Human Resources Specialist

The Human Resources Specialist provides functional, technical, strategic and management support to meet the day-to-day functions of the Human Resource department. Responsibilities include core areas, but are not limited to, recruitment, benefits, compensation, organizational development, employee relations, labor relations, performance management and workplace planning to align with KIUC's strategic goals and business objectives. Builds relationships through collaborative partnerships with management, different departments, employees, the HR community, the labor union, government agencies and the community. Provides support and guidance to employees and management regarding HR-related issues.

The salary range for this position reflects a number of factors considered in compensation decisions, including but not limited to the candidate’s skills, experience, training, licenses and certifications, and the organization’s business needs. In alignment with our compensation philosophy, candidates are typically not placed at the top of the range; however, placement within the range will be based on individual qualifications and relevant circumstances. The range provided represents what KIUC would reasonably offer a qualified candidate.

This position requires the incumbent to be physically on-site. Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Position Responsibilities:

- Maintains complete confidentiality in performance of the duties and responsibilities of this position.

- Manages the employment and recruitment process to include, but not limited to, management of applicant database and communication, coordinates and conducts panel interviews, coordinates pre-employment drug testing and physicals, administers pre-employment testing and background checks, extends job offers, and conducts on-boarding of new hires.

- Provides support, advice and guidance to employees, management and contractors on HR-related matters, laws, policies and procedures. Stays abreast of regulatory changes; interprets, analyzes and recommends solutions to changes.

- Assists with the development and implementation of human resource policies and procedures; audits for compliance as needed.

- Develops, coordinates and conducts new hire and exit orientations.

- Identifies and establishes contacts with staffing firms for applicant-sourcing support. Manages relationships with key talent suppliers (e.g., universities, community colleges, trade schools, military) to proactively source hard-to-fill positions and support organizational goals. Develops and administers proactive recruitment programs such as internships and apprenticeships.

- Manages Apprenticeship Program that includes overseeing the Joint Apprenticeship Committee and enforcing State Apprenticeship Standards. Ensures that supervisors are accountable to track/monitor their employees from Helper Apprentice Qualified (HAQ) status to indentureship as apprentices, satisfactory completion of program requirements resulting in achievement of their Journeyman certificates. Serves as liaison to State Apprenticeship Council and ensures a productive working relationship with DLIR, and the Apprenticeship Program staff. Works with supervisors regarding program development, curriculum changes and exam preparation. Interacts frequently with apprenticeship training program providers, both current and potential. Manages Federal E-Apprenticeship database program.

- Conducts, organizes and facilitates training, education and development for employees. Evaluates other training programs and looks for employee developmental opportunities for the company.

- Recommends new approaches, policies and procedures to effect continual improvements in the efficiency of the department and services provided.

- Assists with development and management of HR budgets including capital, O&M and training. Processes invoices for payment to vendors using the NISC system.

- Responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of the HR System, including providing user support and training, process improvements, and documentation.

- Assists with benefits enrollment and orientation, invoice audits, review of benefit contracts, and communication of changes to employees.

- Works with other staff and management on the administration of the Performance Management Program.

- Works collaboratively with staff on KIUC's wellness programs including health screening, fitness club program, flu shot clinic, smoking cessation, blood drives, and sports activity programs.

- Assists with collective bargaining agreement interpretation and disputes, conflict resolution, grievances and misunderstandings.

- Develops strong employee relations by providing frequent communication, responding to employee feedback, and ensuring equity and compliance in the workplace.

- Partners with other staff and supervisors to conduct near miss, vehicle and/or employee investigations, and to handle resulting disciplinary actions as necessary.

- Adheres to federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommended best practices; reviews policies and practices and makes suggestions to maintain compliance. Analyzes the impact of proposed regulatory and legal changes, and assists in the implementation of such changes.

- Accountable for maintaining in a confidential manner all files in the human resources offices including personnel files, benefit files, medical files, sensitive information, applications, and grievances.

- Maintains positive relations and goodwill amongst employees, members, retirees, applicants, vendors, and other consultants.

- Works with other departments to prepare, review and update job descriptions as needed.

- Completes other related duties and projects as requested.

Qualifications and Experience:

- Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management, Business Management or related field, or equivalent work experience required.

- Human Resources Certification preferred.

- Must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid State of Hawaii Driver's License.

- Two (2) to four (4) years of experience working in Human Resource functional areas such as recruitment, employment, benefits, organization development, employee relations, labor relations, and/or other related state and federal employment regulations.

- Demonstrated relationship building, shared decision-making, teamwork, and employee relations skills required.

- Complex problem solving and analysis capabilities.

- Must have excellent communication and strong interpersonal skills.

- Must possess strong ethics and professional attitude, as well as be quality-focused, pleasant, and courteous to promote good employee and labor relations, a respectful workplace, and goodwill amongst employees, members, applicant, vendors, and other consultants.

- Demonstrated ability to handle confidential matters and materials in a discreet, professional manner.

- Knowledge of State and Federal employment, benefits, labor relations, and safety related government regulations.

- Working knowledge of, and prior experience in, a union environment, to include collective bargaining agreement and administration.

- Significant knowledge of HR regulations, policies and processes.

- Experience in Human Resources information systems highly desired.

- Strong analytical skills and the ability to propose effective solutions to problems required.

- Must be proactive and willing to tackle difficult or sensitive issues head-on.

- Must be detail-oriented and possess strong time management skills, with the ability to effectively prioritize and execute multiple concurrent priorities and projects.

- Must be able to handle private, sensitive, and confidential information within KIUC guidelines.

- Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to positively and effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels within the organization.

- Ability to work with and direct others to include motivation, training, and leading in a positive manner, by creating a respectful work environment.

- Must have the ability to speak to large groups and communicate with others at any level.

- Working knowledge of cooperative philosophy and principles, as well as embodiment of our shared values statement - Ho'oka'ana Waiwai - is a must.

- Proficiency in the use of personal computers and ability to efficiently utilize Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint is required.

- Ability to develop and/or deliver relevant, effective training programs to targeted audiences.

- Strong commitment to teamwork with the ability engage, inspire and influence people.

- Ability to pic up on the technical components (i.e., technology, Collective Bargaining Agreement, employment law, etc.) quickly and apply new skills and knowledge.

- Ability to handle details without losing sight of broad goals.

- Strong investigative and documentation skills.

- Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.

- Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedures manuals.

- Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, employees, customers, vendors, contractors, and the public.

- Ability to effectively communicate with others, providing guidance and direction as needed.

- Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

- Ability to analyze financial and accounting statements as pertains to budgets.

- Ability to define problems, collect and analyze data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

- Ability to make sound decisions in high stress situations.

- Work is partially performed in an office environment and requires the ability to: frequently remain in a stationary position to operate a computer, to analyze data, and/or to participate in meetings; frequently perform repetitive movements/motions to operate standard office equipment and/or keyboards; frequently moves about inside the multi-story office – occasionally ascending/descending stairs – to access files, to utilize office machinery, and/or to attend meetings; constantly positions self to maintain physical files and access office supplies/equipment.

- Ability to frequently communicate information and ideas so others will understand; must be able to exchange information accurately in-person, over the radio and phone, and via written correspondence & documents.

- The ability to frequently perform activities requiring close visual acuity to: prepare and analyze documents and spreadsheets; view items on a computer monitor; perform extensive reading; etc.

- The position frequently requires distance vision, depth perception, color vision, and the ability to adjust visual focus to: ascend/descend stairs; traverse on different – possibly uneven – flooring surfaces, especially when required to go outside an office environment; and to safely drive a vehicle for business purposes.

- This position occasionally requires the ability to bend/crouch in order to move, transport and/or position parcels, packages, boxes, and/or other items weighing up to 45 pounds.

- Requires prompt, predictable attendance to ensure uninterrupted service to internal and external contacts.

- This position occasionally requires the ability to work longer than a normal work week and/or to travel on- and off-island to attend training, to serve as a representative of KIUC, or for other business purposes.