Hiring an Employee

Okay- I need some advice-
I am looking at hiring an employee- I know this can be (SCARY!) but I have the perfect person. So far we have been "subcontracting" her when we work together, but she doesn't have insurance, etc. It sounds nice to just employ her, and then I won't feel like I am hiding. Looking into it, a local HR company will do all the taxes and fees, etc. for 30% of what I pay her, and I won't have to do anything. Alternatively he said it works out to 19% if I want to do it myself. It sounds like a lot- but knowing everything is legal is important to me.
Does anyone on here employ people?
I really want to do this, but I don't want to make any mistakes. 4 different taxes quarterly sounds like outsourcing opportunity to me.

Thanks!

I sub-contract (pay them per event). Hiring is too much hassle if I can't offer them steady work. There is payroll, remittances, workers compensation insurance, etc.