Organizational Summary

The Ackerman Institute for the Family was founded in 1960 and is one of the premier institutions for family therapy treatment and one of the most highly regarded training facilities for family therapists in the United States. The Institute serves a diverse population of families at all stages of family life by offering a variety of programs that address a broad range of issues and concerns. The faculty at the Institute have achieved national prominence and earned awards for developing innovative approaches to family therapy and professional training.

Position Overview

The Human Resources Generalist oversees the daily operations of the HR function with a strong emphasis ontechnology, digital workflows, and data-driven HR practices. This role manages the full employee lifecycle—including recruiting, onboarding, benefits administration, employee relations, compliance, performance management, payroll support, and offboarding.

The ideal candidate is atech-forward HR professional, highly proficient in HRIS platforms, MS Office tools, and process-improvement technologies (e.g., e-signature tools, workflow automation, training platforms). This role reports to the Vice President of Finance & Administration and partners closely with leaders across the Institute.

Essential Job Functions:

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

Recruits, screens, and interviews qualified candidates; partners with hiring managers to determine required skills and competencies.
Conducts background checks, employment verifications, and ensures compliance with credentialing and licensure requirements.
Leads onboarding and orientation for all new participants—including employees, interns, students, contractors, and volunteers—ensuring seamless completion of paperwork, system access, and compliance requirements.
Coordinates new hire digital workflows (HRIS entry, electronic forms, training assignments, systems provisioning).

Technology, Systems & Data

Manages and maintains employee information within the HRIS/payroll system; ensures data integrity and timely updates.
Uses technology tools to track compliance (mandatory trainings, licensure renewals, certifications) and generate reports for leadership.
Implements and optimizes HR technology solutions—including document management, workflow automation, and digital communication tools.
Creates and maintains HR dashboards, reports, and analytics to support decision-making.
Serves as a point of contact for software troubleshooting and collaborates with IT on system improvements, access control, and user training.

Employee Relations, Policy, and Compliance

Provides guidance to staff and managers on HR policies, employee relations, and workplace issues; escalates complex concerns when appropriate.
Supports performance management processes, coaching leaders on goal-setting, feedback, corrective action, and documentation.
Attends and participates in employee meetings, investigations, and disciplinary processes.
Maintains compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and best practices; proactively reviews and updates policies and procedures.

Benefits, Payroll & Leave Administration

Administers employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, PTO, and leave management (FMLA, ADA, disability).
Provides benefits education and support to employees; ensures timely and accurate enrollment updates.
Assists with payroll processing by providing timely updates and ensuring accuracy of employee data.
Conducts exit interviews and oversees offboarding workflows, ensuring system terminations, equipment return, and benefits guidance.

Culture, Development & Organizational Support

Supports training and development initiatives, including scheduling, tracking attendance, and managing digital learning systems.
Promotes an inclusive, collaborative, and transparent culture aligned with Ackerman’s mission.
Identifies opportunities to streamline processes and enhance the employee experience through technology and workflow improvements.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
3-5 years experience as a Human Resources Generalist preferred.
Proven experience in all aspects of HR functions, including recruitment, employee relations, benefits, and compliance.
Experience with processing payroll a plus.
Strong understanding of federal and New York State employment laws and regulations, including but not limited to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL), and New York Labor Law.
In-depth knowledge of New York State Education Department (NYSED) licensure pathways, Limited Permit requirements, and regulatory standards for Mental Health Counselors (MHC), Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT), and Master Social Workers (MSW), including applicable Office of the Professions guidelines
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.
Highly organized with strong attention to details.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and research skills.
Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to handle sensitive information in a professional manner and must be able to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
Can-do positive attitude and team orientation, with ability to interact with diverse people at all levels.
Commitment to Ackerman Institute’s values of inclusion, collaboration, and transparency.
Extremely proficient in MS Office Suite (Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and Zoom.

Work Environment

This position will be in-person, based out of The Ackerman Institute’s New York, NY location, 4 to 5 days per week (25 hours per week).
Schedule: 10:00 am - 4:00 p.m. ET, Monday–Thursday (with some flexibility as needed)
Collaborative clinic setting with regular interaction across administrative, clinical, and compliance teams.
Requires consistent professionalism, confidentiality, and discretion when handling sensitive client information.

Welcome Diversity

The Ackerman Institute for the Family provides equal opportunities to all individuals without regard to race, religion, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. It does not discriminate based on any status protected by law. This policy applies to all employment, education, volunteer, and clinical care related activities or in any other aspect of the Institute’s operation. Black, Indigenous, and people of color; trans, non-binary, and intersex people, especially transwomen; those from poor and working-class backgrounds, immigrants, people with disabilities; as well as people at the intersections of these experiences are highly encouraged to apply.

Compensation:

$38.00 - $40.00 per hour

How to Apply

Apply directly on Linked In.

Ackerman Institute for the Family

Vacatures

Human Resources Generalist