Human Resources Manager - City of Somerville

Statement of Duties

The Human Resources (HR) Manager supervises the administrative team, is responsible for office-level records management, acts as a liaison between employees and management, recommends and oversees technology upgrades, streamlines processes and procedures, responds to ad hoc information requests, and provides support to the HR recruitment function, including civil service hiring. The Human Resources Manager is required to perform all similar or related duties.

Essential Functions:

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Supervises and directs HR administrative staff of HR Generalists and part-time assistants to ensure quality of work and uniformity of message;
• Conducts regular cross-training within administrative team and with other HR divisions, to provide the best possible customer service;
• Oversees employee administrative lifecycle, including pre-employment processes and required screenings/evaluations; employee trainings, files and data reporting; and close of employment/offboarding procedures;
• Acts as custodian of record for HR Department records, including City personnel files, and coordinates with City Archivist on proper maintenance procedures;
• Oversees Human Resources department payroll, procurement and accounts payable functions, including requisitions and purchase orders, contracts, purchases, and invoice payments;
• Key role in new hire orientation and retirement seminars;
• Works collaboratively with the Recruitment and Retention Manager and Employee Engagement Specialist to identify, create, implement and/or recommend employee training;
• Assists Directors with employee relations, including handling employee disputes, investigations, and other administrative duties, as required;
• Recommends/oversees use of technology and upgrades;
• Advises on ways to streamline processes and procedures;
• Responds to complex information requests;
• Assists HR Directors in the creation, administration and maintenance of policies;
• Performs regular audits of employee records to ensure accuracy and oversees corrections and updates;
• Maintains knowledge of HR best practices and trends, existing and new legislation; and
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree and five (5) years’ experience in human resource management; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Professional HR certifications, such as SHRM or PHR, preferred but not required.
 

Knowledge, Abilities and Skill

Knowledge: Working knowledge of Massachusetts and Federal employment laws and City ordinances related to human resources management; thorough working knowledge of office procedures and equipment; some knowledge of municipal government; continual education in HR best practices and trends to make recommendations for system improvements.

Ability: Ability to meet and deal with the public effectively and appropriately; ability to handle problems and emergencies effectively; ability to be a team leader and give constructive feedback; ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing; ability to operate a computer; ability to maintain confidential information; ability to maintain, manage, and organize employment records; ability to assist with sensitive employee relations, investigations, and outcomes as required; ability to quickly learn and master software programs; ability to deal appropriately with City employees, City officials and members of the public.

Skill: Excellent organizational skills; strong interpersonal skills; excellent word and data processing skill in the use of personal computers and office software including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite. Experience with Munis, ClearGov and other municipal software programs advantageous.

Work Environment

The work environment involves everyday discomforts typical of offices, with occasional exposure to outside elements. Noise or physical surroundings may be distracting, but conditions are generally not unpleasant. Employee may be required to work beyond normal business hours in response to attend evening meetings or complete work assignments.

Physical and Mental Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.

Physical Skills

Few physical demands are required to perform the work. Work effort principally involves sitting to perform work tasks, with intermittent periods of stooping, walking, and standing. May also be some occasional lifting of objects such as office equipment and computer paper (up to 30 lbs).

Motor Skills

Duties are largely mental rather than physical, but the job may occasionally require minimal motor skills for activities such as moving objects, operating a telephone, personal computer and/or most other office equipment including word processing, filing and sorting of papers.

Visual Skills

Visual demands require constantly reading documents for general understanding and analytical purposes

City of Somerville residents are especially encouraged to apply.

The City of Somerville is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability or any other protected category. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities free of charge, upon request. Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.

Please Note: The below details do not apply to any Mayor Student Jobs programs OR youth workers with the city.

Pre-Employment Requirements for All Employees:

• MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) clearance
• Completion of Conflict-of-Interest Law Education training for municipal employees

Overview of Total Rewards:

• 4 weeks annual vacation (for non-union positions) union positions vary by contract
• Medical insurance through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) - 80% of premium costs paid by City
• Dental coverage low and high plans through Cigna
• Vision care through Vision Service Plan (VSP)
• Long term disability through Sun Life
• Group and voluntary life insurance through Boston Mutual
• Health Care and Dependent Care flexible spending through Benefit Strategies
• Deferred compensation plans through a choice of three vendors
• Free, confidential services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by E4Health
• Annual cancer screening & wellness release
• Somerville Retirement Pension System
• Tuition reimbursement
• MBTA pass program
• FREE Blue Bikes membership
• Eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

Benefits listed are for benefits-eligible positions and the above information is meant to be a general overview of the benefit programs offered by the City of Somerville and not a binding contract.

Powered by JazzHR