Are you a friendly, service-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment? We’re looking for a dynamic HR Specialist who excels at building relationships and is passionate about supporting people. If you’re energized by working collaboratively and are committed to making a positive impact, this could be the perfect role for you! You’ll be joining a high-functioning, fun, and friendly HR team dedicated to fostering a welcoming, people-first environment within a student-centered organization. Come be part of something special where your work truly has an impact!

High Desert ESD celebrates all cultures and languages and is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive considerations for employment without regards to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST

40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm, 250 days per year

Start date:  December 2, 2024 or soonest available date

Location:  High Desert Regional Education Center, Redmond

Benefits include family insurance package, paid sick leave, vacation and holidays, generous PERS contribution.

Applications accepted through midnight, Monday, November 11, 2024.

Applications will be reviewed Tuesday, November 12, 2024.

Selected candidates will be invited to interview on Friday, November 15, 2024.

Employee Value Statement:

At the heart of the breathtaking landscapes of Central Oregon, where snow-capped mountains meet lush forests and vibrant communities, lies an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. The High Desert ESD believes that every student, educator, and community member deserves a voice and a place to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our commitment to equity and inclusion is woven into everything we do, from the programs we develop to the partnerships we cultivate. We strive to create a culture where diverse perspectives are valued and where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Position Summary:

The Human Resources department at the HDESD prioritizes a spirit of customer service and responsiveness. As part of the HR team, the specialist performs a variety of technical and highly advanced work in the human resources areas of recruitment and selection support, personnel administration, job classification and description, and employee relations.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Lead aggressive and attractive recruitment processes to bring future outstanding team members to the HDESD
• Onboarding of newly hired HDESD team members
• Contributes to our positive team spirit and culture
• Provide information to staff and others on personnel policies, rules and regulations
• Assist in development, implementation and application of district personnel policies, practices and procedures
• Conduct detailed orientation and processing of new employees
• Manage criminal history checks on employees, substitutes and volunteers
• Compose and prepare personnel recommendation reports for administration and governing boards
• Assist with job description analysis of new positions and update job descriptions of current positions
• Send employee record requests and fulfill those from other districts
• Assist with offers of employment and contracts of employment
• Assist in determining salary and insurance eligibility
• Provide payroll department with information necessary for proper payment of salaries, wages and benefits for all employees
• Assure that required credentials, licenses, and tests are obtained and maintained by employees
• Prepare and maintain descriptions for job classifications and recruitment
• Assist with substitute orientations
• Oversee the tracking and processing of volunteers
• Establish and maintain a system of personnel records in compliance with state law and employee contracts
• Prepare and submit required agency, state and federal personnel reports
• Maintain and update all personnel files, seniority lists, evaluation lists, first aid/cpr lists, leave accounting, reduction in force/recall lists, statistical files and charts
• Track and process all staff tuition reimbursement requests, calculate salary schedule advancements
• Assist employees with interpretations of compensation and benefits
• Process requests for unemployment claims information
• Track and process employee leave (FMLA/OFLA/PLO, vacation, emergency, personal, unpaid)
• Process staff changes and provide to payroll department
• Assure compliance with federal and state mandated personnel policies and statutes
• Assist in developing and updating employee handbooks, documents, calendars
• Oversee staff training requirements, update training system with assigned courses, assure staff completions
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Communicate clearly and appropriately verbally and in writing
• Respect and maintain strict confidentiality in all situations
• Ensure security and confidentiality of all personally identifiable information (PII) for employees and students in order to prevent theft or unauthorized release
• Ensure that all worksites are compliant with mandatory labor law postings
• Fulfill other related duties as assigned
• Exhibit regular attendance, as demonstrated by not more than an average of one day per month absent unless on a protected statutory leave
• Be punctual and present for all required duties

Specific Job Capabilities:

The position requires specialized technical knowledge of generally accepted personnel management practices, personnel policies, rules, regulations and fair employment practices and laws. It requires a working knowledge of common employee benefit plan provisions and requires sufficient human relations skill to convey technical concepts to others, to deal with sensitive and confidential information, to give instructions and one-on-one training, and to facilitate discussions in individual and small group settings. The position requires demonstrated skills at accessing related databases, verifying numerical and demographic information, and entering information onto established data entry screens and the ability to interpret the policies, procedures, techniques and rules governing human resources. A successful candidate must have the ability to achieve harmony and cooperation in communication with others and to perform duties under tense conditions. Must have access to reliable transportation, and consistent attendance is required. Applicants must have successful experience in working with culturally diverse families and communities, and/or have otherwise demonstrated a commitment to equity and strengthening engagement of a diverse community and skill in communicating with a diverse population.

Minimum Qualifications:

This position requires the completion of two years of college and, preferably, two years of human resources experience in an educational or public setting. Other combinations of education and experience may substitute. The position requires the ability to carry out all aspects of the work. Working with accuracy and with attention to detail is expected.

Preferred Qualifications:

The ability to communicate effectively in Spanish is preferred.

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 position.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to:  talk, hear, walk frequently, sit, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, use hand dexterity for computer work, handle items, reach with hand and arms, lift and/or move up to 30 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds and see close and at a distance, have peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus.  Workloads are heavy and timelines may be unreasonably short at times.  Requests and issues are often received which require immediate attention and conflict with other priorities.  This is a fast-paced environment and the ability to multi-task and handle a heavy workload with a variety of tasks happening simultaneously is a must.  A positive attitude and friendly demeanor are required.