Human Resources Specialist

$63,784 - $79,017/Yr

City Of Downey - Downey, CA

Part-time - Entry Level

Downey, CA

Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries

About the position

The City of Downey, CA is seeking a Human Resources Specialist to provide responsible technical and administrative support within the Human Resources Division. This position is essential in managing various core service areas, including general office administration, recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, employee services and benefits administration, labor and employee relations, and employee development and training. The role requires a proactive approach to ensure efficient operations and exceptional customer service, particularly at the public counter where inquiries regarding employment verification, benefits, and job opportunities are addressed. The Human Resources Specialist will also be responsible for processing personnel status reports, tracking employee hours for benefit eligibility, and implementing changes resulting from new labor agreements. This position is classified as 'Confidential' and is non-represented, meaning it serves at the will of the City Council without guaranteed employment rights. The successful candidate will coordinate various Human Resources programs, including staffing and onboarding for both regular and part-time positions, as well as seasonal and temporary recruitments. They will conduct new hire onboarding processes, manage health authorizations for pre-employment physicals and drug screens, and ensure compliance with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) and other benefit providers. The role also involves processing employee benefit applications, coordinating activities with other City departments, and participating in compensation and benefits surveys to support labor negotiations. The Human Resources Specialist will maintain personnel records, prepare statistical reports, and proofread division correspondence to ensure accuracy and professionalism. Candidates should possess a high school diploma or equivalent, supplemented by some college-level coursework in personnel, business, or public administration. A minimum of four years of increasingly responsible administrative support experience, including at least two years in a human resources office, is required. Knowledge of human resources administration, modern office equipment, and effective customer service techniques is essential. The position demands strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to maintain confidentiality in all personnel matters. The City of Downey offers a competitive salary and benefits package, with a planned pay increase effective April 1, 2025.

Responsibilities

• Processes personnel status reports (PSRs) for employee status changes and payroll processing in a timely manner.
• Tracks hours worked to determine benefit eligibility and implements personnel status changes resulting from new labor agreements.
• Distributes monthly employee performance evaluation reports and processes benefit enrollment and changes for benefit programs.
• Coordinates Human Resources programs including staffing, onboarding, and performance management programs.
• Conducts new hire onboarding including I-9 e-verifications and health authorizations for pre-employment physicals and drug screens.
• Provides exceptional customer service at the public counter, answering inquiries and resolving complaints efficiently.
• Ensures confidentiality of personnel information by following established procedures.
• Plans and initiates recruitment selection activities including composing job announcements and reviewing applications.
• Processes employee benefit applications and requests for disability leave, FMLA, COBRA, and retirement.
• Coordinates activities of the Human Resources Office with other City departments and external contacts.
• Participates in and conducts surveys on compensation and employee benefits in support of labor negotiations.
• Processes workers' compensation claims and maintains employee disability/leave status.
• Prepares and maintains personnel records and general file maintenance.
• Researches and gathers information for personnel-related reports and prepares routine statistical reports.
• Proofreads outgoing division correspondence for accuracy and completeness.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent, supplemented by some college level courses in personnel, business, public administration or a closely related field.
• Four (4) years of increasingly responsible administrative support work experience, including at least two (2) years in a human resources office or related field.
• Knowledge of human resources administration and the ability to provide support for recruitment and onboarding.
• Proficient in modern office equipment and software, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and HRIS systems (Kronos, Eden, NeoGov, etc.).
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to handle a heavy workload efficiently.
• Exceptional customer service skills and the ability to effectively respond to public and employee inquiries.

Nice-to-haves

• Prior municipal experience
• Experience with NeoGov Insight and NeoGov Onboard
• HRIS database administration

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $5,315.30 - $6,584.71 a month
• Planned 4% pay increase effective April 1, 2025
• Comprehensive benefits package established by City Council Resolution