Human Resources Specialist

Position Purpose 

Position is responsible for implementing, administering, monitoring and maintain all aspects of Leave Administration.  This is including, Family Care Act, Family Leave Act, Domestic Violence Leave, Military Family Leave Act, ADA and Worker’s Compensation.  This position is the primary contact for all leave including worker’s compensation. 

Distinguishing Characteristics 

Inspire Development Centers provides early Childhood Education (ECE) and social services to 3,110 children in center-based and home-based setting, at more than 25 Child Development Centers (CDC) throughout the State of Washington.  At these sites, Inspire employs over 1,000 staff on a $52 million annual budget.  Inspire provides these services under various federal and state funded programs with differing regulations and stipulations, which must be coordinated and adhered to, including, but not limited to: Regional Head Start (RHS), Migrant Seasonal Head Start (MSHS), Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), and Early Head Start (EHS).  The organization is required to meet an annual quota of non-federal share (in-kind) funds.  A large majority of children’s first language is Spanish.  Over the past 40 years, Inspire has strategically and incrementally increased its capacity to address the rapidly changing needs of its families and communities. 

Supervisory and Other Relationships 

The Human Resource Specialist reports to the Human Resources Director and works closely with the Human Resources Benefits Manager.  Although supervision is not a regular part of the job, incumbent may provide training and instruction to HR staff, employees and supervisors.   

Examples of Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

The following examples of duties and accountabilities illustrate the general range of tasks assigned to the position but are not intended to define the limits of required duties.  Other essential duties may be assigned consistent with the general scope of the position. 

1. Leave Administration: Responsible for developing and administering coordination of mandatory leave programs, including, but not limited to: worker’s compensation, FMLA, ADA, etc.  Responsible for ensuring employee rights are communicated, leave is documented and communication between employee and agency management is facilitated.  Tasks include developing systems, including communication and documentation.  
2. Worker’s Compensation:  Responsible for coordination of worker’s compensation claims with third party administration (TPA); including investigating accidents, working with medical, TPA and Labor & Industries personnel to provide light duty and/or employment alternatives to injured employees. 
3. Recordkeeping, Data Management, and Reporting: Conducts a continuing study of all HR Policies, programs, and practices to keep management informed of new developments in the areas of leave management and worker’s compensation.  Directs the preparation and maintenance of such reports as are necessary to carry out the functions of the department.  Analyzes trends and provides reports to HR Director regarding leaves, workers compensation, etc. on trends in order to facilitate change.  Responsible for maintaining accurate and confidential employee information in accordance with government regulations and Agency policies. 
4. Supporting HR Functions:  Participates in special projects.  Gathers data, analyzes facts and promotes solutions in the areas of leave administration and reporting.  Provides summaries of facts and information to HR Managers & Director.   
5. Training:  Develops training tools around leave administration and provides training to all employees. 
6. Law: Remain up-to-date with compliance on all existing governmental and labor legal and government reporting requirements including any related to the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Department of Labor, worker compensation, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and so forth.  Protects the interests of employees and the agency in accordance with agency Human Resources policies and governmental laws and regulations. 
7. Confidential Information: Maintain confidential information, which includes but is not limited to: employee health records and personnel files. Demonstrates accountability for actions and behaves in a manner consistent with the difficult decisions made by management.  Maintains confidentiality throughout appropriate business processes.  Maintain awareness of ethics laws, standards, and legislative laws.   
8. In-kind Contributions: Responsible for contributing in any procedure or activity that fosters the contribution of in-king funds, through the request of goods, services, cash donations, and/or through encouraging professional, community members and parents to volunteer time to the program.  

Minimum Qualifications 

Incumbents are required to have demonstrated knowledge and abilities in these areas: 

• AA degree in human resources or related field with three (3) years’ experience in human resources or related field; or (*) 

• Knowledge of worker’s compensation regulations and processes; 

• Knowledge of leave regulations (FMLA, ADA, etc.) 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; Ability to communicate in writing clearly and concisely.   

• Utilizes good judgment to determine when to consult with higher-level HR management on problems or issues; 

• Ability to utilize relevant HR technology systems for administrative, service and reporting needs; 

• Ability to learn new tasks quickly and efficiently; 

• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines; 

• Ability to gather and analyze data for reports via multiple modes; 

• Ability to read, write and interpret documentation; 

• Strong customer service focus; 

• Demonstrates general knowledge of cultural differences, respects differences and promotes inclusion, and apply the organization’s philosophy toward diversity; 

• Interpersonal - Ability to get along well with a variety of personalities and individuals.   

• Proficiency with personal computer, including Microsoft Office; and 

• Accurate data management, documentation and recordkeeping skills. 

• Demonstrates flexibility, adaptability and initiative;  

• Honesty / Integrity - Ability to be truthful and be seen as credible in the workplace.   

• Working Under Pressure - Ability to complete assigned tasks under stressful situations.   

• Business Acumen - Ability to grasp and understand business concepts and issues.   

• Active Listening - Ability to actively attend to, convey, and understand the comments and questions of others.   

 These skills and abilities are typically acquired through (*) a combination of education, experience and training. This combination will provide the competence to perform the work of the position. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Previous Head Start experience. 

• English/Spanish bi-lingual fluency. 

• PHR / SPHR. 

Position Requirements 

Incumbents are required to have the following: 

• Valid Washington State driver’s license; 

• Must maintain acceptable driving history; 

• Proof of automobile insurance; 

• Ability to travel to perform job duties and responsibilities; 

• Must pass initial and periodic criminal and background check; 

• Must pass initial and periodic employee health clearance; (present it within forty-five (45) days of employment); 

• Subject to initial and periodic TB screen; (obtain the test within fifteen (15) days of employment); 

• Subject to random drug screen; 

• Must sign a Confidentiality Agreement; and 

• Must complete and sign a Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement on an annual basis. 

Benefits Information

A summary of benefits associated with this position can be found at https://inspirecenters.org/careers/. To learn more click on the following link: https://youtu.be/MnlRqkvydRw