HR Business Partner

Job Title: HR Business Partner Job Classification: Exempt, Full-time Reporting Relationship: VP of Safety and Workforce Readiness Work Location: Topeka, KS Who We Are: FreeState is the largest rural electric cooperative in Eastern Kansas, with more than 15,000 member-owners. It functions as a democratic, not-for-profit organization. We are controlled by our members who actively participate in setting cooperative policy and making decisions in the best interest of the cooperative. Unlike investor-owned utilities, our profits are returned to our members as capital credits. FreeState offers excellent benefits including: Generous pension plan 401(k) matched savings Medical, dental and vision insurance paid for at 100% for individual coverage and 90% for family coverage Health savings account with an annual generous employer contribution Life insurance, long-term disability, paid time off benefits, including paid holidays, and so much more. On-the-job safety training, professional development opportunities and an employee focused work culture Each of our positions has a designated salary range. This position's salary range starts at $77,237. Starting wage is based on knowledge, education and experience. Primary Accountability: The HR Business Partner oversees and assists with the administration of Human Resources (HR) activities on a professional level and carries out responsibilities in benefits administration, performance management, recruitment/employment, onboarding, employment law compliance, and policy implementation. Essential Duties: Coordinates and administers benefit plans including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance plans, health spending accounts, retirement plans, employee assistance programs, vacation and sick leave benefits, and the Cooperative's wellness program. Distributes, records, and stores regulatory compliance documents including summary annual reports (SAR), summary of benefits and coverage (SBC), summary of material modifications (SMM), summary plan descriptions (SPD), CHIPAA notices, women's health notices, COBRA, etc. Completes annual retirement compliance documents, workers' compensation audit reports, and distributes non-discrimination reports to appropriate personnel. Processes routine employee events such as address changes, name changes, adding or removing dependents, etc. Addresses employee concerns and issues in a timely manner. Assists with developing goals and objectives in accordance with the strategic initiatives of the Cooperative. Aligns HR practices with business objectives, provides guidance, and partners with leadership to drive organizational success. Assists with the Cooperative's compensation and benefits policies with Department Managers to maintain competitive programs and ensure compliance with state and federal laws. Compiles and distributes annual total compensation summaries for all employees and submits annual salary data file. Partners with business leaders to plan, implement, and evaluate employee relations cooperative policies, programs, and practices, ensuring compliance with various laws and regulations. Administers the FMLA program in accordance with legal requirements and assists with Department Managers and Supervisors on how to communicate FMLA with human resources. Promptly responds to notices of unemployment claims and keeps cooperative management apprised of benefits awarded to former employees. Facilitates the performance management program and ensures all employees have timely performance reviews. Facilitates training on FreeState's performance management practices. Assists the Operations Department with scheduling and facilitating personnel advancements through the Merchant Job Training and Safety Program, the Right-of-Way Apprenticeship Program, probationary periods, etc. Assists cooperative management on the Cooperative's policy matters such as coaching, disciplining, terminating, and other employee relations, including workplace investigations in accordance with grievances or harassment. Maintains DOT driver qualification files, as well as ensures DOT employees have current medical examiner certifications, driver's license, physicals, safety performance history requests, fort passes, etc. Ensures MVRs and DOT queries are conducted on an annual basis. Schedules and facilitates drug and alcohol screenings based on the substance abuse policy. Facilitates new employee orientation/onboarding and ensures new employees receive proper education and training in the areas of cooperative policies and benefits. Facilitates the recruitment process including advertising for open positions, interviewing, candidate comparison, completing background checks, and preparing job offer letters. Coordinates and maintains the workers compensation program by reviewing and processing claims, and serves as the liaison between the insurance carrier and the Cooperative. Compiles and prepares employee demographic data for annual EEO-1 and VETS-4212 reports, as well as FreeState's affirmative action plan. Serves as the Cooperative's EEO/AA Administrator. Facilitates annual open enrollment for benefits which includes processing enrollment forms. Facilitates with cooperative management the annual review of the Employee Handbook and is responsible for the ongoing maintenance and updating of the document. Maintains job descriptions and ensures essential functions and physical demands are identified as well as ensures appropriate FLSA classifications are assigned. Conducts audits of HR activities to ensure compliance with policies, procedures and applicable laws and regulations. Prepares documents, evaluates various reports, and recommends new approaches, policies and procedures to continually improve efficiency of services performed. Serves as an ambassador of the Cooperative by demonstrating and communicating a positive image and professionalism. Oversees and maintains the Cooperative's electronic confidential employment files and databases. Marginal Duties: Partners with the VP of Safety and Workforce Readiness on safety related incidents and investigations. Assists with organizing employee events to foster a positive workplace culture, boost morale, and encourage team cohesion. Maintains service award program for employees in accordance with policy. Participates in various committees as needed, including safety and employee engagement. Develops and administers employee workplace and satisfaction surveys. Coordinates floral arrangements or memorial donations for funerals, hospital stays, and other occassions on behalf of the Cooperative. Performs additional duties as assigned by Management. Qualifications: A Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or Business Administration from an accredited university is required. At least three years of HR experience in recruitment, benefits administration, employee relations, and HR compliance is required. HR Certification is preferred, ability to obtain within one year of employment is required. A valid driver's license is required. Ability to pass a National Agency Check (NAC) is required. Knowledge of employee practices and related laws, regulations and standards is required. Excellent interpersonal skills and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information. Strong communication, analytical, organizational, and multitasking skills. Ability to write reports, business correspondences and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively communicate, present information and respond to questions. Ability to analyze data or information by identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. Ability to organize, multi-task, plan and set priorities with minimal supervision. Ability to work independently and in team settings. Ability to exercise good judgment with a strong attention to detail. Strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across all levels of the Cooperative. Physical Demands: Consistently sits for extended periods of time. Occasionally stands, walks, bends, stoops, squats lifts, unpacks and moves up to thirty (30) pounds. Manual dexterity for computer use and office equipment. Ability to read computer screens, mail and talk on the phone. Work Environment: Office-based, deadline-oriented, and professional setting. Regular, reliable attendance is required. Interaction with staff, Trustees and vendors. Must be able to report to their primary worksite after regular business hours, as soon as possible, in the event of an emergency situation such as electrical outages, inclement weather, etc. Ability to travel between offices and attend meetings, trainings, workshops, and seminars, as directed. Disclaimer: The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required. FreeState is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr FreeState Electric Cooperative