Human Resources Specialist

Summary

 
Job Category:
Human Resources
Job Title:
Human Resources Specialist
Job Category Definition:
This specialty covers the strategic and operational management of activities related to the performance of the human resources function in an organization. As a strategic partner of management, functions include planning, developing, and coordinating innovative human resource programs that advance the business goals and objectives of the operating units; providing leadership in the development of integrated human resources systems to support management activities; providing analyses in support of institutional planning activities and external information requests; and providing consultant and business analyst support for Human Resources process improvement initiatives.
Job Title Definition:
The Human Resources Specialist provides expertise in a specific area of human resources such as compensation, benefits, recruitment, employee relations, immigration, training and development, employee wellness, and/or affirmative action; counsels and advises management and employees, initiates and responds to inquiries, provides information about and interprets various University policies and procedures, investigates employee issues/concerns; compiles and analyzes data; prepares reports; develops presentations and communications for a variety of audiences; and updates Human Resources staff and management; develops and/or modifies policies, procedures, and programs related to area of specialization that are consistent with changes to federal and state laws and regulations and are consistent with University and unit strategic plans; prepares and recommends proposals for programs updated on a regular basis such as health care contracts, labor contracts, salary adjustments, etc. Duties are performed at various levels within the defined title.
Working Conditions:
Specific physical requirements and effort are outlined in Job Responsibilities Worksheet (list of essential job duties and responsibilities specific to a particular job at the unit level) in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
Other Requirements:
 

Levels

Level 1 

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
HRHR0301 H Non-Exempt

Level 1 positions typically demonstrate baseline working knowledge of routine work applications; follow standard principles and systems and use appropriate terminology associated with a particular field of specialization; participate as a team member in a collaborative environment within a diverse workforce; actively contribute to completion of team goals and assigned tasks; clearly communicate information, ideas, or instructions verbally and in writing; follow recommended approach to assigned work to facilitate achievement of desired results; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; typically work under direct and frequent supervision while performing routine duties using established procedures with detailed instructions.

Typical Education & Experience

0+ years related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Initiate and respond to inquiries in area of specialization typically requiring further research of the issue; complete analysis and respond with recommendation and/or answer to question
  • Assist in coordination of specialized programs such as recruitment, employment, development, affirmative action, etc.
  • Approve transactions and input changes and relevant information into the appropriate computer system
  • Develop liaison relationships with managers, department heads, support staff, and Human Resources Representatives of assigned units; provide guidance on issues related to assigned specialty (e.g., benefits, compensation, training, international scholars, affirmative action, etc.)
  • Provide advice to employees regarding policies, programs, career development, regulations, issues, options, etc.
  • Resolve routine issues and employee concerns (e.g., medical claims, salary offers, availability/schedule of training programs, visas, etc.)
  • Review unit programs for compliance with human resources laws, regulations, policies, and best practices and recommend modifications if appropriate
  • Review and evaluate employment policies, practices, procedures and programs (e.g., posting/advertising jobs, insurance programs, employee discipline, layoff procedures, affirmative action, etc.)
  • May present training and/or information programs to groups of employees
  • May investigate and resolve grievances, complaints, and/or employee relations issues
  • Assist in investigating and providing recommendations regarding policy/legal violations

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 2 

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
HRHR0302 I Exempt

Level 2 positions typically demonstrate intermediate knowledge of the concepts, practices and procedures of a particular field of specialization; perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas/applications by continuously building on current job knowledge; maintain effective relationships with peers, vendors, and others in a diverse environment; support team decisions and follow through with team responsibilities; interpret information, ideas and instructions and communicate clearly and accurately both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; determine causes of unusual occurrences and apply standard principles and practices to determine and implement solutions; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; typically work under general supervision, while performing assignments that are varied and that may be somewhat difficult in character, but usually involve limited responsibility.

Typical Education & Experience

2+ years related experience

Bachelor's Degree or higher

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Initiate and/or respond to inquiries concerning non-routine and unusual human resources issues (e.g., salary exceptions, job review questions, rejected medical claims, visa expirations, claims of discrimination, training needs, etc.)
  • Partner with Human Resources and management staff to communicate and develop programs that meet the needs of the units/University (e.g., training and development, compensation, etc.)
  • Provide guidance to employees and management on human resources policies and procedures
  • Interpret policies and procedures and investigate moderately complex issues obtaining information from higher-level human resources staff and/or referring as appropriate
  • Participate in project teams to develop and implement human resources policies, programs, or process changes
  • Develop training, communications, presentations and/or information programs for employees/groups of employees
  • Review programs, policies, and/or practices to ensure compliance with laws, regulations and policies
  • May be responsible for statistical analysis and/or reports for senior management
  • Assist in the development of recommendations for changes to policies, procedures, and/or employee programs
  • Assist in coordinating employee programs (benefits, compensation, training, employment, affirmative action, etc.)
  • May provide consulting, training, and development services to increase workforce competence, employee wellness, and/or organizational capability
  • Interpret and administer contracts and agreements

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 3 

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
HRHR0303 J Exempt

Level 3 positions typically demonstrate proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications to integrate fundamental elements from other specialties into work assignments; apply knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization to complete difficult assignments; promote a culture that is conducive to effective relationships among diverse team members; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; may lead a project team involved in completion of difficult assignments, requiring proficient knowledge of field of specialization; interpret and communicate information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; incorporate new facts and ideas into group processes and apply creative thinking to develop new solutions; typically work with minimal supervision on difficult assignments, conferring with manager on unusual matters.

Typical Education & Experience

4+ years related experience

Bachelor's Degree or higher

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Initiate and/or respond to inquiries concerning non-routine and unusual human resources issues
  • Resolve complex and unusual issues and employee concerns (e.g., criminal activity, security violations, employee conflicts, loss of medical coverage, visa violations, claims of discrimination etc.)
  • Provide analysis and recommendations to units regarding strategies for various Human Resources programs/services including compensation, employee relations, wellness, training, etc.
  • Lead project teams in the development and implementation of human resources policies, programs, or process changes
  • Prepare proposals for new programs, strategies, and procedures within the division/unit including budget analysis; align programs with unit/University strategic plans
  • Partner with management to provide consulting, training, and development services to develop workforce competence, employee wellness, and organizational capability
  • Perform complex data analysis; prepare reports and/or presentations for senior management
  • Provide advice and guidance to professional and support staff within the division
  • Ensure programs, policies, and procedures support and enhance the goal of achieving a diverse workforce
  • Develop training, communications, presentations and/or information programs for employees/groups of employees
  • Coordinate and present information on a variety of topics to multiple campuses and multiple audiences
  • Serve as a primary contact for area of specialization including systems administration, vendor interface, and coordination of multiple resources within division
  • Interpret and administer contracts and agreements
  • May also perform duties listed in lower level(s)

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 4  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
HRHR0304 K Exempt

Level 4 positions typically demonstrate advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization and complete complex assignments; integrate complex elements from other specialties into work assignments; demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusionary practices which support diversity throughout the University; establish a shared vision and take responsibility for the achievement of team goals, and provide direction for appropriate implementation of plans; present ideas, concepts and instructions in a clear manner, and use persuasion and negotiation to build consensus and cooperation; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; develop new techniques, concepts, theories, programs or solutions and apply them to complex strategic operating issues; typically work independently on complex work assignments, review progress and evaluate results and update management as appropriate; may direct and delegate work to lower-level staff.

Typical Education & Experience

6+ years related experience

Bachelor's Degree or higher

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Initiate and/or respond to inquiries concerning complex human resources issues; resolve issues through coordination with multiple departments/resources as appropriate
  • Provide advice and consultation to supervisors and managers regarding human resources policies, procedures, and practices in area of specialization
  • Advise and counsel labor and management on the prevention and resolution of labor agreement disputes, other labor relations issues, comprehensive employee programs, or complaints of discrimination
  • Negotiate agreements with employees, managers, groups, agencies, vendors, and/or units as assigned
  • Mentor Human Resources staff within the division as assigned
  • Provide analysis and recommendations to units regarding strategies for various Human Resources programs/services including compensation, employee relations, wellness, training, etc.
  • Perform complex data analysis; prepare reports and/or presentations for senior management
  • Lead project teams in the development and implementation of human resources policies, programs, or process changes that may have an impact on multiple units across the University
  • Develop training, communications, presentations and/or information programs for employees/groups of employees
  • Coordinate and present information on a variety of topics to multiple campuses and multiple audiences
  • Serve as a primary contact for area of specialization including systems administration, vendor interface, and/or coordination of multiple resources within division
  • Prepare proposals for new programs, strategies, and procedures within the division/unit including budget analysis; align programs with unit/University strategic plans
  • Provide advice and guidance to professional and support staff within the division
  • Ensure programs, policies, and procedures support and enhance the goal of achieving a diverse workforce
  • May also perform duties listed in lower level(s)

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 5  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
HRHR0305 L Exempt

Level 5 positions typically extend mastery of job knowledge to the principles, theories and practices of related specialties; expand knowledge of best practices and incorporate into all work assignments and procedures; evaluate and enhance current practices and efforts to ensure optimal support of diversity; oversee leadership of teams and projects that involve extensive cooperation and coordination between multiple departments across the University or with external customers; prepare written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on highly complex issues and deliver to a broad variety of audiences; identify and implement innovative solutions to important, highly complex strategic and/or operational issues which may involve unusual circumstances and incomplete or conflicting data; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; work independently on highly complex or strategic assignments; may direct and supervise lower-level staff.

Typical Education & Experience

8+ years related experience

Bachelor's Degree or higher

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Serve as expert resource for area of specialization; provide advice and counsel to units, management and/or employees
  • May supervise/mentor Human Resources staff including providing input for performance evaluations
  • Resolve complex Human Resources issues by investigating issues, involving appropriate resources from multiple areas, and communicating difficult decisions/resolutions to Human Resources Representatives, management and/or employees
  • Develop policies and programs to address identified areas of concern/need throughout the University; present proposals and review recommendations with senior management
  • Lead projects to implement University-wide initiatives based on legal mandates or proactive program development
  • Advise and counsel labor and management on the prevention and resolution of labor agreement disputes, other labor relations issues, comprehensive employee programs, or complaints of discrimination
  • Negotiate agreements with employees, managers, groups, agencies, vendors, and/or units as assigned
  • Partner with units to identify specialized programs/needs for various Human Resources programs/services including compensation, employee relations, wellness, training, etc.
  • Perform complex data analysis; prepare reports, presentations and detailed project plans for senior management review
  • Develop training, communications, presentations and/or information programs for employees/groups of employees
  • Coordinate and present information on a variety of topics to multiple campuses and multiple audiences; may include presentations to senior management within/outside of division
  • Serve as a primary contact for area of specialization including systems administration, vendor interface, and/or coordination of multiple resources within division
  • Prepare proposals for new programs, strategies, and procedures within the division/unit including budget analysis; align programs with unit/University strategic plans
  • Ensure programs, policies, and procedures support and enhance the goal of achieving a diverse workforce
  • May also perform duties listed in lower level(s)

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.