Human Resources Manager, Benefits & Talent Acquisition in Sacramento, California at Association of California School Administrators (ACSA)

DEFINITION OF POSITION

The Human Resources Manager serves as a key operational leader within the Human Resources Department and is responsible for managing employee benefits administration, leave of absence programs, talent acquisition, workers' compensation coordination, workplace safety programs, and HR operational processes. This position ensures compliance with applicable federal and California employment laws while delivering responsive, employee-focused HR services in a hybrid work environment.

The Human Resources Manager oversees the day-to-day administration of employee benefits, leave programs, recruitment activities, onboarding processes, payroll administration support, and HR compliance initiatives. The position also provides guidance and oversight to assigned HR staff responsible for onboarding, HR administration, and payroll processing.

Employee relations, performance management, compensation strategy, and organizational workforce planning remain the responsibility of the Sr. Director, Human Resources. This position supports those functions as assigned and provides expertise related to leave administration, benefits, workers' compensation, and HR operations.

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SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

• Reports to and receives general direction from the Sr. Director, Human Resources.
• Works independently while collaborating on departmental priorities and organizational initiatives.
• Provides day-to-day supervision, guidance, and performance oversight to assigned HR staff, including the HR Coordinator and Payroll Administrator.
• Exercises discretion and independent judgment in carrying out assigned responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Benefits Administration

• Administers all employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance programs, retirement plans, and other voluntary benefit offerings.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for employees regarding benefits eligibility, enrollment, qualifying life events, claims issues, and benefit-related questions.
• Coordinates annual open enrollment activities, employee communications, enrollment meetings, and benefit education efforts.
• Partners with benefit brokers, insurance carriers, retirement plan providers, and third-party administrators to resolve issues and ensure effective plan administration.
• Reviews, reconciles, and approves monthly benefit invoices and enrollment records.
• Prepares reports and documentation related to employee benefits, retirement plans, and compliance requirements.

Leave of Absence Administration

• Administers all employee leave programs, including FMLA, CFRA, Pregnancy Disability Leave, military leave, paid family leave, workers' compensation leaves, and other protected leaves of absence.
• Coordinates employee leave requests from initiation through return to work.
• Manages leave tracking, required notices, certifications, and documentation to ensure compliance with federal and California law.
• Coordinates the interactive process and workplace accommodations in partnership with the Sr. Director, Human Resources.
• Communicates with employees and supervisors regarding leave rights, responsibilities, and return-to-work requirements.
• Maintains confidential leave and medical records in accordance with applicable laws.

Talent Acquisition

• Manages full-cycle recruitment activities for regular, temporary, and exempt positions.
• Partners with hiring managers to develop recruitment strategies, review position descriptions, screen applicants, coordinate interviews, conduct reference checks, and facilitate candidate selection.
• Prepares and extends employment offers in accordance with organizational procedures.
• Oversees onboarding processes to ensure timely completion of new hire paperwork, orientation activities, benefit enrollment, and required training.
• Coordinates onboarding logistics with Facilities, Information Technology, Payroll, and hiring managers to ensure employees have appropriate workspace, equipment, system access, and resources on their first day of employment.
• Monitors recruitment metrics and recommends process improvements to enhance hiring effectiveness and candidate experience.

Payroll and HR Operations Oversight

• Provides oversight and direction to HR staff responsible for onboarding administration, operational transactions, and payroll processing.
• Reviews operations actions and payroll-related documentation for accuracy and completeness.
• Supports payroll administration by ensuring timely processing of employee status changes, compensation changes, benefit deductions, and leave-related transactions.
• Maintains HRIS data integrity and supports HR reporting and analytics.
• Develops and improves HR workflows, procedures, and operational processes to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
• Maintains personnel records and HR documentation in compliance with legal and organizational requirements.

Workers’ Compensation & Safety

• Coordinates workers' compensation claims administration and return-to-work processes.
• Serves as the primary liaison with workers' compensation carriers, third-party administrators, and injured employees.
• Supports workplace safety programs, training initiatives, and regulatory compliance activities.
• Maintains required workers' compensation and safety-related records.
• Assists with implementation and administration of the Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP), and related safety initiatives.

Compliance and Employee Support

• Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, with particular emphasis on California employment law.
• Provides guidance to employees and supervisors regarding benefits, leave administration, payroll processes, and safety procedures.
• Supports implementation and administration of HR policies and programs.
• Maintains confidentiality of employee information and sensitive organizational records.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Sitting for long hours, working at a computer workstation for extended periods
• Perform light physical activity, including moving up to forty pounds
• Limited travel may be required by land or air, with occasional overnights

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• California and federal employment laws and regulations.
• Employee benefits administration and retirement plans.
• Leave of absence administration, including FMLA, CFRA, PDL, ADA accommodations, and related laws.
• Recruitment, selection, and onboarding best practices.
• Workers' compensation administration and return-to-work programs.
• Payroll administration principles.
• Human Resources Information Systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Ability to:

• Interpret and apply employment laws, policies, and procedures.
• Manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect by fostering equitable HR practices, supporting employees from diverse backgrounds, and ensuring consistent access to programs, resources, and employment opportunities.
• Exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Build positive working relationships with employees, supervisors, vendors, and external partners.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Lead and support HR operational staff.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING AND EDUCATION

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible human resources experience, including substantial experience in benefits administration, leave of absence management, and recruitment.
• Prior supervisory or lead experience preferred.
• Professional HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or equivalent) preferred.
• Experience with Paylocity or similar HRIS/payroll systems preferred.
• Experience working in California employment law environments required