Unit Chief, Benefits & Leave Administration

Job Title

Unit Chief, Benefits & Leave Administration

Agency

Texas Division of Emergency Management

Department

Human Resources Section

Proposed Minimum Salary

$9,187.50 monthly

Job Location

Austin, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) is an emergency response entity and this status can affect working hours, travel, and change in duties as needed. The Unit Chief, Benefits & Leave Administration performs specialized human resources (HR) duties providing comprehensive oversight and administering the daily operations and activities of the Benefits & Leave Administration unit of TDEM Human Resources.

Manages benefits and leave programs and serves as the subject matter expert on benefits and leave administration for the agency. Advises staff on specialized area issues, rules, policies, regulations, and standard administrative procedures related to human resources management. May conduct audits of human resources activities to ensure compliance with policies and procedures. Work involves establishing goals and objectives; developing guidelines, procedures, and policies; ensuring timelines, priorities, standards for achieving established goals and coordinating and evaluating assigned functions. Duties will include the supervision of staff and the exercise of discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance for the division and agency. Plans, assigns, and/or supervises the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

This position reports to the Section Chief, Human Resources and the position is located at the TDEM Headquarters located in Austin, Texas. This position is not a telecommuting position.

This position is considered at-will status and serves at the discretion of the head of the agency.

Salary is fixed and is non-negotiable.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Manages and directs benefits and leave administration initiatives, programs, and projects related to HR objectives, timelines, and compliance. Responsible for implementing new leave pool benefits and programs for the agency.

• Oversees the workflow and monitoring of the agency's leave pool programs in accordance with internal and external regulatory requirements, best practices, and agency needs. Reviews and audits submitted documentation to ensure availability of requested leave in a timely manner.

• Provides oversight for review of leave requests to determine the employee's eligibility for specific paid leave pools.

• Coordinates with various agencies, divisions, and external partners in the development, monitoring, and maintenance of human resources functions, programs and benefits.

• Provides expert guidance and oversight to departments and management regarding HR practices, compliance, laws, and regulations to ensure consistent application. Ensures compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.

• Develops, implements, evaluates, and manages HR related processes.

• Researches and analyzes data trends on leave usage for required reporting.

• Completes human resources-related surveys and questionnaires.

• Represents TDEM for human resources assigned work groups under TAMUS.

• Supervises HR staff and responsible for evaluating and assessing subordinates' performance.

• Assists in the development of requirements for leave programs and attendant forms.

• Serves as a back-up on management and leadership within the HR division.

• Face-to-face and person-to-person interactions are required.

• Maintains a regular course of attendance during authorized work schedule.

• Ability to travel up to 10%.

• Perform related work as assigned.

This document represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. Other duties may be assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience

• Seven (7) years of work experience in positions performing any combination of human resources management or related functions.

Preference

• Current certification under Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) and/or Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

Substitution Note: Relevant work experience may be substituted in lieu of education requirements on a year-for-year basis, with one (1) year experience equivalent to thirty (30) semester hours. A completed advanced degree may also be substituted in lieu of work experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Advanced knowledge of state leave programs.

• Advanced knowledge and application of Human Resources Management practices.

• Emerging knowledge of TDEM Human Resources operations and oversight.

• Ability to organize and direct the work of others.

• Ability to rapidly assimilate information related to TDEM, TAMUS, state, and federal regulations, legislation, guidelines, policies, and procedures.

• Ability to analyze problems, identify causative factors, and apply actions to effectively resolve current, and prevent recurrences of, problem conditions.

• Must demonstrate an ability to responsibly manage sensitive and confidential information, and situations, and adhere to applicable laws/statutes/policies related to access, maintenance, and dissemination of information.

• Effective communication and presentation skills.

• Ability to convey technical information in plain language that can be understood by people with a variety of educational and working backgrounds.

• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgement.

• Excellent written communication, analytical, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

• Must be detail-oriented, organized, and flexible.

• Ability to prioritize, plan, and execute multiple concurrent programs and projects. • Proficiency in Microsoft Suite, spreadsheet, and database applications.

• Proficiency in TAMUS human resource management systems (Workday, Business Objects, Sterling Check and Guardian).

• Ability to comply with safety standards and best practices.

• Availability for after-hours, holiday, overnight, and weekend work may be required.

• Ability to work other than normal working hours, including during disasters and emergencies, sometimes for extended periods with limited relief.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE:

Complete and obtain certification in IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, and IS-800 FEMA courses within twelve (12) months of employment and any other training as determined.

Additional Military Crosswalk (occupational specialty code) information can be accessed at: http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions

Resumes are not accepted in lieu of an application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.