City of Bangor - Human Resources Officer

Start Date: March 18, 2024 | End Date: May 14, 2024
County: Penobscot County
Job Type: Human Resources

Incumbent serves as Human Resources Officer for the City of Bangor managing and participating in human resources functions including: recruitment, benefits administration, training and professional development, classification and compensation, drug and alcohol testing program management, employee and labor relations, and general employment programs and matters. Also responsible for assisting Assistant City Manager / Human Resources Director to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations and policies pertaining to employment practices.

 DUTIES:

• Advises supervisors and managers on various human resource issues including recruitment, compensation, performance management, discipline, promotion, grievances and training of employees.
• Provide excellent customer service to City employees to support the City’s mission.  This may include direct communication via in-person meetings, phone, email or other electronic means and/or establishing methods for employee self-service and access to important information.
• Oversees and assists with the administration of various benefit programs including retirement, health, dental and vision insurance, supplemental insurance programs and related programs to ensure effective implementation and superior service for eligible employees.
• Conducts or assists in the process of recruiting, interviewing, selecting, and hiring employees in various departments and divisions.
• Provides guidance and assistance to the Payroll Division regarding the interpretation of Personnel Rules and Regulations and Collective Bargaining Agreements to ensure proper payment of wages and administration of benefit programs.
• Reviews and develops job descriptions and pay range assignments to ensure positions are correctly classified and compensated within the pay classification system. Recommends reclassifications and pay range assignments to the Assistant City Manager / Human Resources Director and City Manager.
• Oversees the City’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Program for Safety Sensitive positions to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal regulations including scheduling pre-employment, random, probable cause and return to duty tests; maintaining and reporting results; and working with providers to remain compliant and current with all associated rules and regulations. Updates Testing Program policy as necessary.
• Oversees and participates in the design and implementation of orientation and training programs for supervisors and employees; advises supervisors and management in leadership development and training needs.
• Counsels and assists employees concerning work related issues, mediates between employees and supervisors over work relationships, issues and problems.
• Serves as grievance hearing officer for grievances involving both non-disciplinary action and disciplinary action less than termination as assigned.
• Drafts, proposes, and recommends updates and revisions to the City’s Personnel Rules and Regulations and Human Resources policies, procedures and practices to Assistant City Manager / Human Resources Director.
• Investigates and issue reports and findings on employee complaints in the workplace such as sexual harassment, bullying, hostile work environment and related topics.
• Represents the City or participates in personnel related matters and hearings such as Unemployment Compensation, Workers’ Compensation, and Maine Human Rights Commission cases.
• Oversees the City’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and coordinates training and services with EAP provider.
• Assists with preparing Human Resources Division budget and may administer budget upon approval.
• Serves as a member of the City-wide Wellness Committee and provides oversight and direction to the Committee with respect to the annual program budget. May participate on the City Safety Committee or other committees as assigned.
• Assists with coordinating City-wide Health Insurance Advisory Committee including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and developing topics for review and discussion.
• Plans and directs the work of the Human Resources Office and/or assigned areas of the City and Human Resources responsibilities.  This may include supervision of assigned personnel and/or projects.
• Identify employment trends; assess employee morale and concerns; and provide suggestions to the Assistant City Manager / HR Director as needed.
• Assists, as required, with collective bargaining related activities and associated labor relations functions under the Municipal Public Employees Labor Relations Act, as directed by the Assistant City Manager / Human Resources Director.
• Performs other related duties and functions as may be assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

A college degree in field related to Human Resource Management, and a minimum of five years of professional leadership level experience in Human Resources administration (e.g. in positions supervising Human Resources personnel and/or being the primary person responsible for managing and overseeing Human Resources programs) required. Education may be substituted for years of direct Human Resources experience (one-for-one).  Public sector experience and an advanced degree or designation as Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) or IPMA-HR Senior Certified Professional preferred.

The person in this position should also possess the following:

• Thorough knowledge of current human resource management practices, trends and issues, and applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations.
• Knowledge and understanding of municipal government, its organization culture and administrative procedures.
• Ability to analyze a wide variety of human resource related situations and facts critically and objectively, to reach sound conclusions, and to make recommendations for appropriate action, or to take action as necessary.
• Ability to establish and maintain highly effective and helpful working relationships with supervisors, employees, the public, and providers / vendors.
• Ability to express thoughts clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, and to make presentations to employees that are informative and effective.
• Ability to exercise creativity and flexibility in addressing workplace problems, needs, challenges and expectations.
• Demonstrated skills in diplomacy, customer service and conflict resolution.
• Demonstrated skill in the use of computers and associated software programs and applications related to progressive Human Resource management.
• Ability to travel among various city work locations.

DIFFICULTY OF WORK AND RESPONSIBILITY

Incumbent operates within local state and federal rules, regulations, and policies governing human resource management, and must interpret and use independent judgment in selecting the appropriate method and procedures to apply to specific situations and cases. Incumbent performs a wide variety of duties, many of which involve specific and intricate knowledge. Situations are encountered that are unique and require considerable analysis, flexibility and creativity to resolve.

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS

Incumbent develops and maintains a wide variety of contacts inside and outside the organization, including other professionals and the public. Proven diplomatic, listening and caring skills are required. Reports to the Assistant City Manager / Human Resources Director

TO APPLY AND FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, please visit the link below:

Welcome to the City of Bangor, Maine - Human Resources Officer (bangormaine.gov)