Compensation Specialist - Human Resources Specialist III

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

23h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) Human Resources (HR) unit provides centralized HR direction, consultation, and services to support the department's mission. This unit strategically aligns workforce capabilities with business goals, fosters a positive workplace culture, and manages the employee lifecycle to maximize performance and retention. It also mitigates risks through compliance, manages labor costs, and empowers talent development. Consultation services cover a wide range of HR functions including benefits, compensation, employee and labor relations, policy development, job analysis, organizational development, performance management, legal compliance, recruitment, and more. This position specifically focuses on compensation analysis and recommendations, working with HRBPs and client groups to ensure consistent and compliant compensation practices.

Requirements

Six (6) years of experience in positions performing highly detailed analytical tasks such as compensation analysis, compliance, quality assurance, data analysis, HR, and/or records management with accuracy.
At least two (2) of those years must include full-time professional experience in performing Human Resources functions as your primary assignment.
OR A combination of related education in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Education, Psychology, Communications, or another related field, and experience in a position performing highly detailed analytical tasks such as compensation, compliance, quality assurance, data analysis, HR, and/or records management with accuracy.
Two (2) or more of those years must include full-time professional experience in performing Human Resources functions as your primary assignment.
The combination of related experience and education must be at least six (6) years.
Standard background check and reference check required.
State of Colorado residency at the time of application and throughout employment.

Nice To Haves

Human resources experience in a state or local, public-sector environment.
Knowledge of compensation administration principles and procedures.
Knowledge of federal and state wage and salary laws and regulations.
Excellent organizational skills, problem solving skills, critical thinking skills and strong customer service skills.
Demonstrated ability to engage, advise, and present critical compliance insights to senior leadership and executive stakeholders.
Proven ability to interpret, apply, and strictly follow complex technical guidance, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and employment laws (e.g., Equal Pay for Equal Work, FLSA, ERISA, EEO).
Hands-on experience establishing or maintaining records management systems, conducting regular data/file audits, and ensuring strict data integrity and confidentiality.
Demonstrated experience digging into complex reports, with the ability to accurately and efficiently interpret, compile, and synthesize data into actionable insights.
Relevant years of state service experience.

Responsibilities

Making pay recommendations for new hires, promotions/reallocations, demotions, and transfers.
Managing the compensation structure and process to align with DPA policy and practices.
Establishing a framework for applying compensation rules and practices consistently across CDHS.
Working closely with client groups on processes for in-range salary movements, compensation awards, temporary pay differentials, and signing/referral bonuses.
Conducting compression analysis to identify issues and determine potential increases for client groups.
Conducting Equal Pay analysis on staff and current compensation.
Ensuring proper implementation of compensation philosophy and process for CDHS.
Analyzing and communicating preferred methods and best practices for compensating employees.
Researching compensation matters to provide clarity for resolution, considering historical practices and precedents.
Researching employee and management complaints related to pay discrimination (Equal Pay for Equal Work Act).
Staying informed of rule changes, Colorado Department of Labor & Employment (CDLE) guidance, and DPA technical guidance.
Participating in the development, writing, editing, and modification of compensation policies, guidelines, and procedures.
Participating in meetings with COWINS and Program leadership as needed.
Reviewing compensation recommendation requests and updating the compensation tracking sheet.
Ensuring accuracy of information entered into eClearance by client group end users.
Ensuring document retention by saving compensation documents to appropriate folders.
Updating compression and equity tracker regularly and ensuring appropriate approvals for pay adjustments.
Delivering training to assigned client groups and other HR Professionals.
Performing other duties as identified and assigned.