Human Resources Specialist I

Travis County•Austin, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Human Resources Specialist I performs entry-level professional human resources work in support of a multi-division organization. This position works collaboratively with another HR Specialist, the leadership team, and staff across 10 divisions to support consistent application of human resources policies, procedures, and employment practices. Primary responsibilities include assisting with policy development and updates; maintaining and auditing personnel files; and providing administrative and technical support related to FMLA, ADA, employee relations, and disciplinary processes. The HR Specialist I serves as a point of contact for routine HR inquiries, ensures accurate documentation, and helps maintain compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies. This role requires strong attention to detail, discretion in handling confidential information, and the ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. The position works under moderate supervision and is expected to exercise sound judgment while escalating complex or sensitive matters as appropriate. This is a job classification within the Human Resources job family. This is an entry level Human Resources generalist position. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Personnel Management, Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Business Administration or a directly related field AND one (1) year of directly related demonstrated experience as to assigned Human Resources position; OR, Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.
Knowledge of Federal, State and Local regulations, codes and laws: Employment laws and Affirmative Action, Title VII of Civil Rights Act, Equal Pay Act, FLSA, ADA, FMLA, EEOC, I-9, Texas Workforce Commission Rules, Regulations and Statutes, Open Records Act, and Texas Governor's Committee on Disabilities.
Knowledge of Principles and practices of Human Resources management.
Knowledge of County policies, procedures and terminology.
Knowledge of Compiling data and generating reports.
Knowledge of Recent Human Resources developments and current literature.
Knowledge of Office management.
Knowledge of Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.
Knowledge of Business letter writing, grammar and punctuation, and report preparation.
Skill in Applying Human Resources methods.
Skill in Problem-solving and decision-making.
Skill in Customer service delivery.
Skill in Explaining complicated technical problems in simple non-technical language.
Skill in Both verbal and written communication.
Ability to Interpret policies, procedures, and Federal, State and Local applicable laws.
Ability to Develop and make effective presentations.
Ability to Convey complex ideas and concepts verbally and in writing.
Ability to Work independently as well as in a team environment.
Ability to Manage time well, perform multiple tasks and organize diverse activities.
Ability to Establish and maintain effective working relationships with County employees and officials, representatives of outside agencies, and the general public.

Nice To Haves

Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)
Certified Benefits Professional (CBP)
Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
Professional in Human Resources Certification (PHR)
Specialized coursework in the area of Human Resources.
Valid Texas Driver's License.

Responsibilities

Consults with employees and management on employee relations matters.
Conducts documentation review and recommends to management mutually acceptable solutions by taking corrective actions and/or through facilitation and/or mediation to support disciplinary actions, demotions, suspensions, progressive disciplines, termination process, performance evaluation process, and appeal process.
Participates in or leads the process of resolving conflicts, complaints, and problems.
Investigates employee complaints, grievances, confrontations, performance improvement or disagreements in a constructive manner.
Writes reports and investigative documentation to support findings, makes determinations on policy violations and recommendations for course of action.
Assists with the development and/or customization of training programs for employees.
Develops lesson plans and delivers those programs.
Assists in the development of curriculum and coordinates training.
Evaluates and assesses organizational training and employee development needs.
Recommends training and program enhancements to ensure appropriate skills are developed.
Plans training program schedules.
Serves as liaison with departments, management staff, and training consultants.
Assists in the evaluation and selection of training consultants.
Conducts Human Resources research and sources for background and supporting information.
Prepares written analysis of such research.
Confers with management in the development or modification of Human Resources policies, procedures, rules, and practices of specific Human Resources programs and services.
Recommends changes and improvements, and ensures compliance with Federal, State and Local employment regulations and County objectives.
Reviews performance evaluations and explains the process and appeals process.
Attends grievance panel deliberations, and advises panel on policy.
Advises managers, supervisors, and employees on human resource policies and procedures and State and Federal laws and regulations such as Americans with Disabilities Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, Fair Labor Standards Act and Equal Employment Opportunity.
Administers Human Resources programs, services and events such as Tuition Refund, Employee Recognition, Leadership Training, Exit Interviews to determine reasons why employees leave Travis County and monitor compliance with employment law requirements such as FMLA, Workers Compensation, and ADA.
Responds to unemployment claims and appeal hearings to contest benefits requested by former employees.
Assists in the response to charges filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commissioner/Texas Commission on Human Rights.
Responds to open records requests and subpoenas.
Develops and delivers training for departments and make presentations.
Conducts new employee orientation from a policy perspective, summarizing the structure of Travis County, retirement, at-will status, and other benefits not related to group benefits.
Responds to inquiries and complaints from employees and the public about employment opportunities.
Assists with the coordination of recruitment activities and acts as a recruiter for the department.
Researches and identifies trends for appropriate advertising sources.
Designs, prepares and places job vacancy advertisements in targeted professional journals, newspapers, internet employment sites and other related sources.
Assists with the maintenance of the electronic mail box for receipt of applications.
Processes the applications.
Screens and evaluates applications for acceptability.
Supports the Employee Relations function as a member of the case review team.
Makes presentations to employees on Human Resources-related topics.
Consults with managers, supervisors and employees regarding human resource policies and procedures.
Prepares correspondence, reports, conducts review studies and research on a variety of Human Resources issues.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.