HR Specialist (0.8 FTE / 32 hours weekly) at City of Lake Forest Park – Lake Forest Park, Washington

Under the direction of the Human Resources Director, the Human Resources Specialist assists in the administration of Human Resources (HR) policies, programs and projects; performs routine, complex, and technical administrative duties related to recruitment, new hire onboarding, benefits, and HR records management; provides assistance to City employees as related to the City’s benefit programs and policy questions; provides administrative support to the Human Resources Director; supports employee engagement activities and coordinates related events as assigned.

This role requires strong skills in communication, organization, attention to detail, and discretion due to the confidential nature of the information handled. Independent judgment, collaboration, and time management are required to plan, prioritize, organize, and complete a diversified workload accurately and with minimal supervision. Responsibilities have a significant impact on the department’s operations, record-keeping, and customer satisfaction.

Work schedule would be either:

• Monday – Thursday, (4) eight-hour shifts (with one remote day available); or
• Monday – Friday, (4) six-hour shifts + (1) eight-hour shift or similar – open to discuss further (with the possibility of up to two remote days available)

• Assist in the administration of HR policies, programs and projects including but not limited to benefits, recruitment, record management, wellness, leave administration, employee engagement activities, and compliance assurance.
• Assist with routine, complex, and technical clerical and administrative functions related to various HR programs. Provide assistance in compliance with applicable department procedures and City policies, collective bargaining agreements and/or local, state and federal regulations.
• Assists with the City’s recruitment process, including but not limited to, maintenance of the City’s applicant tracking system (ATS), responding to applicant questions, posting job announcements, screening applications, reviewing resumes, conducting phone interviews, and assisting hiring managers with interview questions. Attend job fairs and other related events to support recruitment efforts.
• Conduct onboarding with new hires, including processing new hire paperwork.
• Answer employee benefits questions, assist in the processing of new hire enrollments and employee benefits changes; Collaborate directly with vendors to resolve benefit-related issues and trouble-shoot discrepancies.
• Respond to requests for information; provide information to employees, management, outside agencies and the public. Includes employment verifications.
• Maintain accurate and complete employee records (both physical and electronic); Assist with maintaining the department filing, including but not limited to employee personnel files, HR program files, reports, etc.
• Provide high-level administrative and strategic support to HR Director, preparing documents, and handling confidential communications.
• Assist with preparing records and documents for archival storage and destruction with department director approval as needed using the WA State Records Management Guidelines.
• Identify gaps in current HR programs, suggest enhancements, and support the design/implementation of new policies.
• Serves on the Wellness Committee as a liaison between city staff and Human Resources.
• May serve in the capacity of Civil Service Commission Secretary.
• Performs other related duties as assigned that are within the scope of this position.

Education and Training

Required:

• Two years of college level course work in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Communications, or related field AND at least three years of HR experience including recruitment, benefits administration, and providing a high level of customer service OR equivalent education/experience.
• Working knowledge of Adobe, Outlook, Microsoft Word, and Excel.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Communications, or related field;
• Prior experience supporting a unionized environment.
• Prior records management experience

WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The position works in a standard office environment with moderate noise levels.