Human Resources Director

Job Description

Provide planning, leadership, direction and develop short- and long-range plans, goals, and objectives for the Human Resources Department. Assist and guide the County Administrator, Elected Officials, Department Heads,supervisor and employees on a wide variety of human resources, training, risk, and safety issues in concert with the County’s mission, vision, business goals and operational objectives. Ensures human resources activities are aligned with industry best practices in the areas of recruitment, classification, benefits, disciplinary actions, labor-management relations, performance management, personnel policy, leave administration, training, risk management and safety, working cooperatively with the County Administrator.

Review the development and management of staff to ensure proper evaluation, control, and documentation of liability and insurance claims. Supervise staff that maintain claims and incident reports. Assess liability to the county and minimize exposure to accidents and injuries.  Manage county compliance with all state and federal regulations associated with worker health and safety issues.

Essential Functions:
(Any one position may not include all the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks which may be found in positions of this class.)

Lead the management of labor contract negotiations on behalf of the County, represent the County during grievances, labor/management meetings, mediation, and arbitration hearings. Develop written proposals and labor negotiation strategies related to the county’s collective bargaining agreements. Conduct research of wages, benefits, and cost impact of County and Union proposals and present findings.

Develop and administer the county’s human resources program including staffing, job classification, compensation, employee benefits, performance management, affirmative action, employee and labor relations, workers compensation, training, and safety.

Serve as the technical expert in human resource laws, policies, and procedures, help all stakeholders in resolving employment and/or work performance issues as they arise. Investigate complaints and make recommendations regarding the complaint and respond to complainants.

Oversee or conduct the investigation and response to claims for unemployment insurance and workers compensation claims.

Prepare the human resources/risk management department budget in accordance with staffing and resource requirements, cost estimates with department and county goals and objectives. Administer the development and implementation of human resources policies and procedures that are consistent with state, federal and local laws, and regulations.

Prepare classification descriptions. Research and recommend establishment or adjustment in salary levels for county positions. Coordinate with the County Administrator, Elected Officials and Department Heads in recruiting and hiring qualified personnel. Ensure the maintenance of personnel files for all county employees. Manage the recruitment, selection, and on-boarding process for all new county employees as well as the off-boarding process for retirements, terminations and departing employees.

Administer the county’s employee benefit plans, Affirmative Action, and Equal Employment Opportunity program, and the CDL Drug and Alcohol Testing program. Ensure proper reporting of incidents or accidents to WA Labor & Industries.

Review and monitor federal and state laws and regulations related to safety and workers compensation, providing accurate interpretation of laws and regulations to all stakeholders. Oversee related activities with third-party administrator(s) and other stakeholders involved in the proper reporting of workplace incidents or accidents, and in the administration of state and federal leave laws.

Analyzes and recommends improvements to existing facilities, equipment, programs, and operating systems for the human resources department. Develop and maintain systems and records for proper evaluation, control, and documentation of assigned operations.

Perform special projects as requested by the Board of County Commissioners or the County Administrator.

Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.

Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

Practices, principles and procedures of personnel management, labor relations, labor contract negotiations, risk management, employee safety and workers compensation.
Federal, State and Local laws, rules, and regulations applicable to assigned operations.
County government or complex organizational structures.
Employee benefits including employee group insurance.
Mathematical concepts sufficient to accurately assess the cost of changes in wages and benefits.

Skill in:

Labor contract negotiations.
Administering the employee lifecycle.
Interpersonal and written communication.
Giving presentations and training.

 

Ability to:

Conduct employment investigations.
Investigate grievances.
Write clear and effective policies and procedures.
Establish and maintain accurate records of assigned activities and operations.
Analyze and make decisions and judgments relating to area of responsibility utilizing strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the County Administrator, Department Heads, Elected Officials, supervisors, employees, attorneys, and union representatives.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, regarding complex or sensitive issues.
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

 

OTHER JOB DUTIES:

Oversee the Civil Service Commission and Chief Examiner.
Attend, and participate in civil service meetings; receive complaints, investigate, and recommend action to the civil service commission.
Oversee the planning, implementation, testing for and administration of all aspects for recruitment and the selection processes in all levels of the civil service program.
Oversee the Board of Equalization petition process for the County and Board Clerk.
May be required to obtain additional education as required to conduct business functions.

Minimum Qualifications:
(Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job may be considered.) 

Bachelor’s degree in human resources, public administration, or related field. PHR/SPHR/SHRM Certification may substitute for college level human resources education

Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in public sector human resources service delivery, including three years as supervisor or manager of a human resources program or department

Three (3) years of experience as the lead negotiator in public sector labor negotiations

Certification requirements for Risk Management as required by the WA Counties Risk Pool must be obtained within two (2) years of employment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s degree in related field
SHRM, PHR, SPHR Certification
Risk Management experience

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Valid Washington State driver’s license

Supplemental Information:
Application Review is ongoing, please submit your application materials soon as this position may close at anytime.

Schedule: 8:00am to 4:00pm
Work Environment: In-Office / Hybrid

Application: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/masoncountywa/jobs/4922130/human-resources-director