Human Resources Specialist

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) seeks qualified individuals for a Human Resources Specialist position to provide a full range of human resources services and is an integral part of the overall operations of DMHAS/Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System (SWCMHS).  Position # 107278 Location: Bridgeport, CT and may assist with other regional office when needed.  Work schedule: This is a full-time forty (40) hours per week position, 8:00 PM - 4:30 PM. M-F, with occasional extra hours in order to meet the demands of this high volume environment. 

The Human Resources Specialist will:

• Manage the day-to-day operations of Human Resources office at SWCMHS;
• Manage the administration of the human resources policies, procedures, and programs;
• Carry out responsibilities in the following functional areas: departmental development, Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS), specifically CORE-CT, JobAps, employee relations, training and development, benefits, compensation, organizational development, and employment;
• Responsible for all or part of these areas: recruiting and staffing logistics; performance management and improvement systems; employment and compliance to regulatory concerns and reporting; i.e. Regulatory bodies such as State of CT Dept. of Public health as well as for the Joint Commission. Facility employee orientation, and training; documentation; employee relations; facility and employee communication; compensation and benefits administration; employee safety, welfare, wellness and health; and employee services and counseling.

Please ensure that your application is complete and you have included your in the 'Resume Tab' of your application. You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application into the JobAps system. 

Questions regarding this recruitment should be directed to  Cheryl Thompson, DMHAS HR, 860-418-6876 or Cheryl.Thompson@ct.gov.

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).

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.

Preference will be given to candidates who possess:

• Experience supervising staff;
• Experience Utilizing HRIS systems;
• Experience utilizing reporting applications such as PeopleSoft and Oracle Business Intelligence software;
• Advanced Excel knowledge.

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.