Human Resource Specialist

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

1d • $75,000 - $86,000

About The Position

The Human Resources Specialist supports faculty, staff, and leaders across the USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. The role brings together employee relations, leave administration, recruitment, payroll, training, compliance, and day-to-day HR operations to provide a responsive and effective employee experience. The Specialist advises managers and employees, conducts workplace investigations, maintains confidential employee records and HR systems, supports the employee lifecycle, coordinates leave processes, and collaborates with university colleagues on HR policies, programs, and process improvements. The position also designs and facilitates training and communicates HR resources and initiatives to faculty and staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; combined experience and education may substitute for the minimum education requirement.
• At least three years of directly related professional human resources experience; the minimum experience requirement is three years.
• Thorough knowledge of laws governing human resources and of HR policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of human resource theories, principles, and practices.
• Knowledge of principles and processes involved in business and organizational planning, coordination, and execution.
• Experience supporting employee relations, leave administration, recruitment, training, and general HR administration.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws, HR best practices, and compliance requirements.
• Ability to advise managers and employees, build credibility, and establish trusting relationships across organizational levels.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex information clearly.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Experience supporting workplace investigations, performance management, conflict resolution, and other employee relations matters.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems, Microsoft Office applications, and other HR technology and productivity tools.
• Ability to learn and effectively use emerging technologies and AI-assisted productivity tools while maintaining accuracy, confidentiality, and independent judgment.
• Collaborative, adaptable, and solutions-oriented approach; ability to work independently and build partnerships.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where employees feel respected, supported, valued, and empowered.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or professional HR certification.
• Five years of preferred experience.
• Professional in Human Resources (PHR), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification.
• Human resource generalist experience in a university setting.

Responsibilities

• Advise managers and employees on employee relations matters, including performance management, conflict resolution, workplace concerns, and policy interpretation.
• Help employees and leaders navigate HR processes, policies, and workplace challenges with professionalism, empathy, and sound judgment.
• Conduct workplace investigations fairly, promptly, objectively, and confidentially, including appropriate documentation, resolution, and follow-up.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records and HR systems for reporting, compliance, workforce planning, and process improvement.
• Support the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, employee support, and offboarding.
• Work with the payroll team to administer payroll accurately and ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, university policies, and procedures.
• Collaborate with the Leave Administrator to coordinate leave programs and support employees and managers throughout the leave process.
• Process medical, family, disability, and other protected leaves; maintain documentation; coordinate with benefits and payroll partners; monitor leave status and return-to-work requirements; and ensure compliance.
• Design, coordinate, and facilitate training and development programs that strengthen employee capabilities, leadership, compliance, and engagement.
• Assist in developing and implementing HR policies, procedures, programs, and best practices that support a positive and inclusive workplace.
• Partner with managers and university colleagues to improve processes, employee engagement, and the employee experience.
• Communicate HR programs, resources, and initiatives clearly and accessibly to faculty and staff.
• Collaborate across the university to advance shared HR goals and provide consistent, high-quality support.
• Use emerging technologies and AI tools to improve HR services while exercising professional judgment and maintaining accuracy, confidentiality, and integrity.

Benefits

• USC employee benefits are referenced, with details available through the USC employee benefits website; specific benefits are not listed in the posting.
• Opportunities for professional learning, collaboration, and career growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level