Principal Human Resources Specialist

This Principal Human Resources Specialist position is responsible for the management and oversight of the Payroll and Benefits Unit. The Department of Transportation Payroll Unit is a complex agency function that involves a large size payroll operation, with complex funding and project coding strings and multiple collective bargaining agreements. This position is a critical link between payroll functions and the finance staff regarding the multiple reports necessary for the management of multiple funding sources. There are approximately three thousand employees for whom a bi-weekly payroll must regularly be prepared in addition to time and labor, and benefits.

The manager is accountable for the entire payroll/benefits operation and all staff assigned to payroll including FMLA, Retirement and CORE specialists. The manager is also the primary liaison for the Department to the Office of State Comptroller in all payroll, benefit and retirement matters. The incumbent represents the Department in appeal and legal matters involving salary, compensation and benefits as well as being the primary contact for the Auditor of Public accounts , FHWA and FTA auditors regarding appropriate management of funds and compensation; is responsible for communicating all payroll and benefits information to employees; the primary check point for all audits conducted each pay period to ensure the payroll is accurate and appropriate; leads and directs all mass changes and/or retroactive changes to employee payroll and benefits and is the key advisor to the HR administrator regarding payroll and benefits.

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current state employee, who has permanent state status and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening.  You must specify your qualifications on your application. 

All applicants must include a resume within the "Resume Tab" of their application.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Jennifer Brame at Jennifer.Brame@ct.gov, (860)594-3116.

In a state agency this class is accountable for acting as a working supervisor over a full range of human resources management functions or for performing as a specialist responsible for performing highly complex agency wide labor and employee relations activities.

Develops or assists in development, coordination and implementation of agency human resource policies; plans workflow and determines priorities; schedules, assigns, oversees and reviews work; provides training and assistance to staff; conducts or assists in conducting performance evaluations; oversees payroll function; conducts a variety of investigations and recommends appropriate actions; interprets collective bargaining agreements; advises executives, administrators, managers and supervisors regarding labor relations issues, human resource policies and procedures; administers progressive discipline; represents agency at hearings or most complex grievances; serves as a member of labor contract negotiating teams; conducts difficult recruitment involving high level positions; ensures compliance with equal opportunity, union contracts and state policy and procedure regarding recruitment and selection process; partners with and advises agency staff on appropriate organizational structure and use of classifications; develops and recommends new or revised job classifications; proactively plans to address emerging agency human resources needs; teams with agency staff to ensure human resource alignment with organizational strategies and goals; consults with the Department of Administrative Services and the Office of Labor Relations on classification, compensation, policy and collective bargaining agreement related issues; analyzes and resolves complex situations and issues; participates in workforce planning and business planning efforts; oversees performance management system; prepares or directs preparation of reports, manuals and correspondence; counsels employees in areas of career development, upward mobility and various classification and benefit issues; may implement and/or oversee an agency wide training and staff development program; may serve on reclass grievance panels; may prepare and ensure compliance with agency affirmative action plan; may administer agency employee assistance program and recommend counseling to employees; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of public human resources administration including recruitment, selection, classification, compensation, career counseling and employee relations; considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes, and regulations; considerable knowledge of labor relations; knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and techniques; knowledge of occupational safety and health; knowledge of and ability to apply organizational development principals and practices; knowledge of payroll regulations, procedures and operations; knowledge of equal opportunity policies and procedures; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communications skills; considerable negotiation and conflict resolution skills; considerable ability to analyze and interpret laws, statutes, regulations, policies, and collective bargaining agreements; considerable ability to counsel employees; ability to effectively serve as an advocate; supervisory ability.

Eight (8) years professional experience in human resources management.

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been at the full working level in human resources management. For state employees this is interpreted at the level of Human Resources Specialist or Human Resources Consultant 2.

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in public administration, human resources management, labor relations, industrial/organizational psychology or closely related field or law degree may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
3. For state employees one (1) year as a Human Resources Specialist or Human Resources Consultant 2 may be substituted for the General and Special Experience.

Experience in CORE, Payroll and Benefits Administration.

1. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.