Jessica Bernal
Irvine,CA
Summary
Results-driven Human Resources Generalist with a proven track record of developing and implementing successful employee engagement, onboarding, and performance management programs. Experienced in increasing employee satisfaction scores by up to 50%, reducing turnover rates by up to 10%, and streamlining HR processes to save up to 20% in administrative time. Strong expertise in diversity and inclusion, employee relations, and legal compliance, dedicated to aligning HR goals with company-wide objectives.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Human Resources Specialist
El Pollo Loco Inc.
11.2021 - Current
- Partner with leadership to drive engagement initiatives, recognition programs, and a culture.
- Analyze HR data to provide insights and recommendations for organizational improvements.
- Develop and deliver training programs on HR policies, procedures, and compliance requirements.
- Lead and support various HR projects, process improvements, and policy development.
- Evaluated employee onboarding programs and presented strategic improvement recommendations to upper management.
- Design employee surveys to evaluate employee satisfaction.
- Help department leaders devise ways to fairly assess employee performance and develop improvement plans.
- Assist with employee relations investigations, maintaining confidentiality and adherence to company policies.
- Motivate employees through special events, incentive programs, and constructive feedback.
- Facilitate onboarding sessions and on-the-job training for new hires, bolstering employee job position knowledge and skillset.
- Organize and led staff orientation programs and training to promote collaboration.
- Motivate employees through special events and incentive programs.
Human Resources Specialist
El Pollo Loco Inc.
01.2021 - Current
- Partnered with HR leadership on year-end performance review processes, including training, merit increases, and bonus statements.
- Managed COVID-19 return-to-work cases and processed leave of absence requests.
- Assisted in HRIS updates, process automation via Smartsheets, and HR reporting.
- Coordinated corporate events and maintained organizational charts.
- Contributed to annual performance appraisals by working with supervisors to achieve consistency and compliance with established procedures.
- Liaised between management and employees to deliver conflict resolution, alleviate problems, and interpret compensation and benefits policies.
- Maintained personnel records and statistical data to establish accuracy and compliance with applicable regulations.
- Fielded employee inquiries related to insurance, pension plan, vacation, sick leave and employee assistance.
Human Resources Specialist
International Education Corporation
04.2019 - 08.2021
- Processed leave of absence requests, workers’ compensation claims, and wage statements.
- Checked employees' benefits enrollment for accuracy and inputted all data into Paycom.
- Coordinated and conducted employee orientations to promote understanding of coverage and options.
- Managed job requisitions, background checks, and applicant tracking system updates.
- Resolved issues and inquiries from plan participants regarding health and welfare benefits and deductions through telephone, email, and in-person interactions.
- Provided backup support for HR leadership and trained new HR team members.
Human Resources Coordinator
International Education Corporation
01.2019 - 04.2021
- Processed new hire paperwork, HRIS data entry, and onboarding for corporate employees.
- Maintained compliance by verifying employment records, updating organizational charts, and preparing for audits.
- Conducted new hire orientations for corporate employees.
Human Resources Assistant (Benefits)
Golden State Overnight
02.2017 - 05.2019
- Managed benefits enrollment and terminations, including COBRA processing and 401(k) administration.
- Conducted ACA and payroll audits to ensure compliance with healthcare regulations.
- Assisted with HR reporting, employee record maintenance, and open enrollment processing.
Project Assistant
American Career College
02.2014 - 06.2016
- Conducted faculty file audits and ensured compliance with state regulations.
- Managed employee database updates, course syllabus revisions, and training coordination.
- Assisted with event planning, graduation ceremonies, and quality assurance calls.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - General Psychology with Emphasis in Industrial & Organizational Psychology
Grand Canyon University
06.2025
Masters of Business Administration - Human Resource Management
Grand Canyon University
01.2021
Bachelors of Arts Degree - Criminology, Law, & Society; Minor Psychology & Social Behavior
University of California, Irvine
01.2019
Associates of Arts Degree - Liberal Arts
Santa Ana College
01.2015
Skills
- Compliance in HR practices
- Employee Relations & Investigations
- Employee benefits management
- Training & Development
- Workforce analytics proficiency
- Process Improvement & Automation
- Event Planning & Employee Engagement
- HRIS & ATS Systems (Dayforce, Paycom, LeaveSource, Smartsheets, Google Sheets)
Degree
MBA
Timeline
Sr. Human Resources Specialist
El Pollo Loco Inc.
11.2021 - Current
Human Resources Specialist
El Pollo Loco Inc.
01.2021 - Current
Human Resources Specialist
International Education Corporation
04.2019 - 08.2021
Human Resources Coordinator
International Education Corporation
01.2019 - 04.2021
Human Resources Assistant (Benefits)
Golden State Overnight
02.2017 - 05.2019
Project Assistant
American Career College
02.2014 - 06.2016
Bachelors of Arts Degree - Criminology, Law, & Society; Minor Psychology & Social Behavior
University of California, Irvine
Associates of Arts Degree - Liberal Arts
Santa Ana College
Doctor of Philosophy - General Psychology with Emphasis in Industrial & Organizational Psychology
Grand Canyon University
Masters of Business Administration - Human Resource Management
Grand Canyon University
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