Human Resources Specialist

PRIMARY PURPOSE/SCOPE

The Human Resources Specialist is the primary personnel contact for staff employees and works with the Academic Affairs office in serving the personnel needs of faculty. The Human Resources Specialist also has primary responsibility for the functionality of the human resource functions, as available, of the administrative computing system and is the primary human resources benefits coordinator for the University.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND FUNCTIONS

The essential duties, responsibilities, and functions of the Human Resources Specialist include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Oversees the Human Resource function:
   • Advises the Associate Vice President for Administration and Finance on University-wide personnel matters.
   • Will serve as backup to the Human Resources Assistant and provide for the preparation of payroll, including salary/wage information, tax status, and benefit selections.
   • Ensures the existence of a complete library of position descriptions for all staff positions.
   • Provides assistance as requested and oversees completion of at least an annual performance review process for staff employees.
   • Develops, recommends, monitors, and controls the human resources budget (within the business office budget).
   • Reviews and approves human resource operating expenditures.
   • Helps ensure that adequate internal personnel controls, policies, and procedures are documented and operational.
   • Works with the Associate Vice President for Administration and Finance to identify legal and regulatory requirements regarding personnel issues and to ensure policies, procedures, and reporting are in compliance.
   • Serves as primary contact for the University’s Wellness Program including oversight of the Wellness Committee, serving on the Consortium Wellness Committee, and managing the Wellness Budget.
2. Develops/implements functionality in the human resource functions, as available, of the administrative computing system:
   • Advises the Associate Vice President for Administration and Finance on human resources functions needed or used within the administrative computing system.
   • Assists the Associate Vice President for Administration and Finance in evaluating, recommending, implementing, and monitoring human resources functionality within administrative software, to provide an efficient and effective, well-controlled, and documented human resources processing system.
   • Confers with other university managers, directors, and employees to coordinate human resources system processes related to other functions of the system and user interfaces.
   • Works with the Associate Vice President for Administration and Finance and Human Resources Assistant to evaluate, recommend, implement, and monitor payroll functionality within the University-wide administrative software, to provide an efficient and effective, well-controlled, and documented payroll processing system.
   • Processes Personnel Budget Request Forms and maintains positions on the Bluefield University Website, CCCU, Indeed, and other sites as requested.
   • Recruits, hires, and provides orientation to all new employees including Full-time, Part-time, and Student Employees.
3. Analyzes and resolves work problems, or assists workers in solving work problems.
   • Serves as primary contact for employee relations and provides a non-biased environment to assist university employees who are seeking assistance.
4. Works with the Associate Vice President for Administration and Finance to develop long-range staffing and human resources benefit plans for the University.
5. Suggests changes in working conditions and use of equipment to increase the efficiency of employees and/or work crews.
6. Initiates or suggests plans to motivate workers to achieve work goals.
7. Complies with all rules, policies, and procedures as established by Bluefield University.
8. Interprets University policies for employees and enforces safety regulations.
9. Performs other duties as assigned.

MARGINAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND FUNCTIONS

The marginal duties, responsibilities, and functions of the Human Resources Specialist include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Serves on various University-wide committees as assigned.
2. Represents the University at meetings with University employees and/or external persons and agencies as required.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND FUNCTIONS

The Human Resources Specialist may supervise interns and/or student assistant “work studies.” The Human Resources Specialist carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the University’s policies and applicable laws. Supervisory duties, responsibilities, and functions include interviewing, hiring, and training student assistant “work studies”; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining student assistant “work studies”; addressing complaints; and resolving problems.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Familiarity with office practices and procedures, including computer systems, computer software electronic mail, and Internet. Experience with Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. Experience with the human resources and payroll functions of ERP software, such as Jenzabar, and/or the ability and background to gain this experience.
• Knowledge of human resources regulatory requirements.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to maintain good rapport with faculty, staff, and students.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and to effectively relate to all levels of employees, students, and external contacts.

ERGONOMIC REQUIREMENTS

• Physical Demands
  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 essential functions. This position is not necessarily a physically demanding job and generally requires no specific physical demands other than those typical in a modern office environment. Normal responsibilities should not afford risks of accidental injury.
• Specialized Equipment Requirements
  The use of specialized equipment listed here is representative of equipment an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. This position requires equipment typically used in a modern office environment, including personal computers, calculators, copiers, and fax machines.
• Working Conditions and Environment
  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the duties, responsibilities, and functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the duties, responsibilities, and functions. This position has no specific working conditions; the work environment is typical to that of a small private residential institution of higher education, with physical remote site locations within 500 miles of the main campus in Bluefield, Virginia.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

The qualification standards of the Human Resources Specialist include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. A Christian commitment and lifestyle that acknowledges a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a personal commitment to the Christian purpose and mission of Bluefield University.
2. Professional appearance and presentation in the working environment (including business casual attire).

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

This position is subject to at least an annual evaluation based upon the job duties, responsibilities, and functions as set forth above.

APPROVALS

The job duties, responsibilities, functions, and requirements delineated above should not be interpreted as an all-inclusive list of the same. Additional duties, responsibilities, functions, and requirements may be assigned as deemed appropriate. The University reserves the right to change or reassign job duties, responsibilities, and functions, or combine positions at any time. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is possible that requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. However, no accommodations will be made which may pose serious health or safety risks to the employee or others or which impose undue hardships on the University. Position descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The University maintains its status as an at-will employer.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply for this position, select “Apply Now” below or visit: https://www.bluefield.edu/employment/ to complete the employment application and upload the following:

• Letter of interest
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Names and full contact information for at least three professional references
• Statement of Christian Faith

To be considered for this position, all application requirements listed above must be completed.

Bluefield University is a Christ-centered, multicultural learning community that values and seeks faculty and staff who represent diverse backgrounds and perspectives, are committed to diversity, work effectively with diverse populations, and engage others in ways that honor our rich cultural mosaic and biblical foundation.

Bluefield University is a private, not-for-profit institution affiliated with the Baptist General Association of Virginia. Bluefield University shall not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age, religion, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other basis on which the University is prohibited from discrimination under local, state, or federal law, in its employment or in the provision of its services, including but not limited to its programs and activities, admissions, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other University-administered programs. This institution encourages women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply.