Human Resources Specialist I

Travis County Technology and Operations Department is seeking an HR Specialist I to join the team. This role is eligible for teleworking, and will provide support across recruitment, onboarding, employee relations coordination, and HR operations. This role offers exposure to core HR functions and provides opportunities to build skills that support future professional growth.

This role requires strong attention to detail, discretion in handling confidential information, and the ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. The position works under moderate supervision and is expected to exercise sound judgment while escalating complex or sensitive matters as appropriate.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is a job classification within the Human Resources job family. This is an entry level Human Resources generalist position. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

• Recruitment support including job postings, applicant screening, interview scheduling, and candidate communication.
• Onboarding coordination for new hires, including documentation, orientation logistics, system setup.
• HR data management: maintain employee records, update HRIS entries, and prepare routine reports.
• Assists with employee relations, gathers initial information, schedule meetings and support case documentation. Writes reports and investigative documentation to support findings, makes determinations on policy violations and recommendations for course of action.
• Assists with the development and customization of training programs for employees. Conducts new employee orientation from a policy perspective, summarizing the structure of Travis County, retirement, at-will/just-cause status, and other benefits.
• Reviews performance evaluations and explains the process and appeals process.
• Advises managers, supervisors, and employees on human resource policies and procedures and State and Federal laws and regulations such as Americans with Disabilities Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, Fair Labor Standards Act and Equal Employment Opportunity.
• Administers Human Resources programs such as Timesheet Management, Exit Interviews, and monitors compliance with employment law requirements such as FMLA, Workers Compensation, and ADA.
• Maintain employee personal files, responds to unemployment claims and appeal hearings to contest benefits requested by former employees, responds to open records requests and subpoenas.
• Responds to inquiries and complaints from employees and the public about employment opportunities.
• Prepares correspondence, reports, conducts review studies and research on a variety of Human Resources issues.
• Provide general HR administrative support to the Sr HR Specialist and leadership team.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Personnel Management, Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Business Administration or a directly related field AND one (1) year of directly related demonstrated experience as to assigned Human Resources position;

OR,

Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:
None required.

Preferred:
Experience in recruitment, HR Operations, employee relations.
Demonstrated ability to work in fast-paced, high-volume environments.
Familiar with employment laws, HR best practices, and documentation standards. 
Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR); OR, Professional in Human Resources Certification (PHR).
Valid Texas Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Federal, State and Local regulations, codes and laws: Employment laws and Affirmative Action, Title VII of Civil Rights Act, Equal Pay Act, FLSA, ADA, FMLA, EEOC, I-9, Texas Workforce Commission Rules, Regulations and Statutes, Open Records Act, and Texas Governor's Committee on Disabilities.
• Principles and practices of Human Resources management.
• County policies, procedures and terminology.
• Compiling data and generating reports.
• Recent Human Resources developments and current literature.
• Office management.
• Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.
• Business letter writing, grammar and punctuation, and report preparation.

Skill in:

• Applying Human Resources methods.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Customer service delivery.
• Explaining complicated technical problems in simple non-technical language.
• Both verbal and written communication.

Ability to:

• Interpret policies, procedures, and Federal, State and Local applicable laws.
• Develop and make effective presentations.
• Convey complex ideas and concepts verbally and in writing.
• Work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Manage time well, perform multiple tasks and organize diverse activities.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with County employees and officials, representatives of outside agencies, and the general public.

Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 20-50 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to standing, walking, sitting, repetitive motion, reaching, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing, pulling, balancing, client/customer contact, squatting to perform the essential functions.

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

Work Hours: 8 am - 5 pm, Monday-Friday. 

Location: 700 Lavaca St, Austin TX

Department: Technology and Operations

Criminal, Driving, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required.

For updates or questions on this position, contact: [email protected]

This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.