Human Resources Business Partner I

Human Resources Business Partner I

The Human Resources Business Partner I provides entry-level professional and administrative HR support to employees, supervisors, and managers across core HR functions, including recruitment and staffing, classification and compensation, employee relations, payroll and benefits, performance management, training, compliance, and records management. Under general supervision, this position provides basic consultation to departments on routine workforce issues, HR policies, procedures, and employment practices; supports HR programs and processes; and maintains HRIS and personnel records. The position identifies and escalates complex or sensitive matters and performs work with accuracy, confidentiality, customer service, and compliance with applicable laws and HCPL and Harris County policies.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provides entry-level HR consultation and guidance to department leaders, supervisors, and employees regarding routine workforce matters, HR policies, procedures, and standard employment practices in a respectful, consistent, and service-oriented manner.
• Supports assigned HR functional areas, including workforce planning, recruitment and staffing, classification and compensation, employee relations, payroll and benefits administration, performance management, learning and development, and compliance activities.
• Processes personnel actions and employment-related transactions; maintains HR data; updates HRIS records; prepares, reviews, and routes documents; tracks action items and deadlines; and responds to routine HR inquiries with accuracy, confidentiality, and professionalism.
• Leads recruitment and staffing processes, including position and requisition coordination, job posting support, candidate tracking, interview scheduling, onboarding and documentation, and related communications.
• Supports employee relations activities by receiving and documenting concerns, gathering relevant information, maintaining accurate records, tracking follow-up items, preserving confidentiality, and escalating complex, sensitive, or legally significant matters to senior HR staff and the Director.
• Assists with performance management activities, including tracking evaluation timelines, supporting documentation processes, coordinating communications, and helping departments follow established procedures.
• Conducts basic HR data review and analysis; prepares routine reports, spreadsheets, and summaries; identifies trends, discrepancies, or missing information; and supports recommendations for review by senior HR staff.
• Maintains personnel records, HR files, and employment-related documentation in accordance with applicable laws, records retention requirements, privacy standards, and HCPL and Harris County policies and procedures.
• Supports compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including Equal Employment Opportunity requirements, Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, workers' compensation, wage and hour requirements, confidentiality, records retention, and related HCPL and Harris County policies.
• Assists HR leadership and department management with HR projects, operational priorities, process improvements, policy implementation, and special assignments.
• Participates in required training, work groups, meetings, and professional development activities to maintain current knowledge of HR practices, systems, policies, and compliance requirements.
• Performs other related duties as assigned, including support during emergency events, continuity of operations, or natural disasters, as required by departmental or County needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need special services or accommodations, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io. This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

All applicants must register and take the HRT Clerical Skills Test and score a minimum of 80% with a typing speed of 30 wpm and 80% accuracy. Please see testing instructions in the General Information section below.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, Management, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Three (3) years of related administrative, personnel, or HR support experience in a public sector, large organization, or matrixed work environment.
• Three (3) years of demonstrated full-time work experience in Human Resources supporting one or more HR functions, such as employee relations, recruitment and staffing, HR transactions, HRIS data maintenance, compliance tracking, payroll or benefits coordination, or HR program administration.
• Advanced knowledge in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, NeoGov, PeopleSoft, and the use of other standard office equipment and software.
• Ability to comply with County technology and security requirements, including use of a personal mobile device for multifactor authentication.

Additional Requirements:

• Candidates must complete a clerical skills test and achieve a minimum typing speed of 80% aptitude, 30 WPM with at least 80% accuracy.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Working knowledge of core Human Resources functions, including workforce planning, recruitment and staffing, classification and compensation, employee relations, payroll, and benefits administration, performance management, learning and development, and HR compliance.
• Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, regulatory requirements, and professional HR practices, including FMLA, ADA, EEO, FLSA, workers' compensation, confidentiality, records retention, and fair employment practices.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear correspondence, reports, summaries, presentations, and employee communications for diverse audiences.
• Proficiency using HRIS platforms, applicant tracking systems, Microsoft Office applications, and related office technology to enter data, produce reports, maintain records, and support HR operations. Microsoft Office applications include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and related productivity tools.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain accurate records while handling sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, prioritize work, follow through on tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment.
• Knowledge of standard office business practices, administrative procedures, governmental processes, and policy-based decision-making in a public sector environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, County departments, administrative offices, vendors, the public, and internal HR staff.
• Ability to work effectively in an environment that requires collaboration, adaptability, professionalism, sound judgment, and responsiveness to changing priorities.
• Basic analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to review information, identify inconsistencies, and assist with practical HR solutions.
• Demonstrated time management and project coordination skills, including the ability to organize work, monitor progress, and adjust to changing circumstances.
• Commitment to ethical conduct, fairness, respect, confidentiality, and the consistent application of HR policies, procedures, and employment practices.
• Ability to protect confidential employee, payroll, benefits, medical, and financial information in accordance with applicable laws, County policies, and privacy standards.
• Ability to use internet-based platforms, Office 365 applications, and electronic records systems to complete HR work accurately and efficiently.
• Ability to exercise initiative, use sound judgment, act with discretion, and comply with security requirements, including multifactor authentication

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

Experience:

• Experience providing Human Resources support in a public sector, civil service, government, library, or a community service environment (preferred)

Language:

• Bilingual (preferred)

General Information

Register Online for the HRT Clerical Skills Test using the following link:

Click the above link to the HRRM Clerical Skills Test registration page Click on "Apply" to submit your request for testing You will receive a test invitation and instructions via e-mail within 48 hours You will have no more than 5 calendar days to access and complete testing Your score will be automatically uploaded to your application The test may be taken once every 30 days Most recent test scores are retained for up to 6 months

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work: