Human Resource Specialist

Human Resources Specialist

Performs a wide variety of human resources related activities, with a high degree of confidentiality and expertise. Responsible to specialize in one or more areas of human resources as assigned included but not limited to, recruitment, payroll administration, employee fringe benefits, FMLA, worker's compensation, retirement. Provides necessary support and assistance in various other Human Resources functions, projects and activities. Please note that this position will have a focus primarily in employee benefits.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the administration of the recruitment process including, but not limited to job postings, background checks, drug screening, interviewing, onboarding and retention efforts.
• Responsible for the administration of employee and/or retiree payroll including, but not limited to bi-weekly and/or monthly payroll changes, expenses, processing of paychecks, post payroll processes, W2's, and 1099R's for employees and/or retirees.
• Responsible for the administration of employee and/or retiree benefits including, but not limited to enrollment, claims resolutions, education and annual open enrollment.
• Responsible for the administration of all leave programs including but not limited to FMLA, worker's compensation, short-term disability and long-term disability plans.
• Responsible for the administration of the pension plan including, but not limited to membership, fund tracking, benefit calculation, retirement related payments, Retirement Board, actuary and auditor tracking and reporting.
• Performs general office duties such as distribute and process mail, filing, ordering supplies, answer department phone calls and greet in-person guests.
• Performs Human Resource duties and administers programs as assigned such as employee wellness, unemployment, wage studies and work perks.
• Interacts with county employees and the public in a professional and courteous manner to address and resolve complex and/or sensitive human resources matters. Conducts research and collaborates with advisors, subject matter experts, and leadership to provide guidance and respond to inquiries regarding human resources policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and compliance standards.
• Works with and may act as a liaison to related service providers, vendors and advisors.
• Responds to legal orders, subpoenas, FOIA's and informational surveys as directed and/or required.
• Enters, validates, and reconciles complex data across multiple information systems, ensuring data integrity and accuracy. Maintaining and developing spreadsheets, databases, and reports to support Human Resource operations.
• Creates, compiles and maintains information, preparing accurate and professional correspondence, records, reports, booklets and web sites in accordance with departmental activity, terminology and procedure.
• Prepares, reconciles and ensures the accurate and timely processing of all related payables and liabilities; such as invoices, vendor payments, billings, and liabilities due through payroll contributions and deductions.
• Responsible for all related bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual, internal and external, state and federal reporting requirements.
• Conducts internal audits of data and information to ensure integrity, compliance, and accuracy. Analyzes and compiles data as required to support external audits and actuarial valuations.
• Maintains compliance with federal and state regulations, ordinances, collective bargaining agreements, and County policies and procedures.
• Assists with annual contract renewals and in drafting, reviewing, and interpreting collective bargaining agreement language and departmental policies within areas of expertise.
• Develops and provides training, guidance, and mentorship within assigned areas of expertise. Promotes team development through cross-training and provides backup support for other specialists to maintain efficient operations.
• Provides technical and project support to the Human Resources Director as related and/or assigned.
• Performs related work, projects and other duties as directed and/or required.

Supervision Received: Work is performed under the general direction of the Human Resources Director and Human Resources Coordinator. Supervisory Responsibilities: May assign work to subordinate clerical employees at the request of the Director, but does not function as a supervisor.

Experience, Skills, Education:

• Possession of Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources or Business Administration or related field and 5 years of direct human resources experience
• OR Eight (8) years of progressively responsible Human Resources experience in at least two of the human resource functions of pension administration, payroll or employee fringe benefits required.
• SHRM-CP certification is preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of the principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiations and personnel information systems.
• Considerable knowledge of federal and state laws regarding recruitment, evaluation and employment in the public sector.
• Writing, reading, mathematical principles; proficient computer skills-Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook; exercise sound judgment and decision making in accordance with policies and procedures; ability to research and problem solve independently; knowledge of County operations and functions; ability to prioritize and time manage; handle stressful situations, provide effective and friendly customer service; support the County's mission and values; ability to think critically where necessary.
• Proficient in HRIS/Payroll software, i.e. CentralSquare. Ability to reconcile financial reports or records; process department payroll. Knowledge of accounting principles, audit standards, budgeting; annual financial reporting; and IRS practices for Federal, State and Local.
• Knowledge or understanding of basic administrative tasks: operate standard office equipment; document management; prepare and maintain records, various correspondences and reports; answer general inquiries and refer as necessary; answer telephone calls, process mail, order supplies/equipment; prepare meeting agendas, attend meetings, record/transcribe/distribute minutes; entering, transcribing, recording, storing or maintaining information in written or electronic form with speed and accuracy; maintain calendars, arrange meetings, schedule rooms and equipment as necessary.
• Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with management, co-workers and clients; obtain and communicate accurate information; apply common sense understanding to complex instructions and respond accordingly; communicate complex ideas through graphs, charts, presentations, reports or other professional correspondence.

Essential Abilities for All St. Clair County Job Classifications:

• Ability to demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.
• Ability to read, write & communicate in English; follow written and verbal instruction and understand basic mathematics and figure checking.
• Ability to interpret and apply procedures, rules, technical information, instructions, manuals to complete tasks accurately and on schedule.
• Ability to learn from directions, observations, and mistakes; and apply procedures using good judgement.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to work independently or part of a team; ability to interact appropriately with others such as County officials, employees, vendors and the general public.
• Ability to work under supervision, receiving instructions/feedback, coaching/counseling and/or action/discipline
• Adaptability to change in the work environment, managing competing demands and ability to deal with frequent changes, delays or unexpected events.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction
• Proficient skills using Microsoft Office programs including, but not limited to: Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook as required. Proficiency may be tested.

Conditions of Employment:

• Prior to starting employment, the candidate must complete a satisfactory background check. The background check is understood to encompass all forms of pre-employment screening, including but not limited to: drug screen, physical, criminal background, driving record, sex offender registry, education, training and licensing verification, employment history, credit check, and professional and personal references.
• Possess a valid State of Michigan Operator's License and maintain eligibility to drive as per the County's vehicle policy throughout employment in this position.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Speak to others to convey information effectively.
• Read, interpret and understand procedures, rules, technical information, instructions and manuals.
• Hear and understand information presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Specific vision requirement includes close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception.
• Use hands to operate a computer, handle materials and operate equipment.
• Push or pull