Human Resources Director in Silver City, New Mexico at Grant, County of (NM)

Under the administrative direction of the County Manager, the Human Resource Director is responsible for providing leadership and executing human resources strategy in support of Grant County, specifically in the areas of succession planning, talent management, change management, organization and performance management, training and development, and compensation and benefits. Ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The HR Director provides strategic leadership by articulating Human Resource needs and plans to the County Manager.

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Responsible for developing, updating, and implementing the Personnel Rules and Regulations, as well as Policies and Procedures under the Human Resources area to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.
• Oversee the interpretation of the Personnel Rules and Regulations, Policies and Procedures, and ensure adherence.
• Prepare and make recommendations to the County Manager for revisions and amendments to ordinances and resolutions relating to human resource matters.
• Prepare staff reports, studies, and analysis of related personnel and employee issues; recommend and implement changes to existing policies.
• Conduct research and planning for the department; monitor industry trends and identify potential changes; analyze workload and recommend staffing assignments and adjustments.
• Provide leadership, direction, and coaching to staff in the areas of performance management, problem resolution, planning, and work assignments.
• Supervise Human Resources staff and coordinate departmental work assignments to ensure timely and accurate completion of recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, records management, compliance, and related personnel functions.
• Serve as the primary human resources consultant to all County departments by providing guidance and counsel on personnel policies, employment-related matters, compensation, benefits, and equal employment opportunity compliance; exercises independent judgment and ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Manage all employee relations activities; coordinate employee committees; investigate problems arising from harassment, employee relations issues, and employee grievances; conduct hearings and recommend corrective action; advise staff and management on policy issues.
• Administer Collective Bargaining Agreements, contract negotiations, and other aspects of labor/management relations programs. Works to ensure County compliance on all contracted terms.
• Coordinate grievance procedures and pre-disciplinary hearings in accordance with County policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable laws.
• Review and assist Department Heads and Elected Officials with disciplinary actions, reprimands, and termination matters to ensure compliance with County policies and applicable state and federal laws; collaborates with management on disciplinary recommendations and employment actions.
• Direct and oversee the County’s response to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) complaints and state Human Rights complaints, ensuring timely, accurate, and legally compliant submissions.
• Oversee and ensures proper administration of Worker’s Compensation, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Affordable Care Act (ACA), and leave bank benefits in compliance with applicable federal and state laws, as well as County policies and procedures.
• Provide guidance to supervisors regarding employee work restrictions; prepare and process fit-for-duty documentation; coordinates return-to-work efforts and reasonable accommodations as appropriate.
• Represent the County at Worker's Compensation and Unemployment Hearings. Responds to unemployment and Worker's Compensation claims on behalf of the County. Develop and coordinate return-to-work processes for employees.
• Work with the Safety Committee on ways to reduce the County loss ratios. Assist with reports to the Safety Committee on the number of workers' compensation claims and ensure completion of the annual OSHA 300 Report.
• Administer and oversee the County’s drug and alcohol testing and substance abuse programs, including required testing, training, and compliance for DOT and safety-sensitive personnel.
• Administer, oversee, and communicate the County’s recruitment and selection programs, including hiring, onboarding, pre-employment processes, employee benefits programs, compensation programs, training and development, employee relations, and employee safety and health programs.
• Responsible for new employee orientation and schedule training courses needed and required by law.
• Responsible for employee medical, life, and retirement benefits, new employee enrollment, and the data entry of personnel related records. Make sure that records are maintained and submitted to the appropriate department and agency.
• Responsible for employee benefit cancellations, exit interviews, and other separation personnel documents.
• Maintain, review, and update all job descriptions to ensure accuracy and compliance with County policies and applicable laws and procedures.
• Oversee and coordinate training and development opportunities for County employees, supervisors, and key personnel on human resources issues, management techniques, policies, procedures, and professional development.
• Supervise and maintain all personnel files, active and inactive, in accordance with document-retention guidelines as outlined in state statutes or relevant case law. Maintains personnel related documentation, including medical and investigative files, on employees and applicants.
• Oversee effective operation of the Human Resource functions within the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System.
• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of the County’s position control function and an employee recognition program.
• Conduct audits of data to ensure accuracy; reconcile data or areas of concern as necessary.
• Answer personnel and insurance wage surveys.
• Prepare various documents, including resolutions, ordinances, agreements, and contracts.
• Follow the State of New Mexico Purchasing and Procurement laws, County Purchasing Policy, and grant agreements in making purchases, transferring, and depositing assets.
• Represent the County and the Human Resources Department in intergovernmental functions.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
• Six (6) years of human resources experience, including labor relations, employee relations administration, and other human resources areas.
• Four (4) years of supervisory experience across all years of job-related experience.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Required:

• Knowledge of human resource management principles and practices, including recruitment, employee relations, compensation, benefits administration, training, equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and employment law.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of labor relations practices, collective bargaining agreements, grievance procedures, and dispute resolution methods.
• Knowledge of workers’ compensation administration, risk management, loss control, safety programs, and casualty/liability claims processes.
• Knowledge of administrative and adversarial hearing procedures and processes.
• Knowledge of methods, analysis, and data sources used to develop, implement, and evaluate human resources management programs.
• Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices, including staff development, performance management, and work coordination.
• Skill in conducting investigations and ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Skill in policy development, operational analysis, and process improvement.
• Skill in analytical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making.
• Skill in employee development, coaching, and performance management.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, department heads, elected officials, labor unions, public agencies, and the public.
• Skill in providing effective customer service and communicating professionally and tactfully in sensitive or controversial situations.
• Ability to analyze, summarize, and present complex information and data effectively.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to supervise, train, organize, prioritize, and evaluate assigned staff and work assignments.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a professional team environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and represent the County in a professional manner.

Professional Requirements:

• Successful completion of required training, including but not limited to Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and Defensive Driving within one year from the date of hire.
• Adhere to the dress code; business casual dress is neat and clean.
• Report to work on time and as scheduled.
• Represent the County positively and professionally at all times, including the use of tact when working with a wide range of individuals, including the public, often under tense circumstances.
• Comply with all County policies, procedures, and standards regarding ethical business practices in accordance with the Governmental Conduct Act.
• Attend regular staff meetings.

Physical Demands:

• The work required light-to-medium physical effort, which includes:
  1. Frequent bending.
  2. Frequent reaching.
  3. Frequent lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying items waist high, weighing up to 10 pounds.
  4. Occasional lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying items waist high, weighing up to 20 pounds.
  5. Moderate to prolonged walking during site visits.
  6. Coordinated use of eyes, ears, hands, and feet to operate a motorized vehicle
  7. Good vision and hearing.

Conditions of Employment:

• Subject to and must pass a post-offer of employment Drug & Alcohol Analysis Test.
• Following a conditional offer of employment, complete a background investigation, which may include, but is not limited to: a criminal record search, driving record screening, reference check, and employment verification.
• Must not have any felony convictions related to the position.

Work Conditions/Description of Tools, Equipment, Work Aids Used, and Materials and/or Products Handled:

• Office environment. Typically works 8:00 to 5:00, Monday through Friday.
• May be required to attend out-of-town training and seminars.
• Skill in modern office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers, computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.