HR Specialist

at Pottawatomie County in Westmoreland, Kansas, United States

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Human Resources (HR) Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of employee personnel information in the Human Resources Information System (HRIS) and other systems supported by the HR team. This position requires a high level of problem-solving ability, self-initiative, data accuracy, and attention to detail. This position contributes to the fast-paced daily operation of the County Administrator’s Office by professionally greeting, assisting, and directing inquiries to appropriate individuals. The HR Specialist provides necessary support from basic clerical needs to detailed reports for the office.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Performs a variety of responsible and confidential human resources management tasks.
2. Provides accurate and timely responses to inquiries from employees and management.
3. Administration of the payroll process; verify and troubleshoot timecards, ensure accuracy and timeliness of payroll functions.
4. Updates HRIS and payroll systems for new employees, personnel leaving employment, and employee records such as salary, deductions, direct deposit information, address, exemptions, position title, etc. 
5. Tracks usage of overtime by department for accurate budgeting purposes.
6. Processes income withholding orders and garnishments when received.
7. Tracks health insurance discount forms for employee premiums.
8. Assists KPERS Designated Agent; serve as KPERS authorized personnel.
9. Maintains the USDOT CDL Clearinghouse information and runs reports as required.
10. Processes Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requests. Ensures proper communication and documentation and tracks FMLA hours.
11. Transitions employee paper files to electronic files once employees leave employment.
12. Provides monthly reports for employee newsletter and service awards.
13. Reliable and dependable attendance mandatory.
14. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license, and be able to operate legally a motor vehicle. Position requires a clean driving record.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Assists with benefits communication when advised.
2. Processes benefit changes (qualifying life events, etc.).
3. Maintains personnel files as directed.
4. Updates and edits the County Policy Manual as directed.
5. Prepares, reviews, edits and distributes packets for newly hired employees
6. Performs other duties as assigned by HR Director and/or County Administrator

NATURE AND SCOPE:

The County Administration Office is responsible for, among other things, general county operations, cash and debit management, investments, special assessments, property and risk management, utility billing, general public transportation, employee benefits & payroll, and the annual County operating budget. Challenges of this position are working in a busy environment with numerous interruptions throughout the day and the ability to prioritize and complete daily tasks, using effective time management skills. Additional challenges are maintaining pleasant business relations while having extensive contact by phone and in person.