Provisional Human Resources Analyst I

DEFINITION: Under direction, an Human Resources Analyst I performs professional and analytical duties in administering human resources programs, including recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, benefits and retirement administration, leave management, training and development, employee and labor relations, workers’ compensation, regulatory compliance, Human Resources Information System (HRIS) development/administration, and related human resources functions; provides professional advice and assistance to Santa Cruz METRO management on personnel-related issues; performs related work as required. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: HR Analyst I is the journey-level in the Human Resources Analyst series. Positions at this level perform increasingly diverse, advanced, and complex human resources assignments and/or tasks, receive occasional instruction, and have full knowledge of the concepts, practices, procedures, and policies of the assigned function. This class is distinguished from the Human Resources Analyst II in that the latter is responsible for the more complex programs and projects requiring in-depth knowledge and the ability to interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with a variety of personnel related laws, regulations, and policies. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class. Plans and administers recruitment and selection processes; conducts job analyses and collaborates with hiring managers to establish job-related qualifications; prepares and maintains job announcements and recruitment materials; prepares interview questions; develops, schedules, and proctors various tests and assessments; develops rating criteria; reviews and screens applications; coordinates, facilitates, and trains interview panels to ensure equitable hiring practices; tracks employment applications and related documents;; and creates and maintains eligibility lists. Sources talent using a variety of platforms and resume databases to match job requirements; represents the organization at job fairs, community events, and college recruitment activities; engages in employee panels, community events, and recruitment events to support academic and industry collaboration. Conducts candidate reference checks as part of the pre-employment screening process; as authorized, sends offers of employment and schedules pre-employment drug screening, fingerprinting, and medical examinations; coordinates new employee onboarding processes. Coordinates recruitment and hiring of temporary help through outside employment agencies; interviews and selects temporary employees. Processes and responds to employment verification requests and other administrative support as needed. Administers Santa Cruz METRO’s multi-tiered benefits and retirement programs in accordance with plan provisions and in compliance with local, state, and federal laws, Santa Cruz METRO policies and procedures, and labor contracts, including contract review and renewal, negotiating premium rates, and ensuring vendor effectiveness and competitiveness; monitors eligibility, limitations, and restrictions of plan participation; processes enrollments and withdrawals; calculates and determines benefits; collaborates with Finance/Payroll on benefits related financial matters such as reconciling invoices, identifying and resolving billing discrepancies, and ensuring timely processing of pension and insurance payments, fees, and reimbursements; works with Payroll to ensure accurate reflection of benefits deductions in payroll, audits payroll reports for accuracy, and ensures compliance with labor agreements (MOUs); analyzes changes to MOUs and ensures proper integration into benefits programs and HR systems researches and analyzes benefit plan changes and employee data, conducts surveys, and prepares various reports and statements; develops, evaluates, and revises program components and processes; implements new benefits programs; facilitates and participates in external audits. Communicates and works with employees, supervisors, managers, retirees, insurance carriers, benefits brokers, benefits providers, and third-party administrators to resolve coverage and claim issues, respond to issues, and provide benefit program information to active and retired employees; provides guidance on policy and plan document interpretation. Administers comprehensive leave management program ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal laws, Santa Cruz METRO policies and procedures, and labor contracts; reviews, monitors, and tracks requests and leave usage and accrued balance; evaluates and approves or denies medical certifications; communicates and coordinates with other Santa Cruz METRO departments to ensure proper administration of salary continuance and leave programs. Serves as a liaison between employees and management regarding leave status and return to work processes; assists with reasonable accommodations. Conducts classification studies by gathering and analyzing job data, recommending proper classification, and documenting findings and results; conducts compensation and benefits studies; responds to external and internal requests for salary and benefits information. Assists in labor relations activities including negotiations and contract implementation. Assists in investigating grievances, complaints, and misconduct allegations and recommends corrective action; facilitates meetings with union representatives and management. Counsels and advises employees and management on human resources-related matters, policies, and procedures; provides information to other organizations and the public requiring the use of judgment and the interpretation of human resources policies and procedures and legal requirements; assists management in maintaining regulatory compliance with HR programs. Administers Santa Cruz METRO’s training and development program including researching, creating, and conducting training, workshops, and presentations; conducts new hire orientation, open enrollment meetings, and exit interviews; coordinates external trainings. Tracks departmental budget and processes invoices and requisitions for the department. Participates in administering Santa Cruz METRO’s workers’ compensation program by monitoring cases from inception to final disposition, reviewing and processing workers’ compensation claim forms and related documentation, preparing and maintaining documentation and records, and acting as a liaison with other departments, workers’ compensation claims administrator, insurance carriers, contractors, and others; assists in preparing the workers’ compensation budget by monitoring claim payments and other administrative expenses and auditing, reviewing, adjusting, and preparing statements from workers’ compensation contractors and providers. Participates in the development and administration of Santa Cruz METRO’s human resources policies, practices, and procedures; identifies opportunities and provides recommendations for improving service delivery and procedures; participates in developing and implementing new or revised human resources programs, systems, procedures, and methods of operation. Participates in the implementation and maintenance of HRIS and related databases; updates benefit configurations and business processes in HRIS to align with new or revised MOU requirements; organizes and maintains accurate and detailed databases, files, and records; verifies accuracy of information, researches discrepancies, and records information; coordinates and ensures compliance with established records retention schedules; participates in business and system process design and updates; collaborates with IT Department and external vendors on system upgrades, integrations, and issue resolution to optimize HRIS functionality. Administers Learning and Talent modules of the HRIS system to support employee development and performance; develops and maintains dashboards and reports to track progress, identify trends, and recommend improvements. Administers or assists in administering various human resources compliance programs such as Lactation Accommodation Program, Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), responding to Title II/Title VI/Americans with Disabilities Act/504 complaints, Public Record requests, and other legal inquiries, or related programs. Researches, analyzes, summarizes, and interprets data from various sources and prepares and presents various reports, correspondence, memoranda, and other documents. Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions, and reviews publications to remain current on principles, practices, technologies, regulations, and new developments in the field of human resources. May supervise assigned clerical and/or other support staff by scheduling, assigning, directing, and evaluating their work; provides staff training as needed; may perform and/or have significant input into subordinate staff selection and disciplinary action. Drives a Santa Cruz METRO vehicle to perform assignments. Performs related work as required MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Education, Training, and Experience: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in human resources management, organizational development, business or public administration, or a related field. AND Two (2) year of professional human resources administration experience, preferably in a public agency. Familiarity with transit agency or transportation system activities and functions is desirable. #J-18808-Ljbffr Santa Cruz METRO