What we are looking for:
Proven HR experience with small businesses or service industry companies
Experience reviewing and improving employee handbooks and HR documents
Has set up Gusto or similar payroll platform from scratch before — not just processed existing payroll
Experience recruiting, screening, and hiring hourly or part-time service workers
Knowledge of South Carolina employment law strongly preferred
Able to work independently with minimal hand-holding
Strong communicator who can explain HR and legal concepts in plain language
Available to start immediately
Nice To Have:
SHRM-CP or PHR certification
Experience with cleaning, home service, or trades businesses
Familiarity with Upstate South Carolina area
What We Need Done:
Week 1 — HR Foundation (4 hrs)
Review our existing employee handbook and all current HR documents
Identify any legal gaps, missing forms, or compliance issues
Update and strengthen all documents to comply with South Carolina and federal employment law
Confirm our W-2 vs 1099 worker classification is correct
Identify and create any missing forms or documents we still need
Week 2 — Payroll & Onboarding Setup (4 hrs)
Set up our Gusto payroll account completely from scratch (we will give you admin access)
Configure SC state and federal tax withholdings
Set up pay schedule and direct deposit
Build a complete new hire onboarding packet including:
I-9
W-4
SC state withholding form
Direct deposit authorization
Offer letter template
Background check process
Everlance mileage tracking app setup instructions
Create a step by step onboarding checklist for new hires
Week 3 — Recruiting (4 hrs)
Write a job description for our part-time W-2 cleaner position
Post and manage the listing across Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Facebook Jobs, Craigslist, and other relevant platforms
Screen all incoming applications against our requirements
Conduct initial phone screenings with qualified candidates
Present top candidates to the owner with a clear summary and recommendation
Manage all candidate communication throughout the process
Week 4 — Hire & Onboard (4 hrs)
Coordinate final interview scheduling between owner and top candidates
Complete all onboarding paperwork for our first hire
Add new employee to Gusto payroll
Set them up on Everlance mileage tracking app
Walk through employee handbook with new hire
Confirm everything is legally compliant and ready to go
What You Will Have Access To:
Our existing employee handbook and HR documents
Our Gusto account (admin access)
Our business EIN and LLC information
Direct communication with the owner via Upwork messaging
Hours & Budget:
4 hours per week
Starting immediately
Long term ongoing contract strongly preferred
Please include your hourly rate in your proposal
Budget is flexible for the right person
To Apply Please Include:
Your experience setting up payroll from scratch — which platforms and how many employees
One example of an employee handbook or HR document you have reviewed and improved
Your experience recruiting and hiring hourly service workers
Your knowledge of South Carolina employment law or comparable states
Your availability to start and your hourly rate
Any HR or payroll certifications you hold
A Note From The Owner:
Rooted Cleaning was built from the ground up by one person with a passion for clean homes, a clean environment, and doing business the right way. I have laid the foundation but I need a skilled HR professional to make sure everything is legally sound and set up correctly before I bring on my first employee. I am looking for someone who takes compliance seriously, communicates clearly, and wants to grow with a small business that is going somewhere. If that sounds like you I would love to hear from you.
Quick Facts For Your Proposal:
Business type: Single member LLC
State: South Carolina
First hire: Part-time W-2 residential cleaner
Payroll platform: Gusto (account ready for setup)
Mileage tracking: Everlance (already in use)
Timeline: Looking to have first hire onboarded within 30 days
Apply Now
Apply Now