DEQUESHA SMITH

Reporting to the COO, I led all HR operations for a mission-driven nonprofit that provided mentorship and services to underserved youth, functioning as the organization’s sole HR leader.

• Devised hiring and recruitment policies for 37-employee company.
• Developed and implemented HR policies to enhance organizational culture and compliance.
• Managed employee relations, resolving conflicts and fostering a positive work environment.
• Developed new training programs to enhance staff professional development, collaborating closely with the Training Manager for facilitation.
• Maintained accurate HR records in compliance with applicable laws, ensuring efficient data retrieval when required.
• Streamlined HR processes for increased efficiency, reducing paperwork and manual tasks through automation.
• Conducted thorough internal investigations, addressing employee concerns with fairness and transparency.

HR Specialist with comprehensive experience supporting multi‑state workforces and managing full‑spectrum HR operations, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee relations, compliance, and leave administration. Reported directly to the VP of Human Resources.

• Managed a broad range of HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee relations, engagement, retention, and internal communications.
  
• Maintained accurate employee records and HRIS data; prepared recurring and ad‑hoc HR reports for leadership.
  
• Administered multi‑state leave programs (FMLA, OFLA, PLO, PDL, CFRA) and ensured compliance with state and federal regulations.
  
• Oversaw ADA accommodation requests and coordinated interactive processes with employees and managers.
  
• Partnered with Risk and Safety teams to process workers’ compensation claims and monitor unemployment activity.
  
• Implemented and analyzed exit, engagement, and new‑hire surveys to measure program effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.