Human Resources Associate

BDS is a public defense office representing low-income New Yorkers in criminal, family, immigration, and civil legal matters. For nearly 30 years, BDS has worked, in and out of court, to protect and uphold the rights of individuals and to change laws and systems that perpetuate injustice and inequality. Our work with clients is focused on the intersections of these legal systems that disproportionately impact Black and Brown communities living in poverty.

BDS represents thousands of people each year who have diverse, complex, and multi-faceted legal needs. In addition to a zealous legal defense, our interdisciplinary teams of attorneys, social workers and advocates provide a wide range of legal and advocacy services, including housing, public benefits, education, and employment. BDS staff work collaboratively and across disciplines to deliver high-quality legal services that serve the people we represent, their families and communities.

The HR department is responsible for managing all aspects of the employee lifecycle for approximately 750 employees. 

Under the direct supervision of the Associate Director of Human Resources, The HR Associate is responsible for supporting core HR functions including onboarding/offboarding, employee records, benefits and payroll support, HR systems administration, and day-to-day employee inquiries.  The HR Associate plays a key role in ensuring HR processes are accurate, timely, and consistent, and serves as an important point of contact for employees while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

Responsibilities

HR Administration & Employee Support

• Serve as a point of contact for routine HR inquiries, escalating issues as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee personnel files and HR records.
• Support employee onboarding and offboarding processes, including documentation, system entry, and orientation coordination.
• Assist with employment verifications, letters, and routine HR correspondence.

Payroll & Benefits Support

• Support payroll preparation by assisting with data entry, audits, and reconciliation in coordination with payroll leadership.
• Assist employees with benefits enrollment, changes, and general benefits questions.
• Support benefits administration processes, including open enrollment, qualifying life events, and vendor coordination.
• Assist with tracking and documentation related to leaves of absence.

HR Systems & Data Management

• Enter and maintain employee data in HR systems accurately and timely.
• Support timekeeping and attendance processes, including resolving basic discrepancies.
• Run standard HR reports and assist with data requests and audits.

General HR Support

• Assist with scheduling meetings, interviews, and employee appointments.
• Support HR projects and initiatives as assigned.
• Provide administrative support to HR leadership and team members.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3-5 years of experience in Human Resources.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort working in HR systems, such as ADP.

Position Information

This is a full-time, exempt, salaried position. The normal schedule is Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, and the position is based at BDS’s offices in Downtown Brooklyn, NY 11201. 

BDS determines salary on a pay scale based on education and experience. For this position there is a salary range of $80,000-$100,000 depending on the applicant’s education and experience. BDS offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance and a 403(b)-retirement plan. In order to support work/life balance and family-friendly policies, BDS has generous vacation, sick, holiday, family, and medical leave policies.   

Application Instructions

Click “Apply Now” to submit a cover letter and resume on our online application portal. Please submit your application by February 28, 2026.

Brooklyn Defender Services is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to celebrating diversity and maintaining an equitable and inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, expressions, orientations, disabilities, and experiences to apply. If you require an accommodation due to a disability or another reason, please contact the Managing Director, H.R., Christina Wallace, at cwallace @ bds.org.