The Human Resources Manager is responsible for performing HR-related duties on a professional level and works closely with senior management in supporting all employees. This position carries out responsibilities in the following functional areas: benefits administration, employee relations, training, performance management, onboard/offboarding, policy development and implementation, recruitment/employment, and employment law compliance. The person in this position shall be the Personnel Director for the City of Palmer.

The Human Resources Manager must have exceptional organizational skills to meet the increased scope and complexity of city requirements and documentation. The Human Resources Manager must have the ability to prioritize, work independently and to meet important deadlines. Work is characterized by the broad scope and extent of the responsibility, the requirement to interpret regulations, state, and Federal laws, develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with governing civil rights.

Work is performed with considerable independence within prescribed guidelines and procedures and involves considerable judgement and discretion in carrying out assignments. Work involves the handling of confidential files and requires the employee to maintain the confidentiality of employer/employee communications/issues.

Serve as an advisor to the City Manager and Department Directors on handling performance or disciplinary issues, complaints and grievances, inappropriate behavior, and other aspects of employee issues that may arise. Manages complex employee relations issues from coaching up to termination. Interpret regulations, polices, and procedures to ensure consistent application, ensuring precedence and past practice are taken into consideration.
Responsible for creating, updating, and implementing current and new city policies and regulations concerning employment and benefits, taking into account both Federal and state regulations/laws regarding employment, benefits and other related areas.
Leads city compliance with all existing governmental and labor legal and reporting requirements including any related to the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Alaska Family Leave Act (AFLA), Department of Labor, workers’ compensation, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Federal Motor Carriers Association (FMSCA), and so forth.
Implements employee benefit programs and informs employees of benefits by studying and assessing benefit needs and trends; recommending benefit programs to management; processing enrollments and changes, obtaining and evaluating benefit contract bids.
Ensures planning, monitoring, and appraisal of employee work results by training managers to coach and discipline employees; scheduling management conferences with employees; hearing and resolving employee grievances; counseling employees and supervisors. Perform internal investigations with confidentiality and in a time sensitive manner.
Prepares employees for assignments by establishing and conducting orientation and training programs.
Oversee, monitor, and manage employment leave programs such as FMLA, AFLA, unpaid leave, ADA (including managing the interactive process on behalf of the city). Provide technical guidance to managers and employees on complex leave and accommodation scenarios.
Serve as Risk Management for the City of Palmer. File, manage, monitor all workers’ compensation injuries, auto and property damage claims. Work with outside agencies regarding claims, return to work, payments and policy renewals. Develop and implement procedures to ensure city employees work in a safe manner adhering to standard safety practices.
Establish and maintain files, records, and other human resources information both via hard copy and various electronic systems. Maintain employee files and records in compliance with various laws and regulations.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in human resources, Psychology, Business or Public Administration or a related field.
Five or more years of professional related experience in Human Resources in a generalist capacity with demonstrated experience and expertise in employee relations, performance management, workplace investigations, leave management, benefits administration, workplace planning and staffing.
Relevant education credentials including HR certifications (IPMA-HR, HRCI, or SHRM) or the ability to obtain credentials within 12 months of hire.
Valid Alaska driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
Considerable knowledge of employment law and the ability to apply federal, state, and local laws and internal policies and procedures to all HR matters communications, and services.
Knowledge of how to assess, coach, investigate and write employee relations reports, conduct investigations, and prepare written findings; document performance issues and prepare responses to grievances, etc.
Ability to understand and maintain the highly sensitive and confidential nature of information in employer/employee relationships and records.
Proficient in Microsoft Suite – Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, must be comfortable and efficient with HRIS systems.
Demonstrated ability to apply organizational development principles and practices to work performed.
Ability to investigate, problem solve and reach conclusions using objective, unbiased approaches, and methods.
Ability to analyze and interpret laws, regulations, policies and convey information to customers to assist them in accomplishing their strategic and operational goals and objectives.
Exceptional interpersonal and collaborative skills. Demonstrated ability to build and sustain trust-based relationships, both individually and collectively over time with colleagues and customers.
Excellent customer service skills, including the ability to listen and assess the needs of the customer. Proven skills in listening to customers’ needs and communicating accurate information concerning processes, policies, regulations and procedures.
Ability to maintain and prepare records, reports, and forms accurately and effectively.
Skilled in organizing work/assignments efficiently and consistently producing quality work and accuracy of information/data provided.
Skilled in planning and delivering products and services efficiently and effectively.

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY PERSON(S) ASSIGNED TO THIS POSITION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL IN THIS POSITION. ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.

City of Palmer

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Human Resource Manager