Human Resources Specialist

Join the City of Yakima in a benefits-forward, onsite Human Resources Specialist role in Yakima, WA. This position offers a clear path to impact through recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, workers' compensation, classification studies, and ensuring compliance with employment laws while providing strong HR support to staff and applicants. Salary ranges from USD 5,326 to 6,472 per month, with a comprehensive benefits package and a focus on professional growth within public service.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
• FREE healthcare clinic
• WA State PERS pension plan
• 3% contribution to a 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee contribution to Teamsters Pension Plan
• Vacation starting at 8 hours per month
• Sick leave at 8 hours per month
• Personal holiday 3 days
• Observed holidays 11
• Up to 5% bilingual/biliterate English/Spanish special pay
• Longevity pay
• Life Insurance up to $100,000
• And more benefits beyond the basics

Responsibilities

• Facilitate and administer HR functions including screening, testing, onboarding, compensation, benefits, and leave coordination; support performance and talent management; contribute to morale and wellness programs; support training and development; ensure regulatory compliance and enforce policies.
• Respond to employment inquiries from applicants, employees and supervisors; escalate highly complex or sensitive matters as needed.
• Assist with return-to-work and self-insured workers' compensation programs; analyze risk and accident data, review injury reports, and process claims in line with regulations; liaise with the third-party claims administrator.
• Support personnel selection activities such as posting job announcements, recruitment events, application screening, examination and oral board coordination, scoring, proctoring, and maintaining certification registers.
• Assist with City benefit programs, notify retirees and terminated employees of coverage changes, answer coverage questions, and report changes to the State Retirement System.
• Assist employees with questions about the State Retirement System and deferred compensation plans; support the deferred compensation program.
• Train and lead Department Assistants, assign work, resolve issues, manage projects, and prepare routine reports while maintaining confidentiality.
• Track Personnel Action forms, ensure data accuracy, update payroll records, and generate follow-up reports.
• Prepare or assist with EEOC reports as needed; participate in classification studies and salary/benefit surveys; collaborate on charts, graphs, and reports; attend Civil Service meetings and document minutes.
• Coordinate training sessions, onboarding/offboarding activities, orientations, and policy reviews; assist with form completion and information gathering.
• Process unemployment claims and serve as liaison with the provider; gather additional information as required.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and best practices; review policies to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Occasionally drive to off-site locations for meetings or training; operate duties safely and legally while adhering to traffic laws.
• Support the effectiveness of City government by fostering cooperation, improving processes, and delivering reliable internal and external customer service.
• May perform duties of the Human Resources Assistant as needed; maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in human resource administration
• BA in Human Resources Management, Psychology, Industrial Relations, Public Administration or closely related field, with one year of customer service experience in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to accurately type 35 words per minute
• SHRM Certification SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP and at least one year of HR management experience is preferred

Technologies

Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook

Physical Demands

Work primarily in an office setting with occasional travel. Expect long periods at a desk or computer, with some standing. Occasional movement to access files and office equipment and continuous use of hands for typing and data entry.

Unusual Working Conditions

Work with the public, including individuals who may be upset. The role may require extending workdays to meet deadlines and occasional travel to attend meetings.

Major Worker Characteristics

• Knowledge of personnel policies, city programs, safety, civil service processes, and records retention
• Strong judgment on public disclosure and confidentiality
• Ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences
• Solid command of Microsoft Office, databases, and related tools; basic arithmetic and accounting concepts
• Accurate data entry and competent operation of standard office equipment
• Effective written and verbal communication with staff, public, and officials
• Ability to analyze problems, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Self-directed work style with attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines
• Strong analytical and organizational skills; adapt to changing priorities
• Ability to build and maintain professional relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Willingness to drive as part of job duties and comply with safety and legal standards
• Proficient in typing 35 words per minute