About the position
As a key member of the Human Resources Department at Plymouth State University, the HR Specialist is tasked with providing a broad array of HR support. This position is generalist in nature and is responsible for a variety of managerial, technical, and confidential responsibilities to support all aspects of human resource administration at Plymouth State University. The HR Specialist will predominantly focus on classification, compensation, compliance, training, policy development, employee and labor relations, and policy and procedure communications. Additionally, this role involves collaboration in the USNH EHRM Shared Services Model, particularly in areas such as benefits, recruitment, onboarding, and personnel transactions. The HR Specialist will manage and resolve employee relations issues ranging from informal to complex, conducting thorough and objective investigations often in conjunction with HR leadership and legal counsel. Maintaining in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of employees and working knowledge of collective bargaining agreement compliance is essential. The specialist will work closely with supervisors and employees to improve work relationships, build morale, and increase productivity and retention. Evaluating issues, patterns, and trends will provide insights for HR solution and program designs, such as training to address specific needs and development opportunities. In addition to employee relations, the HR Specialist will serve as an HR point of contact, providing guidance on HR policies, procedures, and best practices. This includes day-to-day performance management guidance to supervisors, HR policy interpretation, and input on business unit restructures, workforce planning, and succession planning. The specialist will also identify training needs for business units and individual coaching needs, developing or identifying resources for employee training and development programs. Furthermore, the HR Specialist will act as a liaison with USNH Benefits to assist employees with plan access issues and provide general benefit counseling. This role also involves coordinating with USNH Benefits on communication plans, outreach, wellness plans, and supporting new employee orientation. The HR Specialist will ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws or regulations, as well as USNH policies and programs, providing recommendations for policy changes as needed. Finally, the specialist will develop, implement, and review the delivery of HR-related training services that impact employees across the campus, working collaboratively with campus leadership to tailor training programs to maximize available resources and assist with employee development in various areas.
Responsibilities
- Manages and resolves employee relations issues ranging from informal to complex.
- Conducts effective, thorough, and objective investigations often in conjunction with HR leadership and legal counsel.
- Maintains in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of employees and working knowledge of CBA compliance.
- Partners with the legal department as needed to ensure that policies and procedures are followed to resolve concerns.
- Works closely with supervisors and employees to improve work relationships, build morale, and increase productivity and retention.
- Evaluates issues, patterns, and trends to provide insights for HR solution and program designs.
- Serves as HR point of contact, providing employees and supervisors with guidance on HR policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Provides day-to-day performance management guidance to supervisors, including coaching, counseling, and career development.
- Identifies training needs for business units and individual coaching needs, developing or identifying resources for employee training and development programs.
- Acts as a liaison with USNH Benefits to assist employees with plan access issues and provides general benefit counseling.
- Coordinates with USNH Benefits on communication plans, outreach, wellness plans, and supporting new employee orientation.
- Serves as a liaison to the EHRM HR Shared Services Recruitment, On-Boarding, and Operations teams to ensure timely delivery of HR services to stakeholders.
- Ensures Plymouth State University HR Programs are in compliance with local, state, and federal laws or regulations, as well as USNH policies and programs.
- Provides recommendations for policy changes or changes needed to ensure compliance.
- Develops, implements, and reviews the delivery of HR-related training services that impact employees across the campus.
- Champions strategic HR initiatives and leads special projects, process improvements, and serves on committees.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a related field.
- 3-5 years of experience in HR or a related field, or any combination of higher education and experience equivalent to 6 years.
- In-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to employee management and CBA compliance.
- Experience in conducting investigations and resolving employee relations issues.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience with HRIS systems and EHRM Shared Services Model.
- Knowledge of benefits administration and employee onboarding processes.
- Familiarity with training program development and implementation.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition assistance
- Paid time off
