Behind the Scenes: HR at CUCS

January 17, 2019

In our three decades, CUCS has grown tremendously as we continue to expand our efforts to help people rise from poverty, exit homelessness and be healthy. To kick off a new year at CUCS, we sat down with Priscilla Rojas, our Deputy Director of Human Resources. She shares her experiences, having watched our staff grow, and working every day to ensure they are supported as they help people build brighter futures.

Could you tell me a bit about your career here at CUCS?

I first worked with CUCS in 2008 as a temp while in college! After graduating from Penn State, I knew I wanted to return, so I kept my eyes open for opportunities and was hired full time as a Human Resources Assistant in 2012. Today, over six years later, I am the Deputy Director of Human Resources. I handle benefits, compliance with workers rights laws, time-sheets, systems, and much more. I have my hands in everything; every day brings something new.

Did you always know you wanted to work in Human Resources?

I originally went to school for accounting, but when I temped at CUCS, I realized HR was the field for me. I enjoyed interacting with everyone and was motivated by the fact that my work helped people. I also loved how much room there was for out of the box thinking.

Over my time at CUCS, the agency has grown – we are still growing – and a lot of things are changing. My out-of-the-box thinking, combined with my analytical side, has allowed me to thrive. As the agency evolves, our HR department grows and expands. I enjoy being able to implement new things, or make changes to existing policies to better the agency.

What are some of the things you have worked on that have been the most important to you?

My main priority is wellness and I have been working to make that a priority for the agency. Our staff gives 100% to their clients, and I want to make sure our HR department is doing everything it can to support them and their work. I want people have the best health packages and I have been instituting programs, learning opportunities, and trainings to ensure they understand our policies and take advantage of every opportunity to stay healthy.

I also really enjoy our bi-monthly new hire meetings. The HR department is the first stop in terms of their careers at CUCS and I like starting it off with a bang!

What do you like most about working for CUCS?

I love the attention to detail we have for our clients. We provide such a wide range of services to people, helping them get healthy, housed and live the lives they should live. Working at CUCS in any capacity helps this work. I love who I work for, what I do and the people my work benefits. I wake up every morning excited to come to work.