Human Resources Specialist

City of Yakima•Yakima, WA

11h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Human Resources Department has an exciting opportunity on the recruitment team! We’re looking for a recruitment specialist who can expertly review confidential application and pre-employment materials, and maintain accuracy and integrity throughout the testing process. Just as importantly, the ideal candidate will have an upbeat friendly demeanor, be able to communicate clearly, support candidates with empathy, and ensure every interaction reflects the HR Departments commitment to exceptional service to internal and external customers. Under administrative supervision, works independently within established procedures, performs a variety of complex personnel functions which require knowledge of City and department policies and practices. Performs responsible administrative support work. Compiles and analyzes data and makes recommendations. Applies independent judgment in making decisions and resolving personnel related problems.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent and four (4) years progressively responsible experience in human resource administration OR BA in Human Resources Management; Psychology; Industrial Relations; Public Administration or closely related field with one (1) year customer service experience in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment.
Ability to accurately type 35 wpm.
Knowledge of: personnel and city-wide programs policies and procedures, terminology and related regulations such as worker accident prevention, safety, and/or civil service examination and selection; modern clerical and professional office organization and administration, practices and procedures; municipal records retention procedures, and techniques; municipal government and public personnel operations; research techniques and data compilation; project planning and development; recruitment and selection procedures; state industrial insurance claims processing, regulations and procedures; health benefit programs and claims processing.
Demonstrates knowledge and sound judgement with regard to public disclosure, and confidentiality standards.
Knowledge of techniques and strategies for dissemination of complex written and verbal information to a wide range of individuals, including but not limited to managers, staff, City Council, government officials, and members of the public.
Strong working knowledge of: computer spreadsheets; databases; industry applications; Microsoft Office Suite; and Outlook.
Knowledge of basic arithmetic and basic principles of accounting/bookkeeping.
Ability to efficiently and effectively enter data/information into a computer system with speed and accuracy.
Ability to operate standard office equipment including but not limited to: computer, fax machine, copy machine, telephone etc.
Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, with employees, members of the public representing diverse education and background, and with officials at all levels of government utilizing well-developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of business English, including but not limited to correct grammar, vocabulary, letter composition, editing, spelling, and punctuation.
Must be able to respond in a diplomatic and confident manner to upset individuals.
Ability to negotiate and clearly and concisely present complex information in both written and verbal formats.
Ability to routinely and regularly maintain confidentiality and discretion through all forms of communication.
Ability to perform a variety of mathematical computations with ability to read, interpret and analyze complex and technical documents and to translate analysis into recommendations or reports.
Ability to read, research, interpret, apply and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Must possess ability to identify and define complex problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to work with self-direction and minimal oversight; maintain sustained attention to detail, formulate goals, and work under timeline pressures; prioritize workloads; manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines.
Excellent analytical and organizational skills are essential.
Must possess ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands.
Ability to establish, facilitate, and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, the public, community organizations and government agencies; to consistently demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs; train, plan, organize, and direct the work of subordinate staff.
Ability to positively receive feedback and take direction is essential.
When driving as part of the job functions, must be able to drive legally with precision, speed and safety.
Ability to consistently work safely and in compliance with the federal, state and local regulations, laws, policies and standards; to recognize traffic hazards and other potential safety concerns; and to make sound decisions and actions while performing duties and/or operating vehicles.
Ability to accurately type 35 wpm.

Nice To Haves

Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) Certification SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP and at least one (1) year of human resource management experience is preferred.
Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) Certification SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP is preferred.

Responsibilities

Performs a variety of daily tasks required to facilitate, administer, and execute human resources functions including, but not limited to: screening, testing, orienting and on-boarding of staff; coordination of compensation, benefits, and leave; proactive performance and talent management; support of productivity, recognition and morale building activities; occupational health, safety and wellness programs; training and development; regulatory requirement compliance and enforcement of policies and procedures.
Responds to employment-related inquiries from applicants, employees, and supervisors. Refers highly complex and/or sensitive matters to the appropriate staff as necessary.
Assists in the administration of the City's return-to-work and self-insured Worker's Compensation programs. Collects, analyzes and interprets risk and accident data; recommends appropriate measures. Reviews accident reports and examines data concerning occupational injuries; processes claims in compliance with Department of Labor and Industries regulations; may interpret safety codes and regulations. Acts as direct liaison between the Worker's Compensation third-party claims administrator, City personnel, and/or related providers. Assists in the preparation and distribution of monthly safety meeting agenda packets. Inspects accident scenes, investigates, makes recommendations, and maintains occupational injury logs. Coordinates independent medical examinations; maintains liaison with physicians.
Processes and assists in various phases of personnel selection, such as preparing job announcements and advertising; recruitment activities such as job fairs and school presentations; application screening for minimum requirements; coordinating, scheduling and notification of applicants for examinations and oral boards; scoring and proctoring of examinations; preparing registers for certification; and coordination of printing and forms maintenance. Conducts or acquires background information, records checks and employee eligibility verifications. Arranges necessary follow-up testing as required, including but not limited to polygraphs, medical and psychological exams. Communicates with hiring managers as necessary to facilitate hire.
Assists in the administration of the City's self-insured medical, dental, life insurance and other employee benefit programs. Assists in notifying retired and terminated employees when coverage changes occur. Answers inquiries and assists employees in resolving problems with plan coverage. Reports coverage changes to the State Retirement System. Assists employees, former employees and retirees with various questions such as the State Retirement System and deferred compensation plans. Assists with the deferred compensation program. Assists employees with the completion of application forms; distributes information; and logs data.
Trains and acts as lead worker to the Department Assistants; assigns work, resolves operational problems and reviews the work of Department Assistants.
Performs detailed work assignments; coordinates projects; researches information and completes routine reports. Relays information in person, by phone or other communication systems. Arranges and schedules meetings and conferences, as necessary using discretion and tact. Maintains confidentiality of information.
Receives and tracks Personnel Action forms; ensures accuracy of information; inputs computer changes for the payroll master; and institutes follow-up reports. Prepares or assists with EEOC reports, as needed.
Assists with classification studies such as salary and benefit surveys, research, and preparation of charts, graphs and reports. Works with division managers and Chief Examiner to develop or revise classifications. Attends Civil Service meetings; documents and maintains minutes of Civil Service meetings.
May coordinate training sessions, workshops and classes for individual and employee groups. Coordinates on-boarding/off-boarding with employees. Schedules orientations and gathers information; reviews with employee policies and procedures; answers questions; and assists with forms.
Processes unemployment claims; acts as liaison between the provider and City; researches additional information as needed.
Maintains compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommended best practices; reviews policies and practices to maintain compliance.
May occasionally drive to/from off-site locations for meetings, attend trainings or other position related duties. Acts in a safe, efficient and responsible manner, legally adhering to traffic laws, rules and regulations when driving/operating vehicles to perform required off-site duties.
Contributes to the effectiveness of City government by demonstrating and fostering an attitude that encourages cooperation and coordination of efforts and efficient use of resources. Provides continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively to provide exceptional customer service to internal and external customers.
May perform any/all duties of the Human Resources Assistant classification. Requires regular. reliable and punctual attendance. Performs other related duties as assigned.