Human Resources Specialist I

Austin, TX (onsite) entry-level Human Resources Specialist role supporting a multi-division organization.

Responsibilities

• Consult with employees and management on employee relations matters.
• Review documentation and recommend mutually acceptable solutions to support disciplinary actions, demotions, suspensions, progressive discipline, termination, performance evaluation, and appeal processes.
• Participate in or lead resolution of conflicts, complaints, and workplace problems.
• Investigate employee complaints, grievances, confrontations, performance improvement needs, and disagreements in a constructive manner.
• Prepare reports and investigative documentation; support determinations of policy violations and recommendations for next steps.
• Support development and customization of training programs, including lesson plans and delivery.
• Assist with curriculum development and coordinate training activities.
• Evaluate and assess organizational training and employee development needs; recommend training enhancements.
• Plan training schedules and coordinate across departments and training consultants.
• Assist in evaluating and selecting training consultants.
• Conduct HR research, compile background/supporting information, and provide written analysis.
• Collaborate with management on development or modification of HR policies, procedures, rules, and practices for HR programs and services.
• Recommend policy/process improvements and help ensure compliance with Federal, State, and Local employment regulations and County objectives.
• Review performance evaluations and explain the process and appeals process.
• Attend grievance panel deliberations and advise the panel on policy.
• Advise managers, supervisors, and employees on HR policies, procedures, and State and Federal laws and regulations including ADA, FMLA, FLSA, and EEO.
• Administer HR programs/services/events such as Tuition Refund, Employee Recognition, Leadership Training, and Exit Interviews to help determine reasons employees leave and monitor compliance with employment law requirements such as FMLA, Workers Compensation, and ADA.
• Respond to unemployment claims and appeal hearings to contest benefits requested by former employees.
• Assist with responses to charges filed with the EEOC/Texas Commission on Human Rights.
• Respond to open records requests and subpoenas.
• Develop and deliver training to departments and make presentations.
• Conduct new employee orientation from a policy perspective, including structure of Travis County, retirement, at-will status, and other benefits not related to group benefits.
• Respond to employee and public inquiries/complaints regarding employment opportunities.
• Support recruitment activities and act as a recruiter for the department.
• Research and identify trends for appropriate advertising sources.
• Design, prepare, and place job vacancy advertisements in professional journals, newspapers, internet employment sites, and other related sources.
• Assist with maintenance of an electronic mailbox for receipt of applications; process and screen applications for acceptability.
• Support Employee Relations as a member of the case review team.
• Make presentations on HR-related topics and consult with managers, supervisors, and employees on HR policies and procedures.
• Prepare correspondence, reports, and review studies/research on HR issues.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Personnel Management, Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a directly related field AND one (1) year of directly related demonstrated experience for the assigned HR position.
• OR an equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• None required (additional requirement listed as “None required”).
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local regulations and codes/laws, including Title VII, Equal Pay Act, FLSA, ADA, FMLA, EEOC, I-9, Texas Workforce Commission rules/statutes, Open Records Act, and Texas Governor’s Committee on Disabilities.
• Knowledge of HR management principles and practices; county policies/procedures/terminology; compiling data and generating reports.
• Knowledge of recent HR developments and current literature; office management.
• Knowledge of computer equipment/software including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and various software packages.
• Knowledge of business letter writing, grammar/punctuation, and report preparation.
• Skills in applying HR methods; problem-solving/decision-making; customer service delivery.
• Ability to explain complicated technical problems in simple non-technical language; communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to interpret policies/procedures and applicable Federal/State/Local laws.
• Ability to develop and deliver effective presentations; convey complex ideas in writing and verbally.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to manage time, perform multiple tasks, and organize diverse activities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County employees/officials, outside agency representatives, and the general public.

Preferred

• CCP (Certified Compensation Professional) OR CBP (Certified Benefits Professional).
• SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources) OR PHR (Professional in Human Resources Certification).
• Specialized coursework in Human Resources.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License.

Work Environment & Other Information

• Physical requirements: lift/carry up to 20-50 pounds occasionally; visual acuity; speech/hearing; hand/eye coordination; manual dexterity to operate computer and office equipment.
• Subject to standing, walking, sitting, repetitive motion, reaching, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing, pulling, balancing, client/customer contact, and squatting to perform essential functions.
• Travis County employees may be assigned to business continuity efforts outside normal job functions.
• Work hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; works some nights, holidays, and weekends.
• Location: 5501 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751.
• Department: County Clerk.
• Criminal, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required.
• Updates/questions: [email protected].
• Job description is generic and not necessarily exhaustive; essential duties/functions/responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary by assigned tasks.

Distinguishing Characteristics

• Job classification within the Human Resources job family.
• Entry level Human Resources generalist position.
• May require a flexible work schedule to meet departmental needs.