Senior Human Resources Specialist (Recovery Services Bureau)

Boston Public Health Commission•Boston, MA

12d

About The Position

The Senior Human Resources Specialist supports the Recovery Services Bureau (RSB) at the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), which provides substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery services across Boston. The role works closely with BPHC Human Resources and the Office of Labor and Employment to promote policy compliance, conduct investigations, support labor relations, and coordinate staff training and professional development. The specialist also advises and supports RSB management and staff on personnel matters, exercising sound judgment and discretion while helping advance BPHC’s Anti-Racism Policy.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 4–6 years of relevant managerial experience; a master’s degree in human resources, MBA, or MPA may substitute for two years of experience.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Experience in unionized work environments and a proficient understanding of collective bargaining agreements.
Experience conducting HR investigations into violations of internal policies and procedures.
Ability to interact sensitively and professionally with people from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, and professional backgrounds.
Ability to develop and manage administrative policies and procedures that maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of direct-service programs.
Demonstrated experience working in urban environments and with diverse client and provider populations.
Prior experience working with local, state, and/or federal government.
Ability to follow directions and work harmoniously with staff.
Strong analytical skills.
Previous experience with Microsoft Office and an HRIS database.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Boston communities and neighborhoods.
Bilingual and bicultural skills.
Experience in crisis management.
Knowledge of, or willingness to learn about, public health’s role in addressing racism, social determinants of health, health inequities, and strategies to advance racial justice and health equity.

Responsibilities

Work to help BPHC advance as an antiracist organization by meeting or exceeding the standards in its Anti-Racism Policy.
Work with BPHC Human Resources and the Office of Labor and Employment to ensure RSB staff comply with BPHC policies.
Investigate reports of policy violations involving RSB staff and management, including conducting fact-finding interviews, collecting supporting evidence, and preparing written summaries with recommendations.
Communicate with staff about policy requirements, including annual influenza vaccination, residency verification, and policy distributions.
Coordinate with HR recruiting and payroll teams on RSB matters as needed.
Represent assigned bureaus at internal employee hearings and external unemployment hearings.
Support HR in reviewing and responding to reasonable-accommodation requests.
Serve as the RSB information officer and liaison to HR and the Office of Labor and Employment.
Conduct assigned investigations of alleged BPHC policy violations, including violations of the Anti-Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation policy.
Ensure RSB compliance with applicable collective bargaining agreements.
Assist Labor and Employment and General Counsel offices in gathering information for internal investigations.
Serve as a management representative on labor-management committees as assigned.
Attend grievance and arbitration hearings and represent management in the grievance and arbitration process, including hearing and adjustment of employee grievances.
Work with RSB directors and managers to identify and provide staff training.
Partner with HR to oversee and track staff compliance with required training.
Develop a system for monitoring current records of required licenses and certifications.
Train, assist, or ensure training for RSB staff on applicable BPHC policies and procedures, including anti-discrimination, harassment, and sexual harassment policies.
Participate in and help coordinate RSB New Employee Orientation with RSB leadership.
Exercise sound judgment and professional discretion in supporting RSB management and staff.
Participate in committees and special projects regarding RSB personnel as assigned.
Make and recommend management and personnel decisions, including promotion, transfer, assignment of staff, and discipline.
Perform other duties as required.