Human Resources Specialist

Florida Education Association

Human Resources Specialist

Based in Tallahassee, FL
(limited travel required)

Job Title: Human Resources Specialist (HR Specialist)
Classification: Confidential (non-bargaining unit position)
Supervisor: Director of Human Resources (Director of HR)
Location: Tallahassee, FL (limited travel required)

The Florida Education Association (FEA) is the largest association of professional employees and the largest labor union in the Southeast, representing more than 120,000 members. FEA members include teachers, education staff professionals, higher education faculty and graduate assistants, retirees, education students, and early career educators. FEA represents the professional and working interests of its members and plays a prominent role in shaping state policies that affect public schools. FEA is a merged state association affiliated with both the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).

Position Summary: The Florida Education Association (FEA) seeks an experienced HR professional to join its Human Resources Department as a HR Specialist . The primary functions of this HR Specialist role include processing FEA’s payroll, producing payroll and leave reports, and managing health and welfare benefit plans and processes. This position serves as the subject matter expert on FEA’s health, dental, vision, life, disability, EAP, FSA, and retirement plans. This position requires someone who enjoys helping others, naturally maintains confidentiality of sensitive information, works collaboratively, and thrives in a high-volume work environment. 

Required Qualifications: 

• At least five years of progressive experience with full cycle processing of employee payroll
• At least three years of progressive experience managing employee health benefits
• Proficiency with reconciling financial data and reports
• Extensive experience with ADP Workforce Now 
• Expert proficiency in Microsoft Office Outlook, Excel, and Word
• Ability to consistently display professionalism and provide high-quality employee support/service 
• High-level attention to detail and accuracy 
• Experience with inputting, reconciling, and generating reports into and from Human Resources Information Systems
• Experience with creating employee communications regarding all types of benefits
• Experience with reviewing and processing health and welfare benefit invoices 

Highly Desired Qualifications: 

• A bachelor’s degree in human resources, accounting, business management, or a related field 
• Experience managing and reconciling employee leave benefits and reports
• CPP, PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP certification(s) 
• Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of HR Administration and labor organization 

Specific Responsibilities:

1. Support the Director of HR with ensuring compliance with FEA’s policies and collective bargaining agreement with regards to compensation and benefits. 
2. Manage FEA’s staff, service unit and locals payroll, including ensuring timely and accurate biweekly payroll processing.
3. Manage and monitor the accrual, use, and payout of employee leave benefits in accordance with FEA’s policies and collective bargaining agreement. 
4. Manage enrollment of employees into FEA’s health, dental, vision, life, disability, EAP, and FSA benefits, including annual open enrollment activities and facilitate new hire orientation. 
5. Manage the recordkeeping for all payroll and leave information in ADP or other HRIS systems.
6. Serve as the subject matter expert and assist employees with questions regarding FEA’s health, dental, vision, life, disability, EAP, and FSA benefits, particularly during the onboarding phase and during significant/complex health issues.
7. Create and disseminate informational materials and training to employees related to all health and welfare benefits. 
8. Assist with the management of FEA’s voluntary 401(k) retirement, NEA pension plan and FEA United Employee’s Retirement Plan.
9. Liaison with all benefit providers to ensure plan compliance and timely resolution of claims or employee/retiree questions and concerns.
10. Assist the HR Director with creating and implementing HR policies and processes to increase efficiency and employee support.
11. Assist with the preparation of agendas and confidential information for Joint Benefits Committee (JBC) and Labor Management Steering Committee (LMSC) meetings. 
12. Assist the HR Director in tracking follow-up items from the JBC and LMSC meetings. 
13. Facilitate JBC Committee Meetings as directed or in absence of HR Director.
14. Assist the HR Director with gathering confidential information needed for disciplinary actions, grievances, and arbitrations. 
15. Work closely with FEA’s finance department to provide financial reports and yearend audit documentation related to payroll and benefits. 
16. Assist the HR Director and finance department with generating and calculating employee salary information, including 401(k) contributions, pension contributions, salary step increases for collective bargaining staff, and other compensation and leave data.
17. Ensure accuracy and prepare all employee benefit invoices for payment.
18. Work collaboratively with other HR staff to ensure efficient HR operations.
19. Maintain strict confidentiality of information maintained or accessed in the HR Department. 
20. Manage and coordinate special projects as assigned.
21. Successfully manage multiple high-priority projects.
22. Travel as needed to support coordination and management large staff events and meetings.
23. Other duties as assigned. 

General Responsibilities: 

1. Acknowledge and support the advancement of FEA’s vision, mission, and strategic goals.
2. Identify, contribute to, and support new opportunities to advance FEA’s vision, mission, and strategic goals.
3. Perform all work assignments in a manner that effectively and efficiently utilizes FEA resources.
4. Contribute to and support the development and implementation of departmental and interdepartmental programs and services.
5. Perform all duties, responsibilities, and assignments within the guidelines outlined in the FSO/FEA Collective Bargaining Agreement and in accordance with FEA Policies and Procedures.
6. Possess knowledge of FEA’s governance policies and procedures, organization structure, and general policies and procedures. 

Compensation & Benefits: Salary will be based on relevant experience and qualifications. FEA provides medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance to its employees and eligible family members with no monthly employee premiums. Additionally, FEA provides retirement options, vacation leave, sick leave, and paid holidays.

How to Apply: 
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and résumé via email to View email address on unionjobs.com . Candidates will be reviewed on a rolling basis. This position will remain open until filled.

FLORIDA EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Consistent with the FEA Affirmative Action Plan, minority, female, and physically challenged applicants are encouraged to apply. Please contact FEA’s Office of Human Resources at View phone number on unionjobs.com or View email address on unionjobs.com to request an accommodation during the application process. 

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