Position Summary
Under the limited supervision of the Human Resources Director, the Human Resources Specialist supports and coordinates a variety of human resources functions, services, policies, and programs. This includes, but is not limited to, recruitment and staffing, training and development, classification and compensation, benefits administration, employee relations, liability programs, and compliance with employment laws and regulations. The position plays a key role in supporting internal operations, ensuring legal compliance, and enhancing employee experience.
Essential Job Functions
- Coordinate and support the day-to-day operations of the Human Resources Department to ensure efficient, customer-focused service delivery
- Develop, maintain, and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) for HR functions
- Administer employee benefits programs, including retirement, COBRA, health insurance, disability, and other related benefits; liaise with vendors for routine benefit administration
- Monitor and ensure compliance with liability-related programs including workers’ compensation, unemployment, drug testing, and Line of Duty Act benefits
- Process employee status changes (e.g., hires, terminations, pay adjustments) accurately and in a timely manner
- Prepare and submit workers’ compensation and unemployment claims and reports
- Complete and submit required EEO-4 and EEOP Utilization reports
- Maintain confidential personnel records in accordance with legal and retention requirements
- Assist with recruitment activities including preparing job postings, coordinating advertising, processing applications, and communicating with applicants
- Gather and analyze data for classification and market compensation studies; provide recommendations and documents findings; assist with job description updates
- Maintain and update the County’s classification guides and pay scales; coordinate the annual distribution of compensation documentation
- Assist in maintaining the County’s Personnel Policies Manual and ensure updates are incorporated
- Coordinate onboarding and offboarding activities for new and departing employees
- Support the development and delivery of new hire orientation programs
- Assist with tracking and reporting HR metrics (e.g., turnover, recruitment, grievances, unemployment)
- Design and facilitate employee and supervisor training, coordinate training with vendors and internal subject matter experts
- Prepare internal communications, presentations, and HR materials for distribution through various channels, including the County website and social media
- Conduct research on employment law, industry trends, and best practices in public sector HR.
- Maintain current knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and emerging issues in HR; participate in professional development activities
- Provide guidance and consultation to staff and supervisors on HR policies and procedures
- Support the Human Resources Director in the planning, organizing, and administration of department operations
- Develop and promote employee wellness and health initiatives
- Assist with preparation and monitoring of the departmental budget
- Assist with the employee Service Awards recognition program
- Performs other related duties as assigned
Note: This is not an exhaustive list of duties. The County reserves the right to modify job duties or assign additional responsibilities as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in human resource management, public administration, business administration, or a related field
- Experience: Five (5) years of professional human resources experience, preferably in a generalist capacity
- Certifications/Licenses:
- SHRM-CP/SCP or IPMA-CP/SCP certification (preferred)
- Valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license
- Other: An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered
Special Qualifications
- Acceptable driving record
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong knowledge of human resources practices and principles, including benefits administration and records management
- Familiarity with local government operations and employment-related legal requirements
- Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and regulations effectively
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear reports, correspondence, and training materials
- High attention to detail with strong organizational and time management skills
- Ability to work with sensitive and confidential information with discretion
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and HR information systems
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, department heads, and the public
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to provide high-quality internal customer service
Working Conditions and Disclaimer
- Frequently requires exertion of up to 10 pounds of force and occasionally up to 25 pounds.
- Regularly involves sitting, speaking, hearing; frequent walking and standing; occasional reaching and handling.
- Vocal communication is required to express ideas effectively; hearing is required to perceive information at normal conversation levels.
- Must be able to operate office equipment and analyze written/computer data.
- Work is primarily performed in an office environment with moderate noise levels.
The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees with this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications as required of employees assigned to this position.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Orange County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
General Acknowledgement: The employee is expected to comply with all County policies and procedures and to consistently demonstrate adherence through their conduct. As a representative of Orange County, the employee is also expected to serve as a role model by upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in accordance with these policies.
Orange County is an equal opportunity employer. Orange County does not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected class as established by law.
Pay: $55,995.00 - $72,795.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
