HR Specialist

HR Specialist

The Human Resources Specialist is responsible for performing a full range of complex support, technical, and administrative duties related to the District's human resources management program. Responsibilities include providing administrative support to the Director of Human Resources in the areas of licensure, staffing and position control, state reporting and compliance, employee benefits administration, leave management, and retirement programs. The position administers and manages employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, and ancillary insurance plans, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, and retirement benefits, while serving as a primary resource for employees and retirees regarding eligibility, enrollment, claims, and compliance requirements. This position ensures that human resources and benefits practices align with Board policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable state and federal laws and regulations. The incumbent has access to confidential information relating to personnel matters and the effectuation, review, and implementation of the District's collective bargaining policies.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

A. Education and Experience:

1. Equivalent of an Associate's Degree required; Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business or related field preferred.
2. Minimum of three (3) years of experience in human resources involving the full employee life cycle, preferably within a public school setting.

B. Credentials:

1. PHR, SHRM-CP, or benefits-specific certification (e.g. CEBS) preferred
2. Proficiency in HRIS platforms (e.g. Red Rover, Skyward, Business Solver), Microsoft Suite and Google Workspace.

C. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of public personnel administration, including recruitment, staffing, classification, compensation, employee relations, benefits administration, workers' compensation, and compliance requirements.
2. Knowledge of employee benefits programs, retirement systems (TRS and IMRF), and applicable federal and state employment laws, including ADA, FMLA, and leave regulations.
3. Ability to interpret, apply, and communicate District policies, procedures, collective bargaining provisions, and employment-related regulations.
4. Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and complete assignments independently.
5. Strong analytical and quantitative skills, including the ability to work accurately with numerical data and reports.
6. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
7. Ability to explain complex human resources, benefits, and leave-related information clearly, professionally, and compassionately.
8. Strong customer service skills with the ability to build positive relationships with employees, retirees, administrators, and external agencies.
9. High level of professionalism, discretion, and ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
10. Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in data management, recordkeeping, and compliance activities.
11. Proficiency in technology and business software applications, including Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software.
12. Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders while exercising sound judgment and problem-solving skills.
13. Demonstrated initiative, accountability, and ownership of projects and work responsibilities.
14. Ability to travel between District locations and attend occasional evening meetings, workshops, or events as required.
15. Ability to adapt to changing priorities and respond effectively to urgent employee and organizational needs.

Essential Functions

The following identifies the primary and essential functions of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of all duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Administer and support human resources programs, processes, and records, including staffing, position control, onboarding, benefits, leaves, retirement, licensure, and employee data management.
2. Maintain accurate and confidential employee records, data, and documentation within the Human Resources Information System (HRIS) and other district databases.
3. Coordinate and process employee onboarding, offboarding, employment changes, assignment updates, and required employment documentation.
4. Administer employee benefit programs, including health, dental, vision, life, ancillary benefits, open enrollment, and benefits eligibility processes.
5. Administer and monitor leave programs, including FMLA, personal leave, and other statutory and contractual leave provisions, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and collective bargaining agreements.
6. Facilitate the ADA interactive process and coordinate accommodations in collaboration with employees, administrators, medical providers, and legal counsel as appropriate.
7. Coordinate retirement processing and provide guidance regarding retirement systems, eligibility, benefits, and post-employment options.
8. Monitor and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, regulations, reporting requirements, and benefit mandates, including ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, and licensure requirements.
9. Prepare, maintain, and distribute employment contracts, personnel actions, Board of Education personnel reports, salary schedules, staffing reports, and other Human Resources documents.
10. Conduct and coordinate background checks, fingerprinting, licensure verification, certification monitoring, and other employment-related screening processes.
11. Assist with the interpretation, implementation, communication, and administration of collective bargaining agreements and personnel policies.
12. Provide confidential administrative support to the Director of Human Resources, including assistance with labor relations matters, negotiations, personnel issues, and other sensitive information.
13. Prepare correspondence, reports, presentations, spreadsheets, forms, and communication materials related to Human Resources, benefits, staffing, and compliance activities.
14. Serve as a liaison with insurance carriers, retirement systems, brokers, third-party administrators, government agencies, and other external partners.
15. Collaborate with Payroll, Business Services, Teaching and Learning, Student Services, Technology, and other departments to ensure accurate employee records, benefit administration, payroll processing, and personnel actions.
16. Reconcile benefits-related data, invoices, deductions, and reports to ensure accuracy and compliance.
17. Respond to employee inquiries regarding employment, benefits, leave, retirement, licensure, and Human Resources procedures in a timely, professional, and customer-focused manner.
18. Assist with unemployment claims administration, student teacher placements, tuition/course reimbursement processes, and other Human Resources programs and services.
19. Participate in cross-training and continuous improvement efforts to support department operations, service continuity, and organizational effectiveness.
20. Perform other duties as assigned.

RLAS #116 is an equal opportunity employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the District when necessary.