Job Description:
Human Resources Specialist Senior
Description
JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. What Makes the City of Austin Special? - Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
- Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
- Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
- Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
- Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
- Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
- Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
- Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.The Human Resources Specialist Senior plays an important role in supporting the Human Resources Risk Management Team. In this position, you’ll provide guidance on a variety of moderately complex HR topics and help review HR recommendations, project plans, and procedures to make sure everything is accurate and compliant. You’ll also help create and improve HR programs, systems, policies, workflows and assist in other areas of the greater HR Department as needed.
This role involves researching and analyzing HR data, then offering clear recommendations based on what you find. You’ll be a go‑to resource for HR staff and managers, helping them understand City policies and employment laws, and assisting with resolving more complex HR issues by applying best practices and ensuring follow‑through.
You’ll prepare reports and communications using different software tools and work closely with teams across the department to support shared goals. The position may also include providing leadership, training, and guidance to others. To succeed in this role, you’ll need strong communication and data analysis skills, solid problem‑solving abilities, and the flexibility to manage changing priorities while building effective working relationships.
Job Description:Human Resources Specialist SeniorPurpose:Provides advanced support, advice, and problem solving to moderately complex areas of human resources (HR).Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.- Provides advanced support to journey and senior level HR staff by reviewing recommendations, project plans, procedures, and workflows for accuracy and compliance with existing policies and processes.
- Develops, implements, administers, and evaluates moderately complex HR programs.
- Leads the development and implementation of systems, policies, procedures, strategies, and process workflows for use within departments.
- Conducts advanced research, provides information to HR staff and employee groups in assigned area(s) of responsibility, and makes appropriate recommendations based on findings.
- Advises and counsels HR staff, management, and other employee groups related to compliance with and the communication, interpretation, and implementation of established City policies and other relevant employment laws and regulations.
- Assists in resolving advanced HR problems, researches and applies best practices, reviews recommendations, and monitors implementation of agreed-upon actions until the problem has been resolved.
- Researches information as requested or needed; compiles data; and writes informational memos, letters, reports, forms, plans, documents, and queries using computer, spreadsheets, databases, or presentation software.
- Conducts analysis of metrics and morale indicators, such as surveys, turnover, and grievances; and recommends corrective action within the area of specialization.
- Collaborates and participates on teams with HR and other stakeholders.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
- Knowledge of assigned HR area.
- Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances governing personnel activities.
- Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
- Skill in oral and written communication.
- Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
- Skill in using computers and related software.
- Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
- Skill in planning and organizing.
- Ability to handle hostility, conflict, and uncertain situations.
- Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
- Ability to train others.
- Ability to develop and maintain current knowledge in the assigned HR areas.
- Ability to develop and maintain knowledge and skill in the use of computerized tools, databases, and communications techniques used in HR.
- Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
Minimum Qualifications:- Graduation with an associate degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a related field, plus three (3) years of related HR experience.
- Any combination of education and/or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.
Licenses and Certifications Required:Preferred Qualifications:- Experience supporting HR functions in a public sector or for a municipality
- Experience supporting Civil Service Meet & Confer Employees
- Experience in Texas Workers' Compensation Rules, Statues, and Law
- Experience assisting with Benefits including, not limited to, Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and American with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Experience with Payroll and Timekeeping for employees on extended leave
- Experience working in Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) and Timekeeping Systems (Workday, UKG Dimensions and Telestaff a plus)
- Ability to travel to more than one location
Notes to Candidate:Work Location: 1520 Rutherford Lane, Austin TexasSchedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00 am - 5:00 pmSalary Range: $26.86 - $32.43City of Austin Application:A complete and detailed City of Austin employment application is required to help us better evaluate your qualifications. For each position, please describe your specific experience as it relates to the minimum and preferred qualifications. Please be thorough in completing the employment application and list all experience and education that is relevant to this position. Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience and education. Application must include job titles, job duties performed, full or part time status. Your work history should include the duties you performed, any supervisory or lead responsibilities, and any equipment or computer software used.
A resume must be submitted to be considered for this position but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Please verify the employment history dates on your resume exactly match your online application.
CBI:Must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, the following will result in being disqualified for this position: Felony Convictions, Felony Deferred Adjudication, Class A & B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, Class B Misdemeanor Convictions, an Open Arrest for Any Criminal Offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and Family Violence Convictions. Please
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Secondary Employment:All Austin Police employees are prohibited from accepting or engaging in any secondary employment that might conflict or interfere with an employee’s duty and responsibility to the Department.
- APD must review all secondary employment.
- Employees are required to submit a Secondary Employment Application for review and approval upon being hired with APD, as well as current APD employees considering Secondary employment.
Benefits:Working with the Austin Police Department provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Please
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To learn more about working with the City of Austin,
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Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
Important Note to Applicants: Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the
final day to apply , but the posting will
close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed . All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.
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EEO/AA statement:The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.
EEO Statement for City of Austin:
The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.