HR Specialist I

Job Summary

The Human Resources Specialist I performs entry-level to mid-level administrative human resources work in support of City's HR operations. This position assists with recruitment, onboarding, personnel records, benefits administration, employee communications, HRIS data entry, compliance tracking, and general customer service for employees, applicants, retirees, and the public.

Work is performed under general supervision and requires attention to detail, confidentiality, professionalism, and knowledge of basic human resources practices, City policies, and applicable employment laws.

Essential Job Functions

This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.

• Provides front-line HR customer service to employees, applicants, supervisors, retirees, vendors, and the public.
• Assists with recruitment activities, including posting vacancies, screening applications for minimum qualifications, coordinating interviews, preparing interview materials, and communicating with candidates.
• Supports onboarding and offboarding processes, including new hire paperwork, employment eligibility verification, background check coordination, badge or access requests, and separation documentation.
• Enters, updates, and maintains employee data in the HRIS and related systems.
• Maintains personnel files, benefit files, medical/confidential files, and other HR records in accordance with City policy and applicable records retention requirements.
• Assists with benefits administration, including employee enrollment, qualifying life event changes, open enrollment support, and benefit communications.
• Responds to routine employee questions regarding leave, benefits, payroll-related HR information, policies, procedures, and employment forms.
• Prepares standard HR correspondence, employment verification responses, forms, spreadsheets, reports, and routine notices.
• Assists with tracking required training, performance evaluations, probationary periods, and other compliance-related deadlines.
• Coordinates pre-employment and employment-related processes such as background checks, motor vehicle record checks, drug screens, physicals, and credential verification as assigned.
• Maintains confidentiality of personnel, medical, payroll, disciplinary, and other sensitive information.
• Assists with employee recognition programs, wellness initiatives, training events, job fairs, and HR projects.
• Helps ensure HR practices are administered consistently and in accordance with City policies, ordinances, and applicable federal and state employment laws.

Minimum Qualifications

Licenses:

Valid Georgia Driver's License.

Education:

An Associates' Degree with a concentration in human resources, psychology, business administration, public administration, or a related field required.

Experience:

Two (2) years of progressively responsible human resources, benefits, recruitment, leave administration, or public sector administrative experience required. Experience with Tyler ERP (Munis) a plus. Bilingual in English & Spanish preferred.

Certifications:

Professional in Human Resources (PHR) from HRCI or SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) from the Society of Human Resource Managers; and/or Certified Human Resource Manager (CHRM) from the Carl Vinson Institute of Government is preferred.