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HR/Payroll Assistant

February 25, 2026

Every day, people across Illinois are denied the basic rights to which they are entitled under the law simply because they can't afford a lawyer. It’s our mission to change that.

Prairie State Legal Services is seeking an HR/Payroll Assistant to join our team in the Administrative office located in Rockford, Illinois. The HR/Payroll Assistant reports to the Director of Human Resources and is responsible for comprehensive administrative support for human resources and payroll functions.

PSLS serves some of the most vulnerable members of our communities, including low-income individuals, older adults, veterans, and people with disabilities. We focus our services on legal problems that impact the ability of our clients to meet their basic human needs, including physical safety, access to healthcare, adequate housing, and financial stability. PSLS is the only legal aid organization in the majority of our area, and we pride ourselves on providing high-quality legal services to our clients while fostering a motivating, collaborative, and rewarding work environment with plenty of opportunities for professional growth.

Responsibilities
The HR/Payroll Assistant will participate in a full range of duties in a fast-paced environment, including, but not limited to:

  • Assist with day-to-day operations of the HR functions and duties, with a focus on employee experience
  • Assist with payroll preparation, ensuring accurate and timely processing
  • Support operational tasks, including employment verification, audits, and reporting requirements
  • Maintain payroll records, track reimbursements, and assist with payroll related forms
  • Address payroll related issues, including conducting timekeeping reviews and coordinating with multiple offices
  • Maintain and update annual employment notices
  • Maintain and update workplace posters to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws
  • Maintain accurate employee records and ensure data integrity within the HRIS system
  • Assist with all aspects of recruitment, including job posting, applicant tracking, initial phone screening, and interviewing scheduling
  • Exhibit excellent organizational, record-keeping, and administrative skills

Salary and Benefits
The HR/Payroll Assistant position is full-time, 37.5 hours per week. PSLS offers a salary competitive with similar organizations. The Paralegal position salary range is $42,000 to $54,139 annually, depending on relevant experience. PSLS is committed to providing an excellent, comprehensive benefits package to its full-time employees that includes:

  • Health insurance, including the opportunity to qualify for a wellness credit
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • 403b retirement plan, including employer contributions
  • PTO that starts at nearly 3 weeks/year and increases with additional years worked at PSLS
  • Paid sick leave
  • 6 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of employment
  • 12 paid holidays

Qualifications

  • High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent, plus two years of relevant work experience OR an Associate's degree in a related field is required
  • Experience with payroll systems
  • Solid knowledge of Human Resource functions and best practices
  • Non-profit HR experience is a plus
  • Experience and passion for working with low-income and underserved populations strongly preferred
  • Excellent organizational skills and very detail-oriented
  • Excellent oral/written communication skills
  • Proficiency with Google Workspace, Zoom, Microsoft Office Suite, and other online platforms

Application Details - Resumes accepted until position is filled
Please indicate “HR/Payroll Assistant” in the subject line and email a letter explaining your interest and experience, resume, and three references to careers@pslegal.org.

PSLS is an equal opportunity employer that strives to create a welcoming environment. We recruit, employ, pay, and promote qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin or citizenship, ancestry, religion, sex, disability, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, or other characteristics protected by law.