Kathia Oquendo
Islip
Summary
HR professional with 4+ years of experience in HR operations, with a strong focus on leave administration, employee relations, and payroll support. Experienced in managing FMLA, PFL, disability, and workers’ compensation cases across NY, CA, and FL while ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. Skilled in HRIS systems and ADP, with hands-on experience supporting payroll processing, onboarding, and employee lifecycle management. Known for handling sensitive employee matters with professionalism and accuracy in fast-paced environments.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Resources Manager
Nassau Candy Distributors Inc.
Ronkonkoma
01.2025 - 12.2025
- Lead core HR functions including full-cycle recruitment, onboarding, employee relations support, payroll oversight, and performance management across the organization.
- Manage applicant tracking, job postings, pre-employment screenings, and candidate selection to ensure EEO compliance.
- Administer benefits and manage leave (FMLA, PFL, disability, workers compensation) for employees in NY, CA, and FL, ensuring compliance with state regulations.
- Conduct and oversee workplace investigations, documentation, performance discussions, corrective actions, and terminations in alignment with internal policy and employment law.
- Partner with employees and managers to provide guidance on policy interpretation, conflict resolution, coaching, and strategies for building organizational culture.
- Facilitate performance review cycles and assist managers with employee development planning and feedback delivery to enhance workforce capabilities.
- Process full-cycle payroll, including reviewing timecards, resolving issues, and executing payroll for employee disbursement.
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, local, and industry regulations.
Human Resources Generalist
Nassau Candy Distributors Inc.
Ronkonkoma
02.2024 - 01.2025
- Oversaw recruitment process, developed job descriptions, posted job openings, conducted phone screenings and interviews for exempt and non-exempt positions, facilitating smooth onboarding transition.
- Prepared and submitted EEO-1 and other compliance reports, including OSHA documentation and Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses, ensuring adherence to Equal Employment Opportunity and safety regulations.
- Prepare and submit the EEO-1 report and other compliance reports, including OSHA documentation and the Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses, while ensuring adherence to Equal Employment Opportunity and safety regulations.
- Served as backup for payroll processing and management of time and attendance systems, supporting overall efficiency in HR operations.
Human Resources Coordinator
Nassau Candy Distributors Inc.
Ronkonkoma
03.2023 - 02.2024
- Supported recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, and employee record maintenance to ensure smooth HR operations.
- Administered employee benefits, leave programs (FMLA, PFL, disability), and compliance documentation in alignment with organizational policies.
- Assisted managers with employee relations, performance management, and disciplinary actions by providing guidance and thorough documentation.
- Investigated workplace incidents, prepared detailed reports, and recommended preventative measures to improve safety and compliance.
Human Resources Assistant
Nassau Candy Distributors Inc.
Ronkonkoma
03.2021 - 03.2023
- Maintained HR records and conducted audits to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Coordinated recruitment logistics, including scheduling interviews and processing background checks to streamline candidate selection.
- Supported employee engagement programs, departmental events, and training initiatives to strengthen organizational culture.
- Supported employee engagement programs and facilitated departmental events to enhance organizational culture.
Receptionist/Medical Assistant
Patchogue Urgent Care
Patchogue
08.2020 - 03.2021
- Warmly greeted and assisted 20 to 70 patients per shift, ensuring a positive patient experience.
- Prepared patients for examination and treatment by accurately taking vital signs and medical histories.
- Performed essential office functions, including filing and managing a high volume of phone inquiries.
- Provided administrative and clerical support utilizing Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems.
Customer Service Representative
Greenfield ShopRite
Commack
07.2018 - 08.2020
- Resolved customer service and billing complaints by facilitating merchandise exchanges, processing refunds, and adjusting billing statements.
- Accurately managed cash, check, and credit card transactions, ensuring financial integrity.
- Collaborated with management and team members to create a pleasant shopping experience for all customers.
- Assisted in training new staff on customer service protocols and operational procedures, enhancing overall team efficiency.
Education
Bachelor of Arts degree - Psychology
St. Joseph's University
Patchogue, N.Y.Skills
- Full-Cycle Recruitment
- Employee Relations
- Onboarding & Offboarding
- HR Operations
- HR compliance
- ADP payroll administration
- Leave administration
- Benefit Administration
- HRIS Management
- Multi-State Employment Law
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Proficient in Zoom and Microsoft Teams
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Bilingual: Spanish/English
Timeline
Human Resources Manager
Nassau Candy Distributors Inc.
01.2025 - 12.2025
Human Resources Generalist
Nassau Candy Distributors Inc.
02.2024 - 01.2025
Human Resources Coordinator
Nassau Candy Distributors Inc.
03.2023 - 02.2024
Human Resources Assistant
Nassau Candy Distributors Inc.
03.2021 - 03.2023
Receptionist/Medical Assistant
Patchogue Urgent Care
08.2020 - 03.2021
Customer Service Representative
Greenfield ShopRite
07.2018 - 08.2020
Bachelor of Arts degree - Psychology
St. Joseph's University