HR Assistant — NERC Personnel Risk Assessment (PRA) Program Support

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Assignment Type: Project-based - 6 months, extendable

Training: On-site in Oakland, 4–5 days per week during the initial training period

Work Location & Schedule: Local Bay Area candidates only. Candidates must currently reside locally within the Bay Area and be able to work on-site in Oakland, CA. The position is hybrid. During the initial training period, the selected candidate will be required to work on-site in Oakland 4–5 days per week. Following the training period, the on-site schedule will be determined based on business needs.

Position Overview

We are seeking an HR Assistant to support the NERC Personnel Risk Assessment (PRA) Program. This role will provide administrative and operational support for background check processing, documentation tracking, compliance workflows, and coordination with employees, contractors, vendors, and internal stakeholders. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, comfortable working with confidential information, and experienced with HR, recruiting, applicant tracking, relationship management, or case management systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and track NERC PRA background check requests from initiation through completion.
• Review background check information and documentation for accuracy and completeness.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in HR, relationship management, or case management systems.
• Track outstanding items, deadlines, renewals, and completion status.
• Communicate required steps, documentation, and follow-up actions to employees, contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate with HR, compliance, security, vendors, and business partners to resolve issues and keep activities on schedule.
• Monitor aging items and escalate delays or issues when appropriate.
• Handle sensitive and confidential employee and candidate information with appropriate discretion.
• Provide general administrative and operational support for the PRA program.
• Assist with reporting, documentation, and process improvement activities as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Experience in HR, recruiting, compliance, onboarding, administrative operations, or similar support functions.
• Familiarity with background check processing and documentation tracking.
• Experience using HR systems, applicant tracking systems (ATS), relationship management systems, or case management platforms.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, follow-through, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information professionally.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook, Excel, Word, and Teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting NERC, Personnel Risk Assessment (PRA), compliance, security, or other regulated programs.
• Experience working with background check vendors.
• Experience with contractor onboarding or compliance renewals.
• Experience tracking aging items, deadlines, and outstanding documentation.
• Experience identifying process gaps and supporting process improvements.

Core Competencies

• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Compliance and operational discipline
• Organization and follow-through
• Confidentiality and sound judgment
• Customer service and collaboration
• Clear communication
• Problem-solving and escalation
• Ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment