Senior Human Resources Specialist

The University of Maryland, Baltimore, School of Social Work (SSW) is seeking a highly organized, driven professional as a Senior Human Resources Specialist to join our team and provide essential support for day-to-day human resources operations for the school. This role is critical in ensuring smooth HR processes and compliance.

The Senior HR Specialist will manage recruitment coordination, onboarding/offboarding, HRIS data integrity, leave management, and compliance. This position will also provide payroll support and serve as a payroll backup to ensure continuity of operations. The Senior HR Specialist will set up candidate reference checks, review feedback, and advise hiring managers of any red flags. Additionally, this position will liaise closely with the central HR office on employee actions, HRIS entries, and other SSW HR matters.

Benefits Information
UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development, along with additional exciting perks that employees can take advantage of. Contingent Category II staff receive a generous leave package that includes over 2 weeks of vacation each year, paid holidays, sick time, and time for community service; subsidized comprehensive health insurance and supplemental retirement options; professional learning and development programs; limited tuition remission for employees enrolled at UMB; life insurance and long-term disability; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job). 

This is a Contractual position with a hybrid work schedule.

UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland.  All employees are expected to work physically within the State of Maryland.

Primary Duties

• Manage relationships with hiring managers. coordinate and review job postings, applicant tracking, interview scheduling, and background checks.
• Partner with the Central Talent Recruitment office on job postings to ensure recruitments are timely and respond to inquiries.
• Set up candidate reference checks in the reference check system, review feedback, and advise hiring managers of any concerns.
• Facilitate new hire onboarding and SSW orientation; manage offboarding processes.
• Maintain accurate employee data in HRIS; ensure compliance with recordkeeping standards.
• Enter employee actions and required documentation in HRIS.  Prepare routine HR reports.
• Liaise with central HR office on employee actions, HRIS entries, and related matters.
• Analyze data to identify trends and risks, develop solutions to positively impact client customer support.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding leave policies.  Tracks leave of absences and monitors (FMLA, ADA, state/local) return to work compliance.
• Interpret and communicate HR policies and procedures to managers and staff.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations and organizational policies.
• Track completion of performance assessments; provide tools and reminders to managers.
• Document and provide guidance regarding routine employee relations matters; escalate complex issues to HR Director.
• Establish strong understanding of client group functions to make practical recommendations. 
• Identify opportunities to streamline HR processes and enhance service delivery.
• Assist with payroll processing, approvals, and reconciliations to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Monitor HR actions affecting payroll processes. 
• Serve as payroll backup during absences or peak periods.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education: Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or related field of study. Master’s degree is preferred.
Experience: Three (3) years of experience in the human resource field. General knowledge of human resource laws, practices, and policies is required.
Supervisory Experience: One (1) year in work coordination, training, and daily oversight of staff, students, or volunteers.
Certification/Licensure: SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification preferred.
Other: Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 undergraduate college credits being equivalent to one year of related experience. In instances where specific education and/or experience is required only directly related education and/or experience may be substituted.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of state and federal employment laws, HR operations, and HR best practices.
• Proficiency with HRIS and payroll systems; Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent organizational, communication and customer service skills; ability to manage multiple priorities. 
• Ability to think critically.

Hiring Range: $73,000 - $81,000, commensurate with education and experience. 

UMB is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, protected veteran's status, or any other legally protected classification.

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request. You may also contact leave_and_accom@umaryland.edu. Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Read the UMB Notice of Non-Discrimination for more information.