Personnel Relations Administrator - (DEPARTMENTAL PROMOTION ONLY)

Government of the Virgin Islands

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Agency head or designee, this is advanced professional and administrative work in comprehensive human resources management within a large department, including responsibility for labor relations management and as the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) officer. An employee in this class serves in a consultative capacity to the Department Head, Division Heads and Chiefs by interpreting and implementing personnel rules and regulations and laws affecting government employees. Collaborates with internal and external divisions and departmental employees to complete the assigned directives and work towards human resources objectives. Supervision is exercised over clerical and technical personnel. Administrative and technical supervision is received through conferences, reports, and evaluations, but the employee is expected to exercise independent judgement in the application of professional services.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public or Business Administration, Human Resources Management, Organizational Development or a closely related field, supplemented by four (4) years of experience at senior staff level with major responsibility for human resources or personnel management and labor relations.
OR Any combination of education, experience, certification, or training equivalent to eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in human resources or personnel management, and labor relations, including two (2) years in a supervisory capacity; or supplemented by any professional certifications, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or PHR in addition to requisite education and experience, not below a high school diploma or its equivalent from an accredited institution.
Knowledge of personnel rules and regulations and Virgin Islands and federal laws related to human resources and labor management.
Knowledge of local governmental structure.
Knowledge of personnel policies, programs, and practices.
Knowledge of local and federal laws related to equal employment opportunities.
Skill in computer operation and application, related human resources systems, and databases.
Skill in interpersonal communication and customer relations.
Skill in organizational development and leadership.
Ability to work effectively, establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers, supervisors, employee representatives, employees, and the public.
Ability to demonstrate high integrity and ethical conduct in all matters.
Ability to analyze complex problems, exercise sound judgment in answering questions and releasing information, project the consequences of decisions and recommendations, and appropriately manage conflict.
Ability to handle sensitive personnel and legal matters with confidentiality and discretion.
Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and direct the work of subordinates and staff.
Ability to stay informed about emerging market trends and best practices in HR management and continuously seek opportunities for professional development.
Ability to promote a positive work culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization and employee morale through effective communication, engagement, and morale building initiatives.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, with a diverse group of people.
Ability to develop and implement personnel practices that are consistent with established policies.
Ability to negotiate and resolve conflicts effectively.
Ability to evaluate human resources procedures for a large department; recommend improvements where necessary; and translate general assignments into specific results by independently developing procedures and training subordinates on those procedures.
Ability to develop routine and complex written reports required by the local and federal government.
Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Professional Certification in human resources such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or PHR

Responsibilities

Plans, organizes, and administers a comprehensive program of personnel services for the Department.
Interprets personnel rules and regulations and Virgin Islands laws affecting employees of the Department.
Serves as liaison officer with the Division of Personnel, Attorney General's Office and Budget Director's Office in all matters relating to personnel management.
Coordinates the health insurance program, retirement program, and Workmen's Compensation, and acts as the liaison with the agencies that administer these programs.
Acts as the Department's EEO Officer to ensure a fair workplace, investigate complaints of harassment and discrimination, foster a fair work environment, reduce legal risks, and enhancing organizational culture.
Acts as the primary negotiator for the Department in collective bargaining discussions with unions representing departmental employees.
Organizes and conducts seminars, workshops and other in-service training sessions for departmental staff in areas related to personnel management, labor relations, insurance wellness initiatives, and other related matters.
Analyzes causes of grievances, and other personnel related problem areas and makes recommendations to eliminate them.
Provides support in administering employee evaluation programs and contributes to the development of departmental work performance standards.
Recommends process improvements and personnel policies by offering suggestions regarding process enhancements and personnel policies.
Provides assistance with the administration of the classification and compensation system, including processing, tracking, filing, retention, and Notices of Personnel Action (NOPA) in accordance with established guidelines, agreements, rules, and regulations.
Maintains current and accurate employee records, reports, and HR databases.
Acts as an advisor and consultant to the Department Head, Budget Officer, and Program Directors on all matters pertaining to personnel management.
Handles special projects as delegated by the agency head or supervisor.
Performs other related duties as required.