Human Resources Department Manager

City of Encinitas•Encinitas, CA

About The Position

The City of Encinitas is seeking an innovative, strategic, and people-focused Human Resources Department Manager to lead and direct critical human resources programs and initiatives. Under the direction of the Human Resources Director, this role plans, organizes, directs, supervises, and evaluates human resources programs and services. The manager partners with departments and executive leadership to advance workforce initiatives, develop staff, and foster accountability, engagement, and exceptional public service. The position oversees workers’ compensation, leave administration, disability management, benefits administration, ADA compliance, labor relations, and the CalPERS liaison function, while supporting organizational initiatives and operational excellence. The manager ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, labor agreements, and industry best practices, aligning human resources programs with the City’s long-term organizational goals.

Requirements

A qualifying combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
A typical qualifying background includes a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
Five years of responsible human resources experience.
Supervisory experience overseeing professional, technical, and administrative support staff.

Nice To Haves

Professional certifications and continuing education in human resources, finance, organizational effectiveness, or related fields.
Strong expertise in workers’ compensation self-insured programs, leave administration, disability management, benefits administration, labor relations, and regulatory compliance.
Strategic leadership, innovative problem-solving, relationship-building, staff development, and the ability to balance competing priorities.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and direction for the City’s human resources programs, initiatives, and services.
Plan, organize, direct, supervise, and evaluate Human Resources staff; provide leadership, coaching, training, and professional development.
Manage and participate in special projects and organizational initiatives through research, analysis, recommendations, and implementation of solutions.
Administer the workers’ compensation program, including claims, return-to-work coordination, modified duty assignments, and collaboration with third-party administrators, medical providers, and legal counsel.
Manage employee leave programs, including FMLA, CFRA, Pregnancy Disability Leave, military leave, other protected leave, and return-to-work programs.
Oversee employee benefits administration, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, wellness, and voluntary benefits.
Coordinate and manage short-term and long-term disability programs and employee accommodations related to medical conditions and workplace injuries.
Oversee internal and external ADA compliance programs, coordinate compliance across departments, monitor changes in accessibility laws and regulations, and maintain the City’s ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plans.
Develop, implement, review, and update ADA-related policies, procedures, and programs; lead the City’s ADA Committee.
Lead and facilitate the interactive process and reasonable accommodation procedures in compliance with the ADA and applicable state laws.
Serve as a subject matter expert and compliance liaison for employment-related laws, regulations, labor agreements, and personnel policies.
Conduct ongoing policy reviews, recommend and implement policy updates, and ensure human resources practices comply with evolving legal requirements and organizational needs.
Support the City’s labor contract negotiations team and assist with contract administration, interpretation, and implementation as needed.