Human Resources Specialist I

Human Resources Specialist I

The Human Resources Specialist I performs entry-level professional human resources work in support of a multi-division organization. This position works collaboratively with another HR Specialist, the leadership team, and staff across 10 divisions to support consistent application of human resources policies, procedures, and employment practices.

Primary responsibilities include assisting with policy development and updates; maintaining and auditing personnel files; and providing administrative and technical support related to FMLA, ADA, employee relations, and disciplinary processes. The HR Specialist I serves as a point of contact for routine HR inquiries, ensures accurate documentation, and helps maintain compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies.

This role requires strong attention to detail, discretion in handling confidential information, and the ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. The position works under moderate supervision and is expected to exercise sound judgment while escalating complex or sensitive matters as appropriate.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is a job classification within the Human Resources job family. This is an entry level Human Resources generalist position. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Consulting with employees and management on employee relations matters.
• Investigating employee complaints, grievances, confrontations, performance improvement or disagreements in a constructive manner.
• Assisting with the development and/or customization of training programs for employees.
• Evaluating and assessing organizational training and employee development needs.
• Conducting Human Resources research and sources for background and supporting information.
• Confers with management in the development or modification of Human Resources policies, procedures, rules, and practices of specific Human Resources programs and services.
• Reviews performance evaluations and explains the process and appeals process.
• Attending grievance panel deliberations, and advising panel on policy.
• Advising managers, supervisors, and employees on human resource policies and procedures and State and Federal laws and regulations.
• Administering Human Resources programs, services and events.
• Responding to unemployment claims and appeal hearings to contest benefits requested by former employees.
• Assisting in the response to charges filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commissioner/Texas Commission on Human Rights.
• Responding to open records requests and subpoenas.
• Developing and delivering training for departments and making presentations.
• Conducting new employee orientation from a policy perspective.
• Responding to inquiries and complaints from employees and the public about employment opportunities.
• Assisting with the coordination of recruitment activities and acts as a recruiter for the department.
• Assisting with the maintenance of the electronic mailbox for receipt of applications.
• Supporting the Employee Relations function as a member of the case review team.
• Making presentations to employees on Human Resources-related topics.
• Consulting with managers, supervisors and employees regarding human resource policies and procedures.
• Preparing correspondence, reports, conducting review studies and research on a variety of Human Resources issues.
• Performing other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum requirements include:

• Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Personnel Management, Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Business Administration or a directly related field AND one (1) year of directly related demonstrated experience as to assigned Human Resources position; OR, Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.
• Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements: None required. Preferred: Certified Compensation Professional (CCP); OR, Certified Benefits Professional (CBP). Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR); OR, Professional in Human Resources Certification (PHR). Specialized coursework in the area of Human Resources. Valid Texas Driver's License.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of Federal, State and Local regulations, codes and laws: Employment laws and Affirmative Action, Title VII of Civil Rights Act, Equal Pay Act, FLSA, ADA, FMLA, EEOC, I-9, Texas Workforce Commission Rules, Regulations and Statutes, Open Records Act, and Texas Governor's Committee on Disabilities. Principles and practices of Human Resources management. County policies, procedures and terminology. Compiling data and generating reports. Recent Human Resources developments and current literature. Office management. Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages. Business letter writing, grammar and punctuation, and report preparation.
• Skill in: Applying Human Resources methods. Problem-solving and decision-making. Customer service delivery. Explaining complicated technical problems in simple non-technical language. Both verbal and written communication.
• Ability to: Interpret policies, procedures, and Federal, State and Local applicable laws. Develop and make effective presentations. Convey complex ideas and concepts verbally and in writing. Work independently as well as in a team environment. Manage time well, perform multiple tasks and organize diverse activities. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with County employees and officials, representatives of outside agencies, and the general public.

Work environment includes the ability to lift/carry up to 20-50 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to standing, walking, sitting, repetitive motion, reaching, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing, pulling, balancing, client/customer contact, squatting to perform the essential functions. Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

Work hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; works some nights, holidays, and weekends.

Location: 5501 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751

Department: County Clerk

Criminal, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required.

For updates or questions on this position, contact View email address on click.appcast.io.

This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.