HR Specialist

Title: HR Specialist

Employee Status: Regular Full Time

Work From Home Option: Not Applicable

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Job Overview:

The Human Resources Specialist is responsible for providing a variety of HR services to managers, employees, and assigned business units. The HR Specialist reports to our Sr Director, Payroll & HRIS.

The HR Specialist establishes relationships with business partners to determine their HR needs and deliver timely and efficient customer service, including effective problem resolution. Duties include but are not limited to, HR policy interpretation, employee relations, records retention, oversight of accurate and consistent data entry, help with new employee orientation, and development/facilitation of employee training sessions as needed.

Essential Functions:

Benefits

o Function as a resource for the interpretation of Human Resources policies and benefit plans administration. Communicate new policies and/or changes to existing policies/programs.

o Be a subject matter expert on leave of absence and paid time off administration. This involves meeting with employees upon their benefit eligibility, throughout, prior to leave, and after they return to work, while continuously communicating with their manager and HR leads to keep all parties informed. If necessary, escalate concerns to the appropriate HR team member.

o Audit, maintain, and generate reports of nonunion/union databases/portals to monitor benefit programs, guarantee vendor compliance, validate that systems are properly capturing the required data, and ensure they reflect accurate employee roster changes monthly to minimize financial risk to NYRA.

o Reconcile and process benefit invoices. Schedule pension and 401(K) committee meetings.

Funds weekly 401(K), Pension, HSA and FSA contributions. Fund QNEC and process all non-discrimination testing.

o Organizes yearly Health Fair and supports annual employee benefits open enrollment, including but not limited to employee communication materials, employee self-service portal, records, and system testing.

Labor / Employee Relations

o Establish relationships with HRBP's to address and resolve any benefit-related questions, needs, and issues.

o Respond to union-specific requests related to invoicing, reporting, audits, and contract negotiations.

o Understand how to interpret contracts and collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and clearly articulate requirements to managers and business partners.

o Assist managers with the year-end review process, compensation questions, and submission of ratings and compensation recommendations.

HR Support

o Assist on an as-needed basis with HR-related activities at all phases of the employee life cycle, including, onboarding, performance management, status changes, and terminations. Coordinate HR data processing with appropriate support staff. Update org charts and create new employee titles and salary tiers in iCON.

o Ensure that personnel records comply with company, State, and Federal guidelines. Participate as needed in monthly/quarterly and annual audits of personnel records.

o Participate in special projects as requested or desired; help clarify project objectives; set timetables and schedules; conduct research; develop and organize information; fulfill transactions.

Qualifications:

Minimum Requirements:

• College degree and 3 years of progressive experience as a Human Resource professional.

• Proven experience supporting union environments.

• Demonstrated experience managing highly confidential information, a positive attitude, initiative, and business acumen.

• Demonstrated ability to interact with and influence a diverse customer base, strong problem-solving skills, an ability to present a professional image, and excellent communication and organizational skills.

• Strong computer literacy, including Excel and HRIS databases.

Preferred Experience:

• Professional HR Certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP)
• Experience in labor relations, including administering and negotiating union contracts and grievances.

Summary of Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

Standard office setting job requirements

Pay Range / Salary: $32-37/hour