STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Principal Human Resources Specialist

Recruitment #190514-6168MP-001

Introduction

The State of Connecticut, Department of Corrections is recruiting for a Principal Human Resources Specialist to lead the HR support for our Central Office functional teams including health and addiction services, inmate programs and treatment, fiscal services and others. This individual will have supervisory responsibility for 4 to 5 human resources professionals and will report directly to their HR manager. This is a full time, 40 hours per week position, located in our Central Office in Wethersfield.

In this role you will provide operational support for our functional directors and their leadership teams to include coordinating staffing activities, facilitating talent management and development activities and consulting on organizational design and workforce optimization. While this role is predominantly an operational business partner role it will also include aspects of strategic and consultative HR as well.   

Selection Plan

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current State of CT 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.

*For employees in the classified service, permanent status is obtained after successful completion of a working test period.  For employees in the unclassified service, permanent status is obtained after serving in a position for at least six months (full-time or full-time equivalent).

Please ensure that your application is complete.  You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State of Connecticut.  Candidates who submit an untimely, incomplete or inaccurate application will not be considered for this employment opportunity.  

Should you have questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Jeff Miller at Jeffrey.A.Miller@ct.gov.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

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.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience with HR support for health services
  • Strong business partner experience with functional administrative team

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

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.

Conclusion

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.