Human Resources Technician - Payroll Transactions

The Human Resources Department is looking to add one dynamic individual to the team. 
The Human Resources Technician, under general supervision, performs complex, difficult, and confidential benefits, clerical, accounting, routine administrative, and recordkeeping work of a technical nature in support of Department of Human Resources and Risk Management operations; operates computerized systems involving a broad range of recordkeeping functions; provides high-level technical and clerical assistance to the Human Resources Director; and performs related duties as assigned.

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. 

This is an onsite position based out of Chico City Hall. The Human Resources Technician will primarily work from this location, with occasional travel based on operational needs.
This classification will received a 4.5% increase in January 2027.

This journey level classification is responsible for independently performing the full range of technical and clerical work in support of Human Resources and Risk Management activities. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. 

positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Assumes lead responsibility for coordination of routine administrative work within the Department of Human Resources and Risk Management and with other departments.
• Performs a wide variety of routine and complex recordkeeping and analytical tasks related to employee recruitment, hiring, records, benefits and leave management, Workers’ Compensation, and payroll processing, utilizing computerized recordkeeping systems.
• Processes payroll changes, employee benefit elections, and related transactions; scans and uploads documents for electronic employee personnel files.
• Serves as the first contact for Human Resources Department phones and in person contact; performs duties as an office receptionist as required.
• Updates position and supervisory changes in the performance evaluation system; adds new employees to system; generates reports for overdue evaluations and notifies staff accordingly.
• Participates in new hire onboarding and orientations.
• Coordinates on-line and in person training; sends invitations and reminders to employees to attend mandated training; tracks attendance.
• Processes and tracks employee requests for leaves of absence and related paperwork.
• Performs difficult clerical and administrative work involving considerable independent judgment; assumes individual initiative as required to set work priorities and determine the most effective methods for accomplishing work.
• Coordinates filing systems and other clerical procedures; checks daily mail and sorts, stamps, and delivers to appropriate recipients; schedules travel arrangements and meeting appointments; purchases and maintains office supplies; processes invoices and purchase orders; compiles and tabulates information for routine reports.
• Assists in the supervision, training, and evaluation of other clerical and support personnel, as directed.
• Observes and complies with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

When assigned as Risk Management Technician:

• Receives and enters tort/liability claims as received; tracks and updates the status of claims according to established procedures; sends claims to operating departments for further investigation; reviews department responses and works with third party administrators regarding recommendations; prepares settlement recommendations with specific details and reasons for settling claims.
• Provides general clerical and administrative support to the Risk Management Division as necessary; performs clerical duties including preparing various correspondence, copying, filing, collating, mailing, and preparing files.
• Serves as the initial department contact for Workers’ Compensation claims; begins the formal claim process; receives updates from physicians and clinics; serves as the conduit for information between the clinic, the supervisor, and the employee.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of auditable records, reports, lists, logs, and files related to claims, settlements, expenditures, insurance, Workers’ Compensation, and other activities.
• Assists the public with the City’s insurance policies.

Knowledge of:

• Basic principles and practices of human resources, payroll, benefit coordination, leaves of absence tracking, Workers’ Compensation, employee management, and accounting functions in a municipal setting; 
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility; 
• A variety of human resources information technology applications related to employee tracking and budgeting; 
• City policies, procedures, personnel rules, and labor contract provisions related to recruitment, selection, classification, compensation, Workers’ Compensation, and benefits administration; 
• Administrative policies relating to wage and hour issues, hiring, and other personnel actions; 
• Methods, techniques, and practices of data collection and basic report writing; 
• Business letter writing and standard writing practices for correspondence; 
• Recordkeeping and filing principles, practices, and procedures; 
• Principles of providing functional direction and training; 
• Business mathematic principles and statistical record keeping methods;
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols;
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff;
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar;
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

When assigned as Risk Management Technician:

• Basic methods, practices, terminology and procedures used in Worker's Compensation, liability/tort, and subrogation claims processing.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

 Ability to: 

• Perform complex and responsible administrative and clerical support work with accuracy, speed, and with minimal supervision;
• Effectively handle multiple projects simultaneously; work with numerous interruptions; adjust to changing priorities;
• Develop, maintain, and analyze accurate records in accordance with established procedures;
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions;
• Use a high degree of tact, discretion, and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive and confidential information; 
• Conduct research, evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations; 
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed;
• Enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform assigned work; 
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, recordkeeping, and tracking systems; 
• Plan, organize, and coordinate the work of assigned staff;
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines;
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments;
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks;
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax;
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 

Education and Experience: 

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12^th) grade, supplemented by college level coursework in business, human resources management, accounting, or a related field.

Experience:

• Four (4) years of increasingly responsible clerical, administrative, benefits, or accounting experience involving frequent public contact and complex recordkeeping including specialized payroll and employee computer systems, human resources, or benefits management training. 

 Licenses and Certifications: 

• None.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds. 

Environmental CONDITIONS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.