Human Resources Specialist Senior (Leave Management)

Job Description:

Human Resources Specialist Senior (Leave Management)

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. Our guiding principles-Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchor our approach in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austin residents. 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.
  
• Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Work in an environment where every voice is 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 designed to 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.

Job Description:

Human Resources Specialist Senior

Purpose:

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:

• None.
  

Notes to Candidate:

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (APR) provides, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

The purpose of this Human Resources Specialists is to act as member of the Payroll and Benefits team and provide administrative support with duties including, but not limited to, payroll processing, leave management coordination, new hire paperwork coordination, customer service, file and records retention management and other duties as assigned.

Application Instructions/Job Requirements:

Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting. This will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month, day and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as “See Resume” will not be accepted and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application. Skills

Assessments: Skills assessment(s) may be required as part of the recruitment process.

Virtual Interviews: PARD may conduct virtual interviews.

Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.

Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting up to ten (10) pounds. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.

Other Information:

Posting Guidelines: Austin Parks and Recreation reserves the right to close posted positions prior to the advertised close date, based on recruitment strategies and business needs. This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.

Work/Location Schedule Notes: May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends & holidays. Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.

Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin 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.

Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: PARD work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any PARD work site - including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.

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.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

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.

Closing Date/Time: 2025-11-04