Human Resources Technician I/II (Benefits)

Summary

This position is open until filled.

A first review of applications will take place during the week of June 10, 2024. Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date.
Failure to attach a valid typing certificate, issued within the last 6 months, certifying your ability to type 45 net wpm in a five (5) minute test, to this application will result in automatic disqualification. Internet typing certificates will be accepted. Online verifiable typing certificates will be accepted from one of the following websites: Ratatype.com; Typing.com; or Freetypinggame.net. Please note that we reserve the right to ask for an additional test to be completed in person, as part of the testing process.

Human Resources Technician I: $4,289 - $5,748/mo
Human Resources Technician II: $4,853 - $6,504/mo

If you want to join a hardworking team that shares a commitment to provide top-quality municipal services in a prime North County location, consider a career with the City of Escondido. We have an opening for the position of Human Resources Technician I in our Human Resources Department/Benefits Division. For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's website.

Under supervision (Human Resources Technician I) or general supervision (Human Resources Technician II), performs a variety of technical, administrative, and advanced level clerical duties in support of the Human Resources department; provides information and assistance to City employees and the general public regarding human resources activities, processes, policies, and procedures; prepares various correspondence, memoranda and reports; works closely with payroll personnel regarding the implementation of various payroll adjustments; coordinates activities related to area of assignment; and performs a variety of tasks requiring specialized knowledge related to area of assignment.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is an experienced paraprofessional and technical class in the Human Resources Department.

Human Resources Technician I: This is the first level in the Human Resources Technician series. Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Human Resources Technician II level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Incumbents at this level are expected to learn the full range of responsibilities and perform duties with an increasing level of independence. Advancement to the "II" level is based on demonstrated proficiency in performing the assigned functions and is at the discretion of higher level supervisory or management staff.

Human Resources Technician II: This is the experienced level in the Human Resources Technician series performing the full range of technical, administrative, and advanced level clerical duties in support of the Human Resources department with only occasional instruction or assistance. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Human Resources Technician I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, applying well developed technical human resources knowledge, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Work is normally reviewed only on completion and for overall results. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Human Resources Technician II level are normally filled by advancement from the Human Resources Technician I level.

Key Responsibilities

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Provides information and general assistance to City employees, other agencies and the general public regarding human resources activities, processes, policies, and procedures; assists in resolving routine problems or complaints; researches policies, laws, and procedures to answer questions and respond to requests for information; explains and applies interpretations of complex human resources procedures, polices, and rules requiring the use of judgment.

Receives and screens visitors, telephone calls and emails; provides a high level of customer service to both external and internal customers; provides front counter coverage.

Provides semi-skilled and skilled administrative support to the Human Resources Department; composes and types letters, memoranda, and other correspondence related to assigned human resources programs and activities.

Serves as liaison with other departments, outside agencies, and service providers; responds to requests for information.

Participates in ensuring human resources programs and activities are administered and implemented in compliance with federal and state laws, rules, and regulations; maintains awareness of new legislation and changing developments in human resources.

Assists in the development, coordination and implementation of systems, policies and procedures pertaining to human resource functions and operations.

Prepares and maintains a variety of files, logs, spreadsheets and records including those pertaining to investigation, complaints and recruitments.

Operates a variety of office equipment including computer, copiers, facsimile machine, and calculator; enters and maintains data in the department's computer systems.

Serves as a member on various committees; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of human resources.

Generates assigned reports and queries as needed.

Performs related duties as required.

Depending on area of assignment, duties may also include:
Performs a variety of duties in support of the day-to-day administration of the City's various employee benefit plans and programs including flexible benefits programs, multi-tiered retirement plans, deferred compensation programs, group life, health, and disability insurance programs, and negotiated benefits; assists employees regarding benefit programs; assists employee beneficiaries with life insurance claims.

Assists in the administration of the City's insurance programs including the yearly open enrollment process and annual health fair; assists employees in the process of changing existing health and/or dental benefits during open enrollment or as they experience a change in dependent eligibility; makes appropriate changes in computer system; acts as liaison between employees and insurance carriers; administers and monitors retiree benefits; assists employees with FMLA, CFRA, and PDL as well as short and long term disability claims; serves as an information source to past or present City employees; responds to employee and retiree questions and complaints; may interface with third-party administrators to resolve claims.

Participates in the administration of a variety of retirement programs; assists employees in completing necessary forms; inputs and processes information; makes adjustments to employees plans as necessary; responds to a variety of questions and provides information regarding retirement programs.

Prepares, processes, and ensures timely processing of EDD unemployment, disability and death claims; maintains follow-up on all claims; serves as a point of contact for EDD and may attend EDD hearings on behalf of the City.

Participates in new employee orientation activities; provides new employees with hiring and benefits paperwork; makes presentations regarding benefits; provides assistance to employees selecting from a variety of benefit choices; explains coverage and programs; processes appropriate forms and coordinates activities with related departments and/or outside agencies.

Serves as point of contact for monitoring and performing corrections to the department's computer system; inputs and revises data; maintains databases and tables; identifies and develops queries; runs reports and queries as requested; troubleshoots problems with the system; provides ongoing training and support to users.

Participates in benefits billing activities; reviews and submits benefit enrollment and changes to carriers and third-party administrator; prepares reports regarding monthly benefit enrollments, changes, and deletions; maintains billing records; monitors employees on leaves of absence for billing purposes; monitors retiree and COBRA activity including processing and monitoring payments and compliance with eligibility requirements.

Monitors the tuition reimbursement program, including auditing expenditures for employees and the budget, verifying course completion, and processing paperwork for payment.

Assists in the employee recruitment and selection process; maintains recruitment files; enters requisitions and criteria information into computer system;; updates application records; reviews applicant packets for completeness; screens applications for minimum requirements; orders written tests; prepares test materials; proctors and scores tests as assigned; schedules rooms for oral interviews; develops, revises and conducts structured oral interviews; participates in updating interview questions and oral interview rating sheets; coordinates the participation of interview panels from other agencies; establishes and provides departments with eligibility lists; schedules physical and psychological exams; prepares and administers new hire paperwork including those for fingerprinting procedures; schedules fingerprinting appointments; coordinates and conducts new employee orientations.

Processes salary and benefit changes and initiates changes in status of payroll; performs data input of personnel transactions in the automated Human Resources Information Systems database; works closely with payroll personnel regarding the implementation of various payroll adjustments; develops and/or updates new salary grade step tables; develops new job and position codes; implements pay changes for employees including promotions, reclassifications, upgrades and special pay increases; assists in calculating and implementing across-the-board changes as necessary.

Receives and processes employee time cards and other personnel information; reviews information for accuracy and completeness; maintains confidentiality; responds to employment verification requests in accordance with related policies and procedures.

Updates and records job-line; posts current job announcements on the Human Resources web page; sends job announcements to appropriate agencies; writes classified and display advertisements.

Assists with and coordinates classification reviews; conducts interviews as needed; researches and analyzes data and writes final report.

Assists with administrative responsibility for payroll and development activities for employees, supervisors and management.

Organizes and administers Employee Service Recognition events; identify employees to be recognized; schedules date of event; obtains employees' gift selections, and orders gifts; coordinates with caterer regarding menu; participates in setting up room for events; coordinates with City Manager and City Council members regarding presentations.

Prepares probation status reports; notifies appropriate department of employees who have passed probation; enters probation ending date into the system.

Prepares reports and spreadsheets identifying those employees requiring an evaluation and step increase; sends notification to all City department regarding employee performance evaluation procedures including time line and completion dates.

Conducts and responds to salary, benefit, and classification surveys; computes and compiles survey data and results; assists with job analyses.

Assists in employee training and personal development programs.

May represent the City at job fairs and other employment related functions.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Basic principles and practices of human resources in a public agency setting.
Technical principles and practices of human resources management specific to area of assignment.
Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers.
Computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.
Principles and practices of fiscal, statistical, and administrative research and report preparation.
Principles and procedures of record keeping.
Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
Methods and techniques of public relations and customer service.
Mathematical principles.
English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations related to area of assignment.
Basic methods and techniques of public speaking.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, other agency representatives, and City staff.

Ability to:
Perform a full range of technical, advanced clerical and routine administrative and programmatic work of a specialized nature involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative.
Provide technical human resources management services independently in the absence of supervision.
Participate in the administration of assigned human resources programs and functions.
Answer questions and provide information to City employees, outside agencies, and the general public requiring the interpretation and explanation of human resources program, policies, and procedures.
Maintain accurate, confidential and complete employee records.
Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
Understand, interpret, and apply general and specific administrative and departmental policies and procedures.
Effectively represent the City to employees and outside individuals and agencies.
Research, compile, analyze, and interpret data.
Participate in the preparation of a variety of reports.
Prepare correspondence and memoranda.
Implement and maintain standard filing systems.
Type and/or enter data at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
Operate and use modern office equipment including a computer and various software packages.
Work under steady pressure with frequent interruptions and a high degree of public contact by phone or in person.
Exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality in maintaining critical and sensitive information, records, and reports.
Organize work to meet priorities and deadlines.
Work independently in the absence of supervision.
Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Minimum Requirements

Human Resources Technician I/II
Education/Training:
Two years of college with major course work in human resources, business administration, or a related field.

Human Resources Technician I
Experience:
One year (full-time equivalent) of responsible clerical and technical experience including some experience in support of a human resources program area related to area of assignment.

Human Resources Technician II
Experience:
Two years (full-time equivalent) of increasingly responsible technical, administrative, and advanced level clerical experience at a level comparable to a Human Resources Technician I with the City of Escondido.

Supplemental Information

NOTE: For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's web site. The City of Escondido is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace. All applicants will be subject to fingerprint investigation before a conditional offer of employment is extended. A pre-employment medical examination will be conducted following a conditional offer of employment for all positions. Safety sensitive positions will include a pre-employment drug screen. Positions subject to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations will be subject to DOT pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates will be invited to appear for testing. All positions require the ability to read, write and speak English. Types of tests may include written and/or oral examination, physical agility, practical exam or other appropriate job-related selection process. When testing is completed, candidates will be ranked on an eligibility list in the order of their test score. Selection for appointments is made from names certified on the eligibility list.

All appointments are subject to the successful completion of background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting, and will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. Qualification by a medical examination will be required at the time of appointment. After appointment, classified employees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period to be eligible for regular status. In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all new employees must produce proof of eligibility to work in the United States within the first three days of their employment. The City of Escondido participates in E-Verify®.

The Loyalty Oath will be administered to all new employees on their first day of hire. New employees hired into positions that require a driver's license must provide proof of a valid California Driver's License of the appropriate class level on their first day of employment.

Additional information regarding the essential functions and physical, environmental and communication demands of the position may be obtained from the Human Resources Department. If you require reasonable accommodation in the testing process, such as an alternate means of testing, you must contact the Human Resources Department by the final filing date to complete a Request for Reasonable Accommodation form. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

Note: Pursuant to California Civil Code section 1786.53, the City of Escondido shall provide to all job candidates a copy of any records of arrest, indictment, conviction, civil judicial action, tax lien or outstanding judgment which was obtained in the course of conducting an evaluation for employment, assignment, and/or promotion. A copy of this information, if received by the City, will be given to candidates within seven days of the City's receipt.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE

Eligible individuals are those who meet the following criteria:

• Served in the U.S. armed forces
• Received an honorable discharge
• Did not retire from military service
• Seeking employment with the City of Escondido for the first time.

Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes does not qualify for veterans' preference. Proof of eligibility (copy of DD-214) must be submitted at time of application, or later if the promulgation of the eligibility list will not be delayed. Veterans' preference credit will only be applied to eligible applicants who attained a passing grade (total score exclusive of credit) on the final open examination.

ABOUT OUR CITY

The City of Escondido is a prominent agricultural, commercial hub and residential center of North San Diego County. Located a short 30-minute drive from the beach, the mountains or downtown San Diego, Escondido residents enjoy the pleasure of a rural lifestyle with all the benefits of suburban living. Escondido is a diverse, vibrant community with many amenities. The city offers attractive homes in a wide range of prices, two lakes, several parks, a sports center, golf courses, restaurants, wineries, shopping centers, a variety of art galleries, entertainment venues, and a state of the art hospital. Established in 1888, the city's rich past brings charm and stability to the community; yet integrated with Escondido's treasured heritage is a progressive future, bright and brimming with promise.

EOE The City of Escondido does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, sex, age, national origin, or sexual orientation. We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.

The City of Escondido offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

The Benefits of Choice program offers you a range of benefits. You choose the coverage that is right for you, your family and your budget. Read this e-Guide for an overview of your options, with links to additional details and forms.

For a more detailed overview of this benefits package, please visit the Unclassified / Clerical / Technical Benefit Summary.

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Escondido, California United States View Map