SUMMARY: 

Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Human Resources Specialist manages all personnel-related functions of the school. This position ensures accurate employee records, benefit administration, compliance with employment laws, and serves as the primary contact for staff regarding personnel and workplace matters. The HR Specialist provides support with professionalism and confidentiality, contributing to a positive and legally compliant work environment.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s degree in human resources, business administration, or related field; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Relevant HR or payroll/benefits experience, preferably in a school or public-sector environment.
• Knowledge of state and federal employment laws and best practices in HR management.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Verify the accuracy of payroll information by reviewing salary placements, deductions, and benefit elections before submission for processing by the Business Manager.
• Maintain accurate personnel records and ensure all employee data related to payroll and benefits is current and correct.
• Provide updated information to the Business Manager for payroll processing, including adjustments due to overtime, salary changes, or employment status updates.
• Monitor payroll-related compliance, such as proper deductions, benefit contributions, and reporting requirements.
• Manage employee benefits, ensuring timely and accurate enrollment, changes, and deductions.
• Serve as the primary contact for employees regarding group insurance coverage and benefit questions.
• Act as liaison between the school and insurance providers regarding claims, complaints, and procedural issues.
• Represent the school in matters of unemployment and Workers’ Compensation, including record keeping and correspondence.
• Processes all information for employees using Paid Leave Oregon.
• Monitor all leave accounting procedures to ensure compliance with state, federal, and contractual requirements.
• Serve as the initial point of contact for employee concerns and workplace issues, ensuring all matters are documented accurately and handled with professionalism and confidentiality.
• Provide guidance to staff on policies, procedures, and conflict resolution options.
• Refer matters to the Executive Director as appropriate for further action, and support the resolution process to ensure compliance with legal and organizational requirements.
• Ensure adherence to federal, state, and district policies related to personnel, payroll, and benefits.
• Maintain knowledge of labor laws, leave accounting rules, and employment regulations affecting the school.
• Provide HR-related support to administration as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The employee is required to possess excellent communication skills, both written and oral. Human relations and communication skills are necessary to handle frequent personal and telephone inquiries received from administrators, teachers, classified employees and others.  The employee operates under inflexible deadlines.  Work requests are often received which require immediate attention setting up conflicting priorities for timely response.  Sound judgment and a pleasant attitude are required in stressful situations.  The employee needs to be able to lift/move/carry materials, equipment or boxes weighing up to 30 pounds.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

 

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of payroll systems and benefit administration.
• Understanding of Oregon and federal employment law, including FMLA, workers’ compensation, and unemployment.
• Knowledge of eFinance, Google Suite, and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word).

 

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, administration, and external agencies.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and discretion with personnel matters.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks under deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Work successfully in a team setting.

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

An associates degree in human resources or equivalent education/experience is required.  A bachelor's degree or master's degree is preferred. Previous experience working in a school setting is preferred.

 

The position requires working knowledge of several technical procedures or work activity areas and ability to teach them to others.  In-depth knowledge of work-related school district policies and practices is necessary.  Job learning time may range from six to twelve months; proficiency can be acquired in twelve to twenty-four months.