HR Operations Specialist, Pre-boarding

Join us on the heart-warming journey with a team that is a top leader in the rehabilitation industry Encompass Health is the leader in the inpatient rehabilitation industry, you’ll feel the Encompass Health difference as soon as you join. We collaborate and provide high-quality, compassionate, individualized care for our patients, allowing us time to get to know them and help them achieve their goals during their rehabilitation journey. POSITION PURPOSE The HR Operations Specialist, Pre-boarding serves as the primary point of contact for candidates after offer acceptance through their first day of employment. This role is responsible for coordinating and managing all pre-employment activities to ensure a seamless onboarding experience and timely start date across multiple hospitals. The HR Operations Specialist, Pre-boarding partners closely with candidates, recruiters, and Human Resources to ensure all pre-employment requirements are completed, including background checks, drug screenings, and onboarding documentation. The role requires strong attention to detail, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS Serve as the primary contact for candidates from offer acceptance through first day of employment. Guide candidates through the preboarding process and provide timely updates regarding outstanding requirements. Monitor and manage all pre-employment activities to ensure readiness for start date. Coordinate and track completion of: Drug screenings Background checks Occupational health requirements New hire paperwork and compliance forms Review onboarding records for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements. Proactively identify and resolve issues that may delay candidate start dates. Communicate regularly with recruiters and HR partners regarding candidate status and outstanding requirements. Escalate complex pre-employment issues and exceptions as appropriate. Maintain accurate records within Human Capital Management systems. Ensure adherence to federal, state, and company employment requirements. Provide exceptional customer service while fostering a positive candidate experience. Support reporting and auditing activities related to preboarding compliance, completion rates, and onboarding metrics. Participate in process improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and candidate satisfaction. This position must sit at our Home Office in Birmingham, AL Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred. Minimum 2 years of experience in HR, recruiting coordination, onboarding, preboarding, or administrative operations. Experience coordinating background checks, drug screening programs, and onboarding processes preferred. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and HR technology platforms. Experience working in a healthcare environment preferred. Knowledge of employment laws, onboarding compliance requirements, and pre-employment screening processes preferred. Experience using applicant tracking systems (ATS), HRIS, or onboarding platforms preferred. A little about us We’re confident you’ll see the difference the moment you join our team. Working at Encompass Health means working with a growing national inpatient rehabilitation leader. We’re proud of our career growth opportunities and how our team members work together for the greater good of our patients. We’ve been named one of the “World’s Most Admired Companies” and a Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® Award, among others, which is pretty amazing. Our benefits start day one Affordable medical, dental and vision plans for full-time and part-time employees and their families. Generous paid time off that accrues over time. Tuition reimbursement and continuing education opportunities. Company-matching 401(k) and employee stock purchase plans. Flexible spending and health savings accounts. A community of people who love what they do. Yes, we see that as a benefit.