Human Resources Specialist

Human Resources Specialist JobID: 925 Position Type: Division of Talent & Labor Relations/Specialist, Human ResourcesDate Posted: 10/27/2026Location: Camden City School District Additional Information: Show/HideCAMDEN CITY SCHOOL DISTRICTHuman Resources Specialist Position Summary The Human Resources Specialists supports the daily operations of the Department of Talent and Labor Relations by coordinating personnel processes, maintaining employee records, supporting compliance activities, assisting with recruitment, onboarding staffing, employee relations, benefits administration, leave of absences and time & attendance.This position serves as a key operational support role within the Human Resources team and works collaboratively with district administrators, school leaders, payroll and labor relations.Requirements:Associates degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Education or related field or 5 years public school experience.Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.Required criminal history background check, physical examination, and proof of eligibility for employment in accordance with New Jersey law. Preferred / Additional Qualifications:Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources, Business Administration or related fieldBilingual English/Spanish proficiencyStrong organizational, interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills QualificationsMinimum 2-3 years of experience in Human Resources, preferably in a K-12 or public sector settingKnowledge of federal and state employment laws including FMLA, ADA, WC, FLSA2-3 years experience with HRIS systems, Microsoft Office SuiteDemonstrated expertise in:Proficiency in Microsoft ExcelAdvanced proficiency with analyzing, processing and monitoring large data setsKnowledge of:Personnel practices, record keeping systems and employment proceduresBenefits AdministrationExtensive experience in all facets of human ResourcesEmployment law and HR best practicesHR information systems (HRIS) and data managementNew Jersey school personnel regulations Core ResponsibilitiesHuman Resources Operations Maintain accurate and confidential employee personnel files and electronic recordsProcess personnel transactions including but not limited to hires, transfers, resignations, retirements, leaves, termination and position changesPrepare employment letters, personnel documentation and HT correspondencesAssist with maintaining district organizational charts, staffing rosters and position control recordsSupport onboarding and orientation for newly hired employeesCoordinate employee clearance documentation including fingerprinting, criminal history review, certification and medical documentationSupport onboarding of staff separating Recruitment and OnboardingManage job postings, recruitment activities, and applicant tracking.Assist in organizing screening, interviewing, and reference-checking processes for certificated and non-certificated staff.Coordinate onboarding and orientation sessions for new hiresProcess all new hire documentation, including background checks required by the State of New Jersey (e.g., criminal history clearance).Personnel Records and AdministrationCreate, update, and maintain confidential employee personnel records in accordance with district procedures and NJ legal requirements.Process and manage employment changes, including transfers, promotions, leaves of absence (FMLA, NJFLA, NJFLI), and retirements.Assist in maintaining and managing the district's position control roster in accordance with state guidelines.Manage substitute teacher placement and administrative costs. Compliance and ReportingMaintain up-to-date knowledge of state and federal employment laws, including ADA, FMLA, COBRA, and Workers CompensationAssist with the preparation and filing of local, county, and state-mandated personnel reports. Benefits AdministrationCoordinate employee health, dental, and vision insurance enrollment, changes, and terminations.Administer benefits in compliance with health benefits guidelines.Assist staff with leaves of absence, processing federal and state mandates including FMLA, NJFLA, and NJFLI.Coordinate annual open enrollment periods and distribute benefit education materials to staff.Tuition Reimbursement TrackingReview and process employee applications for tuition reimbursement in accordance with district policies and collective bargaining agreements.Verify college and university accreditation and ensure course relevance to district guidelines.Track individual and district-wide tuition reimbursement caps and budget allocations.Collect official transcripts and proof of payment to authorize final reimbursement disbursements.Log completed coursework for salary guide movement and advancement tracking as outlined in district policy and collective bargaining agreements.Time, Attendance, and Absence ManagementOversee the district's electronic time-clock and automated absence management systems (e.g., Frontline).Audit daily, weekly, and monthly attendance records for certificated and non-certificated staff.Reconcile accumulated sick, personal, and vacation time against district policies and union contracts.Identify and distribute reports regarding attendance discrepancies, unauthorized absences, or patterns of concern for administrative review.Coordinate with the payroll department to ensure accurate salary adjustments for unpaid leaves or dock days.Staff Offboarding and Separation ManagementManage the full lifecycle of staff separations, including resignations, retirements, non-renewals, and terminations.Coordinate and conduct exit interviews, collecting feedback to share with district leadership for retention analysis.Provide separating employees with required notices regarding COBRA health benefits continuation, and final pay schedules.Coordinate the collection of district property and notify the Technology department to deactivate network access.Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) ValidationReview and validate all personnel actions - including new hire salaries, guide movements, longevity pay, stipends, and separations - against the current collective bargaining agreement.Audit accumulated sick, personal, and vacation time payouts upon employee separation to ensure strict adherence to union contract provisions and state caps.Verify eligibility and track compliance for tuition reimbursement requests based on specific union contract limitations and annual district caps.Board of Education (BOE) Report PreparationCompile, format, and audit all personnel items for the monthly Board of Education meeting agenda report.Ensure accurate and timely data entry of appointments, resignations, retirements, leaves of absence, salary adjustments, and extra-compensation stipends for Board approval.Maintain a secure historical log of all Board-approved personnel resolutions to ensure the district's Position Control Roster matches official Board minutes.Department Communications and Frontline Inquiry ManagementServe as the primary point person and welcoming face for all walk-in visitors to the HR department, addressing inquiries professionally and directing individuals to the appropriate resources.Manage the central HR phone line, providing accurate information regarding employment opportunities, certification, onboarding, and district personnel policies.Monitor, filter, and respond to inquiries sent to the general HR email accounts, ensuring timely communication and routing complex issues to specialized HR leadership as needed.Triages and resolves routine questions from current employees, applicants, substitutes, and external agencies regarding employment verification and HR processes. Other DutiesPerform such other duties as assigned by the Manager of Human Resources or designee in accordance with law and regulation. Workflow and Operating ExpectationsDaily:Identify unfilled positions and coordinate substitute coverage options with building principalsProcessing real-time personnel changesReview and clear the general HR email inbox, responding to routine employee questions at least twice dailyReview time-clock punch exceptions and follow up with supervisors to resolve missing dataWeekly:Audit active job postings across recruitment boards to remove filled positions and activate new vacanciesAudit tuition reimbursement applications submittedReview and verify salary guide placements and stipends for new contracts against current salary schedulesOngoing:Within 48 hours of Board approval, issue formal contract offers, update the digital Position Control Roster, and transmit authorization changes to PayrollServe as the continuous point of contact for employees navigating FMLA, NJFLA, and NJFLI.Track returned medical certifications and coordinate return-to-work timelines with school administratorsReview university course credentials for pre-approval prior to semester start datesCollect transcripts and calculate official credit milestones to authorize contractual salary guide movement per respective collective bargaining unitAccountability MeasuresThe Human Resources Specialists directly accountable for:Timely and accurate processing of personnel actionsEffective and efficient onboarding processesAccuracy and security of personnel recordsResponsiveness to school and staff needsCore CompetenciesOrganizational and operational managementKnowledge of HR systems and processesStrong oral and written skillsWork independently and collaborativelyAttention to detail and accuracyProblem-solving and adaptabilityCommunication and customer serviceConfidentiality and professionalismOutstanding interpersonal skills Physical Demands:The following physical demands are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to:Sit, stand, walk, speak, and hear for extended periods for various tasks.Use hands and arms to reach, handle, and operate tools, computers, or controls.Lift and carry items necessary for job performance.Use close, color, peripheral, and depth vision, and adjust focus as needed. Environmental Demands:The following environmental conditions are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position.Possible exposure to a range of childhood and adult illnesses.Occasional exposure to varying weather conditions.Work performed in heated, air-conditioned, ventilated facilities.Moderate to high at times, noise level especially during school hours, assemblies or events.Frequent interruptions from calls, walk-ins and urgent requests.Possible exposure to cleaning agents, instructional materials, and equipment-related chemicals. Terms of EmploymentTwelve-month position. Salary, benefits, and conditions of employment shall be in accordance with Board policy and applicable agreements.EvaluationPerformance shall be evaluated annually in accordance with Board policy, administrative regulations, and district leadership procedures.Reports To: Manager of Human Resources OperationsSupervises: NoneWork Year: Twelve (12) MonthsClassification: Non-Affiliated / Confidential / Support Staff Minimum Starting Salary: $75,000.00Maximum Starting Salary: $100,000.00 Residency RequirementUnder New Jersey's "New Jersey First Act" (N.J.S.A. 52:14-7), all employees of New Jersey public school districts must maintain bona fide New Jersey residency as a condition of employment. Candidates must already reside in New Jersey or establish residency within the required timeframe after hire. Current employees who were hired on or before September 1, 2011 are exempt from this requirement and may continue to reside outside the state. In limited circumstances, applicants may request a residency waiver through the state's Employee Residency Review Committee if they can demonstrate critical need or hardship; approval is not guaranteed. THE CAMDEN CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER (Pending availability of funds and Superintendent's approval)