HR Specialist I

$38,000 - $45,000/Yr

Kansas State University - Manhattan, KS

Full-time - Entry Level

Manhattan, KS

Educational Services

About the position

The College of Agriculture/K-State Research & Extension's Business Services Unit is seeking an HR Specialist I to ensure smooth workflow, uninterrupted services, and process improvements within various HR areas. This role is crucial in managing payroll activities, overseeing hiring and separations, and providing support to employees and supervisors regarding HR policies and procedures. The HR Specialist will be responsible for processing payroll activities for departmental employees, which includes time and leave entry, corrections, and managing paperwork related to FMLA, parental leave, and other leave programs. Additionally, the specialist will maintain leave accrual records and train department employees in the use of Self Service in PeopleSoft, ensuring that all payroll funding for employees is set up and maintained accurately. In terms of hiring and separations, the HR Specialist I will develop and maintain a thorough understanding of university regulations regarding recruitment, compensation, and HR actions. This includes conducting recruitments for vacant positions, processing appointment paperwork, and managing the orientation of new employees at the time of hire. The specialist will also provide guidance to supervisors and employees on K-State guidelines for employment and benefits, conduct off-boarding for separating employees, and maintain data in the personnel database system and HR archive files. Furthermore, the HR Specialist will be tasked with developing a detailed handbook of policies and procedures for assigned units, completing annual key inventories, and tracking department space availability. The position emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion, as Kansas State University actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others. The university is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community, making it essential for the HR Specialist to embody these values in their work.

Responsibilities

• Process payroll activities for departmental employees including time and leave entry/corrections and management of FMLA, parental leave, and other leave program paperwork as necessary.
• Maintain leave accrual records and train department employees in the use of Self Service in PeopleSoft.
• Setup and maintain payroll funding for employees.
• Complete payroll transfer paperwork to correct funding errors.
• Develop and maintain up to date knowledge of the University regulations for recruitments, compensation and HR actions.
• Conduct recruitments for vacant positions.
• Complete and process appointment paperwork and personnel transactions.
• Manage orientation of new employees at time of hire, including onboarding, goal setting, and 30/60/90-day reviews.
• Provide guidance and assistance to supervisors and employees on K-State guidelines for employment and benefits.
• Conduct off-boarding of separating employees.
• Maintain data in personnel database system and HR archive files.
• Develop and maintain a detailed handbook of policy and procedures for assigned unit(s).
• Complete annual key inventories, the annual space inventories, and track department space availability.
• Complete offer letters, international assistantship forms, background checks, and visa work permits.
• Complete tuition reimbursements and tuition waivers.

Requirements

• High school diploma and two years of relevant experience.
• Experience in recruitments, hiring, or separations.
• Experience with K-State or higher ed HR processes and paperwork.
• Computer proficiency and ability to learn new systems, including Microsoft Office suite and HR systems such as PageUp, ADP, and PeopleSoft HRIS.
• Ability to learn quickly, determine priorities, meet deadlines, take initiative, work independently, and perform highly detailed tasks.
• Experience responding to clients in a friendly and effective manner.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to communicate with team members.
• Higher Education degree in human resource management or business field.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in recruitments, hiring, or separations in a higher education context.
• Familiarity with K-State HR processes and paperwork.
• Advanced computer skills and proficiency in HRIS systems.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible scheduling options