HR BUSINESS PARTNER FOR PUBLIC SAFETY

City of Worcester, MA•Worcester, MA

53d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Worcester is seeking collaborative professional applicants for the position of HR Business Partner for Public Safety for the Human Resources Department. Under the general direction of the Chief Human Resources Officer, the position is responsible for the administration and implementation of the human resource functions for the Worcester Police and Fire Departments for Civil Service, Labor Service, and civilian employees. Key responsibilities include the management and completion of tasks related to hiring, promotion, disciplinary action, and policy development. This position will serve as a strategic liaison between the Human Resources Department and Public Safety leadership and will play a critical role in strengthening interdepartmental collaboration, aligning HR practices with operational goals, and fostering a responsive, equitable, and service-oriented culture. This position offers a unique opportunity to support the evolving needs of public safety personnel while advancing the City's commitment to excellence in workforce management. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

Knowledge of office terminology, practices, procedures, and functions.
Knowledge of and ability to interpret and follow local, state, and federal regulations/statues.
Working knowledge of public administration, civil service law, and compensation.
Excellent customer service skills and ability to maintain professionalism under different circumstances.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Strong presentation skills with the ability to communicate complex information clearly.
Ability to work effectively with both internal departments and external stakeholders.
Ability to be a self-starter.
Ability to work and maintain highly confidential and sensitive department files and information.
Ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks in a detailed, organized, and timely manner.
Ability to conduct independent research and to prepare detailed, accurate reports and written correspondence.
Ability to operate standard office equipment.
Proficient in the operation of standard business software, Microsoft Office Suite (word processing, database management, and spreadsheet applications), internet research, and web services.
Proficient with Workday HCM or similar human resources software systems.
Excellent organizational and recordkeeping skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent skills in personnel-related policy development.
Regular onsite attendance is required.
Ability to work occasional weekend days and evenings as needed.
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related discipline, AND
Three (3) years of related work experience working in a Human Resource or Public Safety setting
An equivalent combination of education, training and five (5) experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job will be considered in lieu of the above-mentioned requirements.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
Excellent Communication skills

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline
Five (5) years of Human Resources experience as a Generalist, Employee Relations, Recruiter, Manager, or a related role
Two (2) years of experience with Civil Service
Two (2) years of experience of working with state and federal employment laws
Experience with Workday or other similar Human Resource software system

Responsibilities

Responsible for the employment procedures of civil service positions for the Worcester Police and Fire Departments, to include the certification process for public safety appointments, promotions, and recruitment initiatives.
Responsible for the employment procedures of labor service positions for the Worcester Police and Fire Department, to include the certification (hiring) process for labor service appointments, promotions, and recruitment initiatives.
Work in collaboration with Human Resource staff and the appropriate department officials to organize, coordinate, and implement the certification (hiring) process of Police Officers and Firefighters appointments for Department Academies.
Plan and progress functions of the certification (hiring) process including recruitment activities, communication with the Human Resources Department of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, confirming background check process, drafting bypass letters, scheduling medical and physical appointments, coordinating the hiring and onboarding process, and updating the Commonwealth of Massachusetts recruiting platform.
Plan and progress functions of the local registry hiring process in conjunction with Human Resources Department of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Provide employee promotional documentation to the Massachusetts Human Resources Department to confirm promotional exam eligibility.
Participate in investigations with the Investigations Division with the Executive Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion along with Worcester Police and Worcester Fire as needed.
Oversee and track Civil Service dates regarding hiring, temporary promotions and permanent promotions, demotions, and terminations.
Deliver informational sessions for Police and Fire Academy participants.
May occasionally deliver presentations at City employee trainings as needed.
Consult and work with the appropriate Human Resource staff to resolve civil service issues and discrepancies, grievances, and disputes, address collective bargaining issues, complaints and handle general employment issues.
Prepare support documentation and paperwork in support of Department personnel actions.
Create and draft personnel policies specific to the Department.
Participate, as requested, as a member of the City's collective bargaining negotiation team with Police and Fire unions and provide assistance in the review of documents.