Director of Human Resources

The Director of Human Resources (HR) is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the agency’s human resources functions by planning, implementing, and evaluating employee relations and HR policies, programs, and practices. This role ensures full compliance with all applicable standards set forth by the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), as well as other regulatory bodies.

The Director of HR is a senior leader responsible for attracting, developing, and retaining a qualified workforce within a DDD-regulated environment. This position oversees all administrative functions of the HR department and plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with DDD Day Habilitation requirements, staff training mandates, and personnel standards.

Due to the supervisory and compliance-driven nature of this role, the Director of HR is responsible for managing employee relations, ensuring regulatory adherence, and supporting organizational operations. The Director of Human Resources must fully cooperate with and comply with any investigations conducted by DDD, the Office of Licensing (OOL), the Department of Human Services (DHS), and/or Adult Protective Services (APS), both during and after employment.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Ensure all employees meet and maintain required training in accordance with DDD standards, including tracking, auditing, and reporting compliance (e.g., Appendix E training requirements and updates)
• Oversee onboarding processes to ensure compliance with DDD hiring requirements, including background checks, credentialing, and required documentation
• Plan, organize, and manage all activities and operations of the Human Resources department
• Develop, implement, and revise job descriptions to align with DDD roles, responsibilities, and service requirements
• Develop, analyze, and maintain employee performance evaluation processes that reflect regulatory and organizational expectations
• Create, revise, and enforce personnel policies and procedures in compliance with DDD, DHS, and state/federal labor laws
• Maintain and update the agency’s Employee Handbook to reflect regulatory changes and best practices
• Oversee benefits administration, including enrollment, compliance, and employee education
• Lead recruitment efforts for all positions, including developing job postings, screening candidates, and conducting interviews with an emphasis on hiring qualified staff for DDD services
• Conduct and oversee new employee orientation programs, ensuring all DDD-required information is provided and documented
• Manage employee relations, including conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, investigations, and performance improvement processes
• Oversee and conduct exit interviews, analyzing trends and providing recommendations to leadership
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records, company directory, and organizational charts in accordance with compliance standards
• Participate in leadership and administrative meetings and provide HR guidance on operational and compliance matters
• Ensure adherence to NJ DDD regulations, including but not limited to staff qualifications, supervision requirements, and documentation standards
• Support agency readiness for audits, site visits, and investigations by DDD, OOL, DHS, and APS

Qualifications

• Required: Minimum of 2–5 years of Human Resources experience in a New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) setting (e.g., Day Habilitation, Residential, or Community-Based Supports)
• Strong working knowledge of DDD regulations, policies, and training requirements (including Appendix E and staff credentialing standards)
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field stongly preferred.
• Preferred: SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification (or equivalent HR certification)
• Demonstrated experience in regulatory compliance, employee relations, and HR operations within a highly regulated environment
• Knowledge of New Jersey labor laws and DDD-specific compliance requirements
• Strong leadership, organizational, and decision-making skills with the ability to respond effectively in high-pressure situations
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and discretion
• Experience in employment law, compensation, organizational planning, employee relations, safety, training, and preventive labor relations preferred
• Commitment to ethical practices and adherence to all standards set forth by the State of New Jersey and the Division of Developmental Disabilities

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year