Human Resources Specialist I

Human Resources Specialist I - JOB ID# 14361 JobID: 14361 Position Type: Professional/ Human Resources Specialist Date Posted: 9/28/2026 Closing Date: 10/16/2026 JOB DESCRIPTION Since 1966, the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) has been dedicated to providing innovative, high-quality, and cost-effective educational programs and services to meet the diverse needs of children and adults in Greater Hartford. Serving 33 member districts and reaching additional communities statewide, CREC supports approximately 12,000 students annually through more than 120 educational programs. Our offerings include professional learning and coaching for educators, specialized programming for students with diverse needs, and PreK-12 education across 16 interdistrict magnet schools. Additionally, CREC provides school construction, operations, and cooperative business services, while also delivering programs that help adults build real, job-ready skills. POSITION SUMMARY The Human Resources Specialist provides expertise in a variety of human resources functions, with a focus on Human Resources Operations and Talent Acquisition. The Specialist independently manages multiple time-sensitive processes, researches and resolves routine and complex issues, maintains accurate and compliant records, and collaborates across teams and divisions to serve as a knowledgeable resource for employees, managers and external partners. Participates as a team member in a collaborative environment within a diverse workforce. ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES Duties/Responsibilities Coordinates and administers Human Resources programs and processes involving operations, talent acquisition, employee onboarding, unemployment administration, compensation, post-retirement reemployment, and employment eligibility. Applies collective bargaining provisions, organizational policies, and legal and regulatory requirements to ensure services are delivered accurately, consistently, and within established timelines. Manages the Human Resources aspects of unemployment claims, including reviewing claims, researching employment history, gathering and evaluating documentation, preparing timely and accurate responses, and assisting legal counsel with hearings. Ensures compliance with applicable requirements while protecting the organization's interests and minimizing risk. Administers the teacher salary lane advancement process in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements and established guidelines. Reviews official transcripts, degrees, credits, and other supporting credentials to determine eligibility and verify that contractual requirements have been satisfied. Maintains accurate documentation, communicates determinations to employees, and coordinates with Payroll and other stakeholders to ensure changes are implemented accurately. Manages the accurate, compliant, and timely processing of new-hire and onboarding documentation. Prepares and reviews source materials for completeness and accuracy, follows up on outstanding requirements, resolves documentation issues, and coordinates with employees, managers, and other stakeholders to ensure all pre-employment and onboarding requirements are completed within established timelines. Determines initial salary placement for newly hired employees in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements, salary schedules, and established placement guidelines. Reviews and evaluates education, credentials, and relevant experience to ensure accurate and equitable placement. This work requires careful analysis, consistent application of placement guidelines, and strong attention to detail. Serves as the primary resource for employees and managers regarding teacher post-retirement reemployment. Interprets and provides guidance consistent with Connecticut Teachers' Retirement Board (CTRB) requirements, submits required reports and documentation to the CTRB. Assists with and serves as a backup for employment eligibility and background-check compliance processes, including I-9 reverifications, E-Verify administration, Employment Authorization Document (EAD) renewals, and the review and processing of criminal history and fingerprint results. Ensures all processes are completed accurately, consistently, and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational procedures. Oversees the final stage of the onboarding process, ensuring approved new-hire information is accurately maintained in personnel records and communicated to the appropriate school or program. Provides new employees with their official offer letter, salary and benefits information, onboarding details, and other essential employment materials. Develops and maintains effective working relationships with managers, hiring coordinators, employees, and external partners. Provides responsive guidance regarding Human Resources policies, procedures, practices, and regulatory requirements. Exercises sound judgment in determining appropriate solutions and escalates matters when necessary. Represents CREC at college or community job fairs, with occasional events after normal work hours or on weekends. Develops and delivers training, presentations, and informational materials for programs on processes, policies, systems, and compliance requirements. Participates as a team to ensure policies, practices, and procedures support CREC's commitment to attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. Assists in evaluating, developing, implementing, and continuously improving Human Resources operational processes to increase efficiency, accuracy, consistency, while supporting departmental and organizational goals. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY This position has no supervisory responsibilities. COMPETENCIES Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics. Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities. Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments. Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things. Written & Oral Communication - Speaks and writes clearly; Listen and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Speaks and writes clearly and informatively; Varies communication style to meet needs; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings. Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed. Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity. Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans. Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality; Completes work in timely manner. Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events. QUALIFICATIONS 3+ years related experience required. Associate's Degree or higher; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and HRIS and Applicant Tracking Systems preferred. SHRM certification preferred. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS Limited travel to and from meetings may be required. PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Standing (occasionally, less than 1/3) Walking (occasionally, less than 1/3) Sitting (continually, more than 2/3) Reach with hands and arms (occasionally, less than 1/3) Climbing or balancing (occasionally, less than 1/3) Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl (occasionally, less than 1/3) Ability to work outdoors (occasionally, less than 1/3) Lifting up to 10 lbs. (occasionally, less than 1/3) Carrying up to 10 lbs. (occasionally, less than 1/3) WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU? Group Health Insurance Plans Basic & Supplemental Life Insurance Long Term Disability & Short Term Disability options 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with Employer Matching Contribution if applicable Flexible Spending Account Pre-Tax Savings for Health Care, Dependent Care, and Limited Purpose Post Deductible (if contributing to an HSA) Employee Assistance Program Credit Union Access Tuition Reimbursement Program Employee Network Group Access to professional learning opportunities with two fully paid courses through CREC University each year, empowering you to expand your skills and advance your career! Benefit from our exclusive partnership with Springfield College, offering a 15% discount on tuition for next-level degree programs to support your academic and career aspirations! Based on terms and conditions during your employment, specific to your job classification and collective bargaining agreement. DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION STATEMENT CREC strives to understand and confront the symptoms and causes of racism and prejudice ranging from biases to aggressions to discriminatory policies, practices, and traditions that harm people from systemically marginalized groups or that benefit privileged groups. CREC staff and students acknowledge and respect people of all identifiers, such as race, socioeconomic status, gender identity and expression, education, age, ability, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, language, nationality, religion, and veteran status. DISCLAIMER STATEMENT The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Postings current as of 9/30/2026 2:52:41 AM CST. Powered by applicant tracking, a product of Frontline Education. #J-18808-Ljbffr