Human Resource Specialist

POSITION TITLE: Human Resource Specialist

REPORTS TO: Senior Supervisor for Recruitment, Retention & Wellness

OVER-TIME STATUS: EXEMPT PAY GRADE: FULL-TIME

JOB SUMMARY:
The Human Resource Specialist plays a vital role in supporting the Division’s mission to attract, retain, and sustain a talented and healthy workforce. Under the direction of the Senior Supervisor for Recruitment, Retention & Wellness, the Human Resources Specialist is responsible for coordinating and implementing recruitment, hiring, and onboarding processes for school-based and classified staff, as well as developing and promoting initiatives that support employee wellbeing, engagement, and retention. The Specialist serves as a key liaison between Human Resources, school administrators, and community partners to ensure a positive and equitable employment experience for all staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Recruitment and Staffing

• Coordinate and participate in recruitment activities such as job fairs, community outreach events, and digital campaigns.
• Screen applications, conduct initial candidate reviews, and support hiring managers through the interview and selection process.
• Manage and maintain applicant tracking systems, ensuring timely and accurate updates.
• Assist with onboarding processes, including orientation sessions, background checks, and new employee documentation.
• Continuously evaluate recruitment and hiring workflows to identify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, transparency, and overall stakeholder satisfaction.
• Facilitate a smooth transition and acclimation experience for new employees by coordinating follow-up support, monitoring early-stage satisfaction, and ensuring alignment with school and divisional culture.
• Carry out training sessions, provide responsive customer service, communicate policies and procedures, and support employees, supervisors, and the public with professionalism and clarity.

Employee Wellness and Engagement

• Develop, coordinate, and promote employee wellness programs focused on physical, emotional, and professional wellbeing. 
• Implement onboarding procedures, wellness initiatives, workshops, campaigns, and employee engagement activities by coordinating schedules, preparing materials, and ensuring smooth program delivery.
• Collaborate with schools and departments to implement health and wellness initiatives, including fitness challenges, stress management workshops, and employee recognition events.
• Serve as a resource for employees seeking assistance with wellness-related concerns or available support programs.
• Collect and analyze wellness program data to evaluate effectiveness and recommend improvements.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders, including benefits and risk management teams, to align wellness programs with broader organizational goals.

Compliance and Support

• Ensure recruitment and employment practices align with local, state, and federal employment laws and Division policies.
• Support diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within recruitment and employee engagement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports related to staffing, wellness, and engagement metrics.
• Assist in the development and communication of human resources policies and procedures.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Strong understanding of recruitment best practices, employment law, and HR processes. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build relationships across diverse employee groups. Demonstrated ability to plan and execute wellness and engagement initiatives. Strong organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail. Proficiency in HR information systems and Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and discretion. Experience with programming and event management. Working knowledge of workplace wellness programs and initiatives.  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other prospective and current staff. 

This is sedentary work requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects, and some light work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects; work requires stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, and fingering; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Education, or a related field required. Experience: Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in human resources, recruitment, or employee engagement; experience in an educational setting preferred. Certifications: PHR, SHRM-CP, or equivalent certification preferred.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
All applicants please submit an online application with supporting documentation.



PORTSMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Salary : $79,010 - $130,312