Human Resources Assistant Director

About the Role

Under the direction of the Human Resources Director, assists with the leadership, management, and administration of the Human Resources Department’s operations and assigned programs and functions. Leads and manages the Human Resources Department in the absence of the Director.

Assists the Human Resources Director in leading, developing, and maintaining an organizational culture focused on attracting, engaging, developing, and retaining the best talent through assessing and improving Human Resources systems, services, programs, processes, and initiatives. Oversees the City’s Risk Management, Employee Benefits, and Workers’ Compensation programs, ensuring the efficient and effective management of the City's insurance coverages through the administration of budgeted monies.

Assists in the daily administration of the Human Resources Department, including special projects, policy creation and interpretation, employee drug and alcohol testing, supervisor and employee training, employee grievance and disciplinary actions, unemployment claims, and other projects as assigned. Assists the Director with short and long-range planning; leads staff initiatives to study, analyze, and document procedures in assigned areas to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations; prepares reports, makes public presentations, and responds to questions.

Key Responsibilities

• Works closely with Human Resources staff, Fiscal Services, and Information Systems Departments to maximize the efficiency of the Human Resources Information System application software and other systems such as applicant tracking, recruiting, onboarding, and employee data and salary/job history and data.
• Ensures cost-effective management of operational activities and programs through analysis and evaluation of organizational requirements, goals, and objectives, and budget preparation and monitoring; develops and oversees the departmental budget, tracks expenditures, and informs Director of items needing attention.
• Advises supervisors, managers, and directors on appropriate course of action regarding various policies, employee concerns, or misconduct and assists with the creation of performance-related documentation; counsels with supervisors, manages complaints/grievances from employees, conducts interviews and investigations as required/appropriate for resolution; conducts disciplinary/termination hearings in the Human Resource Director’s absence.
• Performs research and recommends policy updates to the Human Resources Manual; trains and assists supervisors in implementation of policies.
• Maintains salary administration system and methods; enforces salary and wage policies and procedures per Council and City Manager instructions; oversees the City’s annual salary survey, analyzes results, and recommends pay adjustments accordingly; conducts job analysis and maintains current job descriptions.
• Manages Citywide training initiatives; reviews and selects or develops training programs for supervisory and general employees on City policies and procedures and other training as needed.
• Maintains current knowledge of employment laws and regulations of local, state, and federal laws. Keeps management advised of potential problem areas and recommends/implements solutions as appropriate.
• Ensures security of personal, confidential, and sensitive information. Acts on behalf of the Director in his or her absence. Performs related duties as directed.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Knowledge of operational characteristics, services, and activities of assigned human resources program areas, including recruitment, employment services, classification and compensation, employee relations, customer service, and training.
• Advanced organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills to effectively manage and communicate pertinent Human Resource issues to department heads, supervisors, and employees.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws relating to human resources functions.
• Sound judgment in development and application of policy to individual situations and ability to apply policies fairly and consistently.
• Excellent skills in modern office equipment, including computers and supporting word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Knowledge of principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation, and principles and practices of record keeping and report preparation.
• Skill in effective communication with others, ability to instruct and persuade.
• Skill in interpersonal relations, conflict resolution, and maintaining effective working relationships within the department and with employees in other departments.
• Ability to manage and oversee human resources programs in assigned areas of responsibility, including recruitment, employment, customer service, and records retention.
• Ability to oversee, direct, and coordinate the work of subordinate employees.
• Ability to select, supervise, train, and evaluate subordinate employees.
• Ability to participate in the development and administration of department goals, objectives, and procedures.
• Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Ability to research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.

Education, Experience, and Other Requirements

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree and seven years of progressively responsible experience in human resources, benefits, or risk management, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
• Human Resources credentials (i.e., HRCI or SHRM) are required or the ability to obtain within two years of hire date or promotion.
• Previous experience in a municipal government or public agency setting is preferred.
• Must pass a credit check and Federal/National criminal background check.
• Must have a valid Texas driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

This position is rarely exposed to disagreeable environmental factors. The employee regularly performs light to medium work that involves walking or standing, using a computer keyboard and mouse, reaching, talking, hearing, stooping, or crouching. Occasionally lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds. Requires specific vision abilities including close and distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Ability to speak and communicate clearly is required. This job requires the ability to work in an office environment where the noise level is usually moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Key skills/competency

• Human Resources Management
• Risk Management
• Employee Benefits
• Workers' Compensation
• Policy Development
• Training Programs
• Employment Law
• Salary Administration
• HRIS Management
• Supervision