Human Resources Specialist

The State of Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission (FOIC) is currently recruiting for a motivated and talented candidate for our Human Resources Specialist position.  This position is 40 hours per week (full-time, Monday-Friday) and located at 18-20 Trinity Street, Hartford.  Must be flexible to meet the agency needs and travel may be required.

The incumbent of this position will be the sole human resource representative and affirmative action officer to the Freedom of Information Commission, State Elections Enforcement Commission, and the Office of State Ethics and will be accountable for independently performing a full range of complex professional duties related to human resource management as well as preparing the Affirmative Action plan. 

The candidate selected to fill this position will be a business partner, with strong leadership abilities, passionate about shaping the employee experience, understanding the work they do, the challenges they face, and the goals they are working to achieve. The Human Resources Specialist will work directly with managers, supervisors and employees to develop and provide solutions to workplace issues while supporting and optimizing the operating principles of the agency.

All applicants must include a resume within the "Resume Tab" of their application with their submission.  Please Note: You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Lateisha Rainey at FOIC.HR@ct.gov or (860) 256-3957. 

This position will be filled in accordance with reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.

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).

Applicants invited to interview may be required to submit additional documentation, which supports their qualification(s) for this position.  These documents may include:  performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency. 

In a state agency human resources office this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of complex professional duties relating to human resources management.

Interprets collective bargaining contracts, human resource policies and procedures; confers with employees and superiors on human resource issues; analyzes problem situations and takes or recommends appropriate action; ensures proper organizational structure, use of classification system and implementation of compensation plan; screens, interviews, refers and recommends candidates for employment; develops materials for special recruitment programs; conducts orientation sessions; counsels and advises employees on matters related to employment, career development, transfer, separation, recruitment, employee benefits, and/or retirement benefits; counsels and refers employees to assistance programs; conducts a variety of investigations; administers progressive discipline; consults with the Department of Administrative Services on issues of classification, compensation and policy; coordinates performance management system; processes human resource records and transactions; maintains human resource information systems; prepares or oversees preparation of reports; performs job audits; trains new staff in human resource policies; assists in implementation of equal opportunity policies and procedures; implements and may assist in developing agency training programs; may serve at reclassification grievance panels; may represent agency in grievances and other hearings; may oversee preparation of multiple payrolls; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of public human resources administration including recruitment, selection, classification, compensation, career counseling and employee relations, knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; knowledge of labor relations principles and procedures; knowledge of payroll procedures and operation and benefits administration; knowledge of equal opportunity principles and requirements; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable written and oral communication skills; interviewing skills; negotiation and conflict resolution skills; ability to read and interpret laws, statutes, regulations, policies, and collective bargaining agreements; ability to analyze complex problems quickly and determine effective solutions; ability to counsel employees; ability to design and deliver training programs.

Seven (7) years professional experience in human resources management.

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

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 a 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 Associate or Human Resources Consultant 1 may be substituted for the General and Special Experience.

• Experience providing human resources generalist support;
• Strong attention to detail;
• Experience processing tuition reimbursement;
• Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, including conflict resolution abilities;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Ability to cultivate and maintain effective working relationships with management, employees, and union officials;
• Experience interpreting human resources policies and collective bargaining agreements for all levels of employees;
• Experience with CORE_CT Modules;
• Experience with preparing employee retirement estimates, processing, and review retirement paperwork;
• Experience independently administering, tracking and coordinating FMLA and workers' compensation for agency employees; meeting with employees and educating them on FMLA rights and entitlements which may also include ADA accommodations;  
• Advising and assisting the Executive Directors, managers and supervisors on human resources practices;
• Counseling and advising employees on matters relating to employment, career development, transfers, and separations;
• Experience interpreting and applying complex or ambiguous payroll policies and procedures including provisions of collective bargaining agreements.

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.