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First Free Church

HR Specialist

Onalaska, Wisconsin, United States of America
Full Time

Reports to: Executive Pastor of Operations
Church Size: 2500-3000
Full-Time: 30 hours per week

POSITION SUMMARY
To serve First Free Church by coordinating human resources processes, supporting staff, and maintaining accurate personnel records and practices in alignment with the church's mission, vision, and values.

PERSONAL EXPECTATIONS OR REQUIREMENTS

  • Growing relationship with Jesus.

  • Godly marriage and family (if applicable).

  • Contributes to the spirit of unity among the staff and congregation.

  • Fully supportive of First Free Church’s Mission, Vision and Purpose.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Composure - Staying calm, poised, and effective in stressful or difficult situations; adjusting quickly to changing situations.

  • Initiative - Recognizing and assuming responsibility for work that needs to be done; persisting in the completion of a task.

  • Judgment - Discerning what is appropriate, practical, and realistic in a given situation; weighing the relative merits of competing demands.

  • Resourcefulness - Formulating creative alternatives or solutions to resolve problems, showing flexibility in response to unanticipated circumstances.

  • Attention to detail – In planning, organizing and multitasking in a productive manner. Working on detailed projects while being able to see the big picture.

  • Advanced computer skills & strong technology capacity.

  • Communication - The ability to communicate effectively and professionally both verbally and in writing across multiple settings.

  • Able to maintain confidentiality.


RESPONSIBILITIES

Human Resources Administration

  • Maintain and update employee handbooks, job descriptions, and HR documentation at the request of pastoral leadership.

  • Administer HR Partner, ensuring accurate employee records, forms, time-off tracking, and performance review processes.

  • Support compliance with employment policies and applicable laws, communicating concerns and recommendations to pastoral leadership.

Hiring & Onboarding

  • Coordinate recruitment processes, including job postings, applicant screening, interview scheduling, and communication with hiring managers.

  • Facilitate new-hire onboarding, including required paperwork, orientation, employee records, and coordination with payroll and benefits providers.

  • Support pastoral leadership and ministry directors in maintaining consistent hiring and employment procedures.

Personnel Support

  • Serve as a resource for staff regarding HR policies, procedures, employment documentation, and general personnel questions.

  • Process approved employee status changes, including position, compensation, hours, and employment separations, ensuring accurate records and communication with appropriate departments.

  • Maintain confidential personnel records and assist pastoral leadership with documentation and coordination of employee-related matters.

Payroll Coordination

  • Coordinate with Finance to ensure accurate employee information, timesheets, leave records, and approved compensation changes are reflected in payroll.

Volunteer Screening & Background Checks

  • Coordinate and maintain First Free Church's volunteer screening processes, including background checks and compliance with established Protection Policy Screening (PPS).

  • Collaborate with ministry leaders to ensure volunteers complete required screening, documentation, and approvals before serving.

  • Maintain accurate and confidential screening records, monitor renewal requirements, and communicate outstanding needs to appropriate ministry leaders.

  • Manage volunteer screening platforms and assist with evaluating and improving screening procedures to ensure consistency, efficiency, and compliance.

Apply For This Job

To apply for this position, please fill in the information below.

First Evangelical Free Church (First Free Church)

EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION (Non-Pastoral)

CONFIDENTIAL - Please complete all required fields. If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete this application or participate in the hiring process, contact Human Resources at 608-782-6022.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

First Free Church is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. For certain positions, religious affiliation may be required consistent with federal law that permits religious organizations to employ individuals of a particular religion in carrying out their activities.

ADDITONAL PERSONAL INFORMATION

WORK AUTHORIZATION

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States? *
Will you now or in the future require employer sponsorship (e.g. H-1B)? *

NOTE: All new hires must complete USCIS Form I-9 within three business days of hire.

AVAILABILITY

Will you work elsewhere in addition to this position? *

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & ACCOMMODATIONS

Are you able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation? *

If you believe you need a reasonable accommodation to perform essential job functions, please describe the accommodation request during the hiring process.

ARREST/CONVICTION INFORMATION (Wisconsin)

Do you have any PENDING criminal charges? *
Have you been CONVICTED of a crime? *

Wisconsin law prohibits discrimination based on arrest or conviction record except where the circumstances are substantially related to the job. Do not list arrests that did not result in charges. Convictions and pending charges will be considered only if substantially related to the position.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY (start with most recent)

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EDUCATION

Please select the highest level of education completed: *

TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

REFERENCES (non-relatives)

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PURPOSE, MISSION, AND VISION ALIGNMEMT

OUR PURPOSE: To glorify God by making disciples of Jesus who remain faithful in every generation.

OUR MISSION: To proclaim God’s Word faithfully and equip believers to continue the work of Jesus.

OUR VISION: To be a church prepared to stand firm in Christ in the midst of increasing darkness.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

APPLICANT'S STATEMENT & ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I certify that the information provided in this application is true and complete. I understand that any misrepresentation or omission may result in disqualification from consideration or, if employed, termination.

I authorize First Free Church to contact references and former employers regarding my qualifications and suitability for employment. I release those parties and First Free Church from liability for providing or using such information, except for knowingly false statements.

I understand that employment with First Free Church is at-will and may be terminated by me or the Church at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law and any written agreement to the contrary.

I acknowledge that if selected, I will be required to complete Form I-9 and present acceptable documentation of identity and work authorization.

I understand that if a background check is required for this position, I will receive a separate stand-alone disclosure and authorization form in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

SIGNATURE

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Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Information

The following questions are for Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) reporting purposes only as required by the EEO Commission.

Providing this information is voluntary and will not impact your application. Your responses will be kept confidential and will not be shared with the hiring selection panel. Thank you for helping us maintain our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

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Do you have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

Federal contractors are required to ask about veteran status under the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA).

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