Job Descriptions

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, the Principal Human Relations Analyst plans, organizes, and supervises a program area or areas within the Human Relations Department; performs highly complex professional, technical, and analytical work, to implement the City's Human Relations programs. An incumbent may be assigned to one or several of the following program areas: recruitment, selection, classification, compensation, benefits and leaves management, payroll management, retirement, workers' compensation, employee and labor relations and other related programs.

This position is assigned to the Management Bargaining group for Labor Relations purposes and is considered exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA).

General supervision is provided by the Human Relations Director; responsibilities include the direct supervision and evaluation of professional, technical, or support staff as assigned.

This is an advanced journey-level classification that is responsible for a wide range of the most complex human resources activities. This classification has responsibility for analyzing, organizing, and implementing initiatives related to the program area(s) assigned. The effective performance of the duties and responsibilities of this position requires the ability to work independently with minimal supervision, exercise sound judgment in analyzing complex programs, and formulate important recommendations with far-reaching consequences. This class is distinguished from the Human Relations Analyst class by its responsibility handling the more difficult assignments and providing first-line supervision to professional, technical and/or support staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Each incumbent in the classification may not perform all the duties listed below depending upon the program(s) for which he/she is responsible. Also, the listed duties are not necessarily inclusive of all duties that may be assigned.

• Plan, organize, lead and control the work of professional, technical, and/or support staff involved in the program areas assigned..
• Develop procedures and recommend policies for assigned areas; and identify and implement improved methods of operation.
• Supervise the activities of subordinates including employee selection, training, instruction, task assignment, work review, performance evaluation and administration of progressive discipline as needed.

• Ensure close coordination with other City departments and affected outside groups.
• Occasionally may assist with presentations before various groups, including City Council, and professional and public meetings, as needed.
• Assist with administration of the operational functions of the city memorandum of understanding, retirement, benefits, and deferred compensation programs in accordance with established policies, regulations and requirements.
• Answer questions; provide information to the public; recommend corrective actions; investigate, reports, document and resolve complaints; and maintain high standards necessary for efficient, professional operations..
• Build and maintain respectful, positive working relationships with staff, supervisors, outside agencies and the public using principles of good customer service; provide effective conflict resolution, as needed.
• Model appropriate professional conduct; maintain appropriate confidentiality of sensitive information; complies with and supports City policies and procedures, labor laws, and MOU provisions.
• Serve as a liaison for the department with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; attend meetings in various locations; may provide staff support to commissions, committees, and task forces; may participate in community events and workshops that provide public information regarding departmental programs, projects, and services.
• Provide highly complex staff assistance to the assigned management staff; develop and review staff reports, and other necessary correspondence related to assigned activities and services.
• Oversee and participate in developing, receiving, reviewing, and processing information for a variety reports and records.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field; research emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to City needs.

• Perform related duties as assigned.

When assigned to the Human Relations functions:

• Administer the Applicant Tracking System
• Develop, evaluate, and validate selection instruments such as written, oral, and/or performance examination activities.
• Conduct position classification studies, including audit and analysis of positions and classifications.
• Prepare and revise classification specifications including preparation of related documentation necessary for formal adoption.

• Participate in recruitment and selection activities; make recommendations for appointment of new staff; assists with staff orientation and training.

• Conduct salary and employee fringe benefit surveys, analyze data and recommend adjustments and internal relationships.
• Assist with the management of City self-insurance plans including health insurance and workers’ compensation benefits.
• Assist in the resolution of employee disciplinary and grievance complaints.
• Assist in the development and implementation of negotiated labor agreements.
• Assist with the administration of formally adopted health, retirement, workers’ compensation, drug & alcohol, blood borne pathogens and employee incentive programs.
• Provide assistance to City Departments and employees on human resources problems, staffing and organizational needs, the interpretation of human resources policies and procedures, and in resolving human resources problems.
• Provide orientation for new employees on City operations and a variety of human resources, retirement and benefit programs.
• Provide career advice and counseling to individuals and groups.

When assigned to the Payroll functions:

• Manage and participate in all activities related to the City’s payroll function, including, but not limited to, the administration of the City-wide time-and-attendance system, preparation and review of quarterly and annual tax reports and returns, implementation of periodic City-wide salary and benefit changes, preparation of a variety of reports, schedules, and reconciliations and providing them to the auditors, and ensuring compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations.
• Direct the processing and reviews and/or approves payroll batching reports, error reports, payroll registers, payroll warrants and ACH requests, tax deposits, tax tables, periodic tax returns and reports, personnel action forms, employee timecards, annual paid-time-off accruals and payoffs, annual W-2’s, rate schedules, pay period tables, and position control labor distribution lists.
• Serve as plan administrator for a variety of retirement plans including CalPERS, deferred compensation, and retirement health savings, reviewing and approving funds transfers and new enrollments; direct the implementation of annual open enrollment changes to benefit premiums.
• Manage and implement changes in the payroll and timekeeping systems as needed due to required or necessary changes.
• Oversee and participate in the input of payroll, payroll tables, personnel, and related data into an assigned computer system; maintains various automated records; initiate queries and generate computerized lists and reports; assure accuracy of input and output data.
• Complete Federal and State reporting requirements including labor, wage, and demographic data for various agencies including the OSIP, EEOC, Social Security, USBLS, and the State Controller.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Fundamental principles and practices of public human resources management including practices, methods, and techniques related to one or more of the program areas of recruitment, selection, classification, salary, payroll administration, career development, equal opportunity, benefit and leaves management, labor relations, and retirement programs.
• Public agency administration.
• Federal, State and local laws and regulations relating to human resources and payroll management.
• Principles of organization and management.
• Research methodology, including statistical analysis and report writing.
• Principles of employee supervision, career development techniques, methods, and training.
• Knowledge of computer applications such as Microsoft Office Suite, HRIS, ERP, benefits administration systems, and applicant tracking systems.
• Modern methods of records management.

• Principles and practices of supervision, staff selection, training and human resources management.
• Safe work practices and related regulations.
• Written and oral communication techniques including knowledge of English composition, spelling, grammar, report writing and formal presentation practices.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Principles of public speaking, conflict resolution and excellent customer service.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, direct, review and supervise the work of self and others.
• Delegate authority and responsibility effectively.
• Perform professional, technical human resources and payroll management analysis including the preparation of complex analytical reports and documents.
• Interpret and apply pertinent complex laws, rules, regulations, policies and guidelines.
• Analyze facts and make strong recommendations.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with elected officials, administration, other employees, and the general public.
• Prepare completed staff work and present ideas effectively orally and in writing.
• .
• Lead, supervise, evaluate and train personnel effectively and maintain discipline.
• Organize, implement and supervise departmental goals and City objectives.
• Use computer and needed programs effectively.
• Work with and control sensitive, confidential information.
• Organize, analyze, manage and implement a variety of assigned programs. Establish and maintain respectful, effective and cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicate effectively, orally, electronically and in writing.

EXPERIENCE

Three years of increasingly responsible administrative, analytical, or technical work in a human resources system including one year of supervisory or lead responsibilities that would have provided the opportunity to develop the required skills, knowledge and abilities.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the areas of public administration, business administration, Accounting, human resources management or related fields; preferably including course work in the area of human resources management.

Possession of a valid California Driver’s License in the category necessary to perform essential duties of the position may be required at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be considered for accommodation on a case-by-case basis. Maintenance of a valid California Driver’s license thereafter is a condition of continued employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Maintain the following physical abilities: See well enough to read instructions, read fine print, view computer screen, operate vehicle and related equipment; hear well enough to converse on the telephone and in person, assist the public and other staff; use hands and fingers for use of computer keyboard, copy machine, filing, writing, drive vehicles and answer telephone.