HR SPECIALIST-BENEFITS

Interprets and explains personnel policies and procedures to supervisors and employees.  Assists in resolving complaints or issues involved in the administration of the personnel system.  Performs research on various personnel topics.  Responds to inquiries regarding employment opportunities or employment verifications.  Responds to various surveys.  Performs a variety of professional personnel duties in specialty area while insuring compliance with all state and federal employment laws.  

Employment Specialist  

• Manages applicant flow to include tracking of job requisitions, vacancy list update and distribution, review of interview questions, review of hiring recommendations to insure selection of most qualified applicant, serve on interview panels, etc.  
• Implements various methods of recruitment by advertising via newspaper, radio, Internet, weekly and monthly publications and job fairs.        
• Coordinates third-party background on potential employees, insuring required release is obtained and FCRA notice is given.  
• Extends conditional offers and coordinates all necessary drug screening, physical assessments, psychological testing or medical exams timely.  
• Confirms offers and conducts new hire process which consists of distribution and explanation of employee data forms, policies and procedures, benefits and other documents, I-9 documentation, etc.  
• Conducts review of personnel rules and other employment laws.        
• Enters data into and maintains human resource database.
• Develops detailed queries and reports from database for various departments and reporting agencies.  
• Assists with presentations such as new hire orientation, supervisor training and other presentations as needed.
• Scans documents into system.
• Abides by State of New Mexico records retention guidelines.

Benefit Specialist 

• Responsible for researching and responding to inquiries from employees, retirees, general public and other agencies regarding benefits. 
• Acts as a liaison between employees or retirees and the medical, dental and life carriers. 
• Enrolls and implements changes to deferred compensation plans. 
• Administers workers comp database, receives accident reports, enters data and insures claims are filed with comp carrier timely. 
• Coordinates care for injured employee and communicates with claim adjuster and/or nurse case managers as needed. 
• Coordinates modified duty assignments as per policy. 
• Facilitates participation in the Section 125 pre-tax plan. 
• Determines eligibility and designates FMLA. 
• Monitors leave usage and return to work provisions. 
• Reviews eligibility for and coordinates usage of various leave benefits. 
• Completes exit process with all separating employees to include explanation of leave payout provisions, benefit rights, COBRA notification, retirement process, etc. 
• Conducts benefit presentations at New Employee Orientation. 
• Processes wage garnishment orders and child support withholding notices from various state agencies insuring compliance with federal and state laws. 
• Responds to unemployment claims. 
• Provides clerical support to the Labor Management Relations Board. 
• Purchases supplies or materials for the personnel department. 
• Reviews department timesheets and prepares transmittal. 

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES

May serve on various employee committees, as required and assigned.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.   The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

This position is subject to the City of Hobbs’ Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy which includes one or more of the following: pre-employment testing, post accident testing, random testing, reasonable suspicion testing, return to duty testing and follow-up testing.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of methods and techniques of modern public personnel administration.  

Ability to keep abreast of changing Federal and State regulations and legislation as it pertains to employment law and benefits.  Knowledge of ADA, COBRA, FMLA and Worker’s Comp guidelines.

Knowledge of medical, dental, life insurance and retirement plans.

Ability to learn personnel rules, regulations, and resolutions.

Knowledge of basic computer operations and ability to learn associated personnel software (Neo Gov, Executime, and Munis).

Ability to maintain extremely confidential information.  

Ability to work independently and to complete daily activities according to work schedule. 

Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with internal and external customers.  

Ability to understand, follow and transmit written and oral instructions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants, department/division heads, elected officials, city employees, retirees, benefit providers, medical professionals, third party vendors and the general public.  

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATIONS                                                      

• Valid state issued drivers license. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear, and reach with hands and arms from a standing position.  The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk and use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

 The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 The noise level in the work environment is generally quiet.

Salary : $25 - $29