HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST

Under general supervision, performs programmatic and technical support in the areas of employee compensation, health and retirement benefits, workers¿ compensation and other leaves of absences, recruitment and hiring as well as professional and organizational development. Collects and coordinates research, providing data and analysis for human resources activities. Provides general information regarding County policies, collectively bargained benefits, as well as state and federal laws. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES Plans and conducts administrative and informational studies related to the functional areas to which assigned. Researches and compiles a variety of information and data. Analyzes alternatives, prepares narrative and statistical reports, makes recommendations to management team and assists in implementing changes resulting from studies. Reviews a variety of contracts, reports, forms and other materials for completeness, accuracy and conformity to County and other policies and procedures; implements changes as required. Discuss findings with management staff; prepares narrative or statistical reports and assists in implementing changes resulting from studies and analyses. Assists with administration and compliance of all benefit programs including retirement, medical, dental, vision, group and voluntary life and disability plans. Supports Human Resources Manager in enrollment, transfer and termination of benefits in HRIS and other internal/external technical applications. Assist with the preparation of annual open enrollment processes and benefit communication strategies. Consults with employees and retirees with respect to individual benefit issues and concerns through phone calls, walk-ins and mail. Provides assistance appropriate to skill level; acts as a liaison with appropriate program manager and/or third party administrators to help resolve specific issues. Implements separation of employment processes, including COBRA, retirement administration, and unemployment claims processing and monitoring. Assists with development and updating of job descriptions, policies, procedures, manuals and handbooks. Responsible for the maintenance of the web site, including periodic updates including job postings, benefit communications and employee engagement initiatives. Performs confidential position control and salary administration tasks. Processes employee transactions, including pay changes, job changes, reclassifications, promotions, etc., coding data appropriately and entering data in the HRIS and other technical applications. Ensures records are maintained in an accurate and timely manner. Assists with workers' compensation and other leave management processes, when necessary. Provides support to the employee relations, recruitment and hiring, and professional and organization development programs. Administers pre-employment testing, tracks and monitors employee development activities. Responsible for supporting employee's ergonomic concerns, through the evaluation and recommendation of possible adjustments. Performs complex retirement duties which require a thorough understanding of retirement operations and a high degree of accuracy and independent judgment. Uses specific software to complete assignments, and conducts data validation and reconciliation on a regular basis to ensure the accuracy of the database. Compiles and maintains various documents related to the retirement programs. As needed utilizes the information to draft and prepare correspondence, records, reports and other documentation. Provides liaison and staff support to committees and commissions; prepares and distributes agendas, minutes and other materials. Follows up on activities and direction from committee/commission meetings and/or the Retirement Administrator. Ensures that such information is timely and complete for meeting of boards, commissions and committees or for action by County staff. Supports Human Resources Managers in development and facilitation of training programs, including coordination of onboarding processes and training opportunities. Responds to inquiries from other organizations and completes salary and benefit surveys, policy language and job description comparable. Prepares and submits various reports to internal partners, regulatory agencies and other organizations; maintains accurate records and files. Provides information and general guidance regarding state and federal laws, County policies, and collective bargaining agreements. Examples include, but are not limited to, FMLA, ADA, FLSA, EEO, HIPAA, Workers' Compensation, OSHA. May have programmatic responsibility in a specified service delivery or internal support areas as assigned. May provide project support to the Executive Director. Uses standard office equipment in the course of the work; may drive a County or personal vehicle in the course of the work. Performs a variety of administrative support including answering the telephone, greeting visitors, filing, and front desk coverage; particularly during peak customer service periods and scheduled back-up for the Human Resources Operations Coordinator. Work will often involve handling private/confidential information. EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Office administrative principles and practices, specific to those functional areas to which assigned. Research, data analysis and report preparation techniques. Business mathematics, including basic statistical analysis techniques. Basic budgetary principles and practices. Principles of work organization, coordination and time management. Computer applications related to the work. Standard office practices, including the operation of standard office equipment. Records management principles and practices to maintain accurate records and files. Performing varied and responsible analytical and office administrative work without close supervision. Interpreting, applying and explaining policies and regulations. Setting priorities, coordinating multiple projects and meeting critical deadlines. Using sound, independent judgment within established procedural guidelines. Providing clear, concise, effective, and correct English usage through oral and written communication. Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, retirees, trustees, managers, supervisors, department heads and elected officials, vendors, and other business partners. LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS May require possession of a valid Michigan driver's license. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Duties require sufficient mobility to work in a normal office setting and use standard office equipment including a computer, read printed materials and electronic materials, and hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person or over the telephone. Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation, including, but not limited to visual and/or audio logical appliances and devices to increase mobility. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Associate's degree or equivalent in business, human resources, public administration, or a field related to the work. Progressively responsible administrative experience may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of two years. Three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible office administrative, or technical managerial support experience; preferably in a professional human resources setting This class description intends to identify the major duties and requirements of the job and should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related duties other than those outlined above and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge for successful job performance. #J-18808-Ljbffr