Director of Human Resources

Reports to: Superintendent

SUMMARY:

The Director of Human Resources is responsible for the Human Resources Department of Weymouth Public Schools. The Director serves as the principle advisor to the District in matters related to personnel functions including recruitment, employment, retirement, exiting employees, regulatory compliance and reporting, policy administration, employee investigation and discipline, contract administration, DESE licensure support and record-keeping for all licensed and non-licensed employees. He/she will serve as a member of the central office administrative leadership team and will participate in formulating policy and making decisions regarding system-wide planning, resource allocation, and labor/employee relation issues He/she will serve to strengthen a culture that values and honors a well-qualified, diverse, and dedicated staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Other duties may be assigned.

• Provide professional assistance to internal and external constituents of the District including members of the public, staff, board and committee members, consultants, attorneys, etc.
• Research employment laws and regulations for the purpose of implementing procedures to maintain compliance with current legal requirements. Attend training, seminars, and courses to keep up to date in the personnel, payroll, and human resources fields.
• Develop, maintain, and communicate personnel procedures, employee handbook, and operating practices to employees to ensure consistency in administration and compliance; direct the orderly management of personnel matters consistent with procedures, contractual requirements, and handbook.
• Support building administrators and department heads in investigating and responding to employee disciplinary matters, including grievances.
• Provide training and guidance to Administrators and staff related to Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Harassment and Discrimination, Workplace Violence, Educator Evaluation, Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System (MTRS), and Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), as well as in the understanding and utilization of personnel and payroll information processes.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and administration of an affirmative action plan and plan for workforce diversity. Oversee diversity recruiting efforts and develop strategies for the retention of staff.
• Answer employee inquiries regarding personnel procedures and/or collective bargaining provisions; interpret and apply collective bargaining agreement language for the purpose of delivering services in conformance with established guidelines. Attends staff meetings as required to advise staff on a variety of personnel matters.
• Manage position requisitions and evaluate documentation (e.g. employment verification forms, applications, salary schedules, changes in employment status, licensure renewals, state criminal history background checks (CORI), fingerprinting requirements, etc.) in conformance with collective bargaining agreements, district policies and state requirements. Implements the CORI and fingerprinting policies to assure that all employees and/or volunteers have current background checks. Determines course of action in light of any problematic reports.
• Direct recruitment and hiring activities including posting of vacancies, preparation of advertisements, screening of applications, assisting school staff in selecting and interviewing candidates in a timely fashion, and overseeing new employee orientation. Ensure uniform hiring criteria, screening, and background check protocols. Coordinate administrative searches.
• Coordinate the district’s substitute teacher and support staff programs including recruitment, hiring, assignment, and training.
• Assist, in collaboration with the Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services and Support, with developing and implementing new teacher orientation and induction programs and ensuring programs meet state licensure requirements.
• Receive, review, and process requests for personnel transfers or reassignment of staff in consultation with appropriate administrators in accordance with the needs of the Weymouth Public Schools and contractual obligations.
• Implement contractual processes for Reductions in Force and/or recall of employees.
• Prepare individual employment contracts and salary agreements.
• Manage employee enrollment in all eligible benefit plans and, working with the Town, actively participate in annual open enrollment periods; coordinate eligibility process and enrollment for benefits, including new hires, qualified status changes, and education on benefit plans offered.
• Develop and maintain job descriptions for all positions within the district.
• Support the collective bargaining process for the district; assist in formulating proposals, negotiating, administering, and interpreting employment contracts, agreements, and policies. Prepare analysis in support of collective bargaining negotiations.
• Assure that effective supervision and evaluation procedures are employed throughout the District and that related contractual guidelines are followed. Monitor the evaluation management system. Provide assistance and advice to principals and other supervisors with the supervision and evaluation of staff members, particularly those staff members who are exhibiting unsatisfactory work, and be directly involved in serious disciplinary matters.
• Provide leadership to enhance the roll of staff to maximize educational opportunities for all students.
• Prepare and maintain records and statistical information on all personnel as required by local, state, and federal laws; responsible for submission of necessary statistical reports to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, including EPIMS, as well as other appropriate state or federal agencies. Conduct surveys and respond to survey requests regarding compensation and benefits.
• Coordinate district compliance with worker’s compensation filings.
• Analyze job classifications to determine the exemption status in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
• Maintain a variety of accurate and complete personnel records and employment files to ensure the accuracy of employees’ compensation, position eligibility and compliance with state and federal regulatory mandates; ensure that rules concerning confidentiality and retention are followed.
• Track professional licensure and highly qualified status, assures compliance with state and federal regulations, educates faculty and administration on professional requirements, and assists individuals in resolving problems that emerge.
• Process information related to employees leaving the school system (e.g. retirement applications, exit interviews, unemployment forms, etc.) consistent with district, local, state, and federal regulations.
• Work with employees and the Massachusetts Teacher Retirement System and the Town Retirement Board to ensure all proper records are maintained regarding personnel and deductions; facilitate the retirement process for all qualified employees.
• Responsible for maintaining and updating all personnel related technology systems as well as the human resources section of the district’s website.
• Work effectively with the Superintendent of Schools to implement goals, objectives and priorities for the District.
• Serve as compliance officer for discrimination or sexual harassment issues including receiving, investigating, and responding to complaints or providing advice and consultation to person handling complaint.
• Perform other duties as requested or assigned by Superintendent.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervise personnel office support staff. Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The Superintendent may waive or modify the qualification requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, business, or public administration (or equivalent) with Master’s Degree preferred
• Five to seven years of school or municipal personnel experience desired
• Successful leadership experience
• Prior experience as a Human Resources Director or School District Administrator desired

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups including staff, parents, and the general public.

SPECIFIC SKILLS/ABILITIES:

Strong analytical, computer and communication skills to support data base management, forecasting, financial analyses and decision-making activities; thorough knowledge of federal, state, local and school committee laws, policies, regulations and procedures relating to personnel management; knowledge of sound personnel and payroll management principles and practices; labor relations and negotiations, excellent organizational, management, oral and written communications and human relations skills.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory in a specific field. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, students, and the community. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form. Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s policies.