee development and talent management.

• Ability to understand and interpret organizational structures and HR policies applying them to enhance cultural alignment.

• Strong analytical skills and experience using data to drive decisions and recommendations.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software to support HR initiatives and communication.

• At least 3-5 years of experience in HR with a strong understanding of employee relations performance management and talent development.

• Bachelors degree in Human Resources Business Administration or a related field.

• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification preferred or the ability to obtain certification within one year of employment.

• Must pass a background check.

• Valid drivers license and safe driving record preferred.

Aspire Living & Learnings Internal Mobility Policy ensures an equitable and efficient internal mobility system that aligns with the agencys commitment to professional development and growth. This policy fosters a culture of mobility within the organization aiming to provide employees with opportunities for career advancement and fulfillment. Please reference the Internal Mobility Policy to review the process to be considered for other jobs at Aspire Living & Learning.

Lateral Transfers: You do not need to submit an application at this time. You need to let your HR Partner know youre interested in being considered for the position. Your HR Partner will be the point of contact between you your current manager and your hiring manager.

Promotions/ Cross-functional jobs: Please let your HR partner know youre interested in being considered for the position and they will confirm your eligibility to apply. Once you speak with your HR Partner please submit an application.

Below is the name and information of your HR Partners to be contacted prior to applying for a promotion or cross-functional opportunity.

Connecticut (AS) employees: Heather Murphy

Connecticut (Child Services) employees: Wanetta Wilcher

Maryland employees: Debbie Duran dduran@

Massachusetts employees: Michelle Cutting

New Hampshire employees: Michelle Cutting

Vermont employees: Judy Stermer

Shared Services and Agency Leadership:Judy Stermer