Maria Paladino
Huntington,NY
Summary
Highly accomplished Human Resources Professional with 8 years of progressive experience in guiding and optimizing HR functions for organizations. Proven expertise in talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, and HR policy development. Skilled in fostering positive work cultures, enhancing employee engagement, and driving organizational success. Adept at implementing innovative HR strategies to attract and retain top talent while ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations. Strong communicator and team player, dedicated to delivering excellence in HR practices and contributing to the overall growth and success of the organization.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Independent Human Resources Consultant - Owner
PalaHRConsulting
10.2022 - Current
- Assisted clients in developing and implementing effective management practices, including disciplinary actions, investigations, terminations, performance evaluations, workers' compensation, healthcare reform, FMLA, FLSA, employee relations, risk management
- Analyzed existing HR policies and procedures of client organizations, recommending necessary updates to align with current employment trends and legal requirements.
- Developed and implemented innovative strategies resulting in a minimum 10% reduction in employee turnover, leveraging proven methods and best practices.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments and audits of HR processes within client companies, identifying areas of improvement and devising actionable plans for enhanced efficiency.
- Collaborated with key stakeholders and leaders within client organizations to gain insights into their unique HR needs, providing tailored consultative support accordingly.
- Created customized employee handbooks and other HR documents, ensuring clarity and consistency in company policies and procedures.
- Designed and delivered impactful training programs for managers and employees, enhancing their skills and fostering a positive work culture.
- Offered expert guidance and support in resolving employee relations issues, promoting a harmonious and productive work environment.
- Analyze payroll data, employee compensation structures, benefits, and deductions to identify potential inefficiencies, discrepancies, and compliance gaps. Evaluate payroll processing times, accuracy, and overall effectiveness to pinpoint areas of improvement.
- Stayed abreast of changes in employment laws and industry trends, providing clients with the latest HR insights and best practices for optimal compliance and performance.
Human Resources Director
Scotto LLC
09.2019 - Current
- Managed Human Resources needs of six Long Island Restaurants for the company including Blackstone Steakhouse, Bijou, Insignia, One 10, Opus Steakhouse and Rare 650.
- Partnered with stakeholders to strategize and execute best policies to align with company mission statement as well as federal, state and county regulations.
- Developed hiring and recruitment strategies to handle high volume hiring demands of the hospitality industry.
- Implemented new software systems for the company to streamline recruitment and payroll processes.
- Run weekly payroll for over one thousand employees across six locations. Audited all six payrolls to ensure proper tip allocation according to New York State tipped employee paycheck compliance.
- Conducted thorough internal investigations into employee complaints and allegations.
- Handled on-boarding process for newly hired employees and distributed all paperwork.
- Maintained company compliance with local, state, and federal laws, in addition to established organizational standards.
- Structured compensation and benefits according to market conditions and budget demands.
- Navigated through the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic; Worked with federal, state and local agencies to ensure legality of mass-furlough of over one thousand employees, organized high volume rehiring and recruitment post pandemic and provided in depth reporting to accounting department for PPP loan reimbursement.
Human Resources Specialist
Doyle Security Services
04.2016 - 09.2019
- Lead recruitment of security professionals by working with clients to understand and deliver individual security needs of client locations.
- Developed recruitment updates to review trends, competitive intelligence and talent demographics with executive management.
- 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.
- Communicated with field management to develop and streamline organizational system for new job requisitions.
- Analyzed job descriptions and determined recruitment plan, timeline and advertising efforts to fill positions.
- Assisted candidates with application processes by answering questions about application, performing background checks, providing I-9 forms and handling drug screening paperwork.
Human Resources Assistant
Robert Half - Doyle Security Services
10.2015 - 04.2016
- Temporary to Hire Position - Hired with company following 1 year of temp agency contract
- Created, organized and maintained employee personnel files to keep sensitive data secure.
- Developed and maintained training materials and benefits packets for new hires.
- Assisted candidates with application processes by answering questions about application, performing background checks, providing I-9 forms and handling drug screening paperwork.
- Interviewed job applicants to obtain and verify information for screening and evaluation.
- Initialized all background and drug screening for all new hires. Verified previous employers and other references to determine applicants employment acceptability.
- Conducted new hire orientation to verify completion of appropriate paperwork, recording information on human resources database.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
St. John's University
Jamaica, NYSkills
- Proficient in ADP, Trackforce Valiant, Paycom, Nimble Reporting, Harri, Microsoft Office
- Talent Acquisition
- Employee Relations Management
- Internal Investigation
- Local, State and Federal Employment Law
Timeline
Independent Human Resources Consultant - Owner
PalaHRConsulting
10.2022 - Current
Human Resources Director
Scotto LLC
09.2019 - Current
Human Resources Specialist
Doyle Security Services
04.2016 - 09.2019
Human Resources Assistant
Robert Half - Doyle Security Services
10.2015 - 04.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
St. John's University