I9 Compliance Coordinator - PetVet Care Centers

Job Title: I9 Compliance Coordinator

Job Classification: Full Time, Non-exempt

Company Overview: Headquartered in Westport, Connecticut; PetVet Care Centers is a nationwide veterinary network operating more than 450 general, specialty and emergency hospitals with over 10,500 employees. Each location is managed locally and supported globally through our connected network.  We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented individual to join our corporate team as an I9 Compliance Coordinator.

Position Overview: Reporting to the Employee Relations Manager, we are seeking a I-9 Compliance Coordinator who will primarily be responsible for meeting with employees to verify U.S. employment eligibility and complete Form I-9 for all newly hired employees at PetVet Care Centers and its veterinary hospitals located throughout the United States and reverify the employment eligibility for any current or rehired employees as needed to ensure PetVet's compliance with federal and state regulations. The I-9 Compliance Coordinator will also manage and monitor PetVet's internal electronic I-9 tracking system and the E-Verify system administered by the U.S. Social Security (SSA) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The I-9 Compliance Coordinator will also support the Employee Relations Manager in other employee and compliance workstreams, including process implementation, records maintenance and audit and investigation support.

This employee will work onsite at PetVet's Corporate Headquarters in Westport.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

•  Functions as primary Form I-9 and E-Verify reviewer and preparer for PetVet employees (including remote employees) and serve as primary point of contact for resolving any employee employment eligibility verification issues.
• Verifies accuracy of employee demographic data (name, SSN, DOB, citizenship status, visa validity information), photo identification documentation and that the individual presenting has been offered employment by PetVet and/or one of its veterinary hospitals.
• Ensures the timely completion of new hire Form I-9s and E-Verify employment eligibility verifications and coordinates with affected employees and internal stakeholders (HR, Legal, etc.) to resolve non-compliant I-9s and E-Verify cases with tentative non-confirmation / mismatch results and determine the appropriate subsequent course of action (e.g. suspension or termination of employment relationship).
• Processes all reverifications of employment eligibility for current or rehired employees, including the attainment of valid and current required supporting document from the employee that demonstrates continued work authorization and completion of necessary supplements to Form I-9.
• Assists all employees by clarifying, explaining and/or interpreting PetVet employment eligibility policies and applicable federal and state government regulations related to employment eligibility.
• Evaluates and escalates irregular employment eligibility compliance issues to Employee Relations Manager and Legal as needed.
• Responds to telephone calls regarding I-9 related questions, as necessary.
• Interprets and enforces internal policies and federal regulations to ensure I-9 compliance.
• Monitors and runs reports in PetVet's internal electronic I-9 tracking system and the E-Verify system as needed to monitor I-9 compliance.
• Assists with other HR, Employee Relations, Talent Acquisition and Legal duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or graduation equivalent
• Administrative or HR Compliance experience
• Additional education may substitute for required experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree; I-9 processing knowledge and immigration experience.

Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Must possess exceptional attention to detail and deadlines.
• Must problem solve independently on a daily basis. Sound and consistent judgment is essential to comply with I-9 regulations and resolve E-Verify cases.
• Must possess excellent and mature interpersonal skills to deal with a group of diverse clients from different countries, backgrounds, socioeconomic status, educational background, etc.
• Must be an outstanding team player.
• Must remain calm and focused under stressful situations.
• Must be able to adapt to an extremely dynamic work environment as priorities change.
• Must be able to anticipate change as well as adapt professionally.
• Must possess and continually develop interpersonal skills and professional development.
• Must be able to represent the organization positively at all times.