Employment Specialist

Job Title:                     Employment Specialist

Department:               Human Resources

Reports To:                  Human Resources Director

Job Status:                   Regular Full time

Type:                           Non-Exempt

Grade:                         I 

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the general direction of the Human Resources Director, the Employment Specialist coordinates and administers multiple human resource functions, including but not limited to recruitment, onboarding, off-boarding, and assists with general employee development for the Nooksack Indian Tribe (NIT), Nooksack Market Center (NMC), and Between the Ferns (BTF) in accordance with applicable tribal, federal, and state laws, regulations, and policies and procedures.  

MAJOR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Orients new employees to NIT by holding either one on one or group meetings and provides knowledgeable answers to employee’s questions regarding general NIT employment info.
2. Receives and reviews human resources documents and ensures documents have been accurately completed within policies, procedures, and guidelines; such as personnel actions, compensation, disciplinary actions, and related records; processes and verifies computations for final approval by the Human Resources Director and General Manager.
3. Recommends and assists with updates to human resources documents, policies, and procedures as necessary.
4. Maintains professional and effective communication with Payroll and ensures proper routing of time sensitive payroll information forms.
5. Runs bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to ensure accuracy of data in HRIS and assists Human Resources Director in analyzing data trends.
6. Coordinates employee random drug testing process and new employee testing.  Ensures employees and new hires complete required testing within allowed timeframe and reports any irregularities to Human Resources Director.
7. Coordinates recruitment processes, including but not limited to ensuring completeness and accuracy of job posting announcements, job descriptions, updates of recruitment sites, advertising, responding to questions from applicants, accurate completion of applicant matrixes, and scheduling / participating in interviews and provides status reports on open/unfilled positions to the Human Resources Director on a regular basis.  
8. Coordinates, attends, and professionally represents NIT at job fairs or similar type events.
9. Reviews job descriptions for accuracy, thoroughness, and consistency and works with department directors to update as needed and passes all job descriptions by HRD for final approval before implementing. 
10. Process unemployment compensation claims, including but not limited to accurately completing required paperwork in a timely fashion and may represent the organization during the appeals process.
11. Coordinates hiring administrative process and ensures all necessary steps are within policy, and completed and entered accurately into HRIS in a timely manner.
12. Coordinates offboarding process, including but not limited to contacting separating/separated employee to communicate information and procedures relevant to the separation.
13. Tracks employee acknowledgement records, including but not limited to Personnel Policy Manual, Chain of Command, and Confidentiality; and ensures forms are complete and accessible in personnel files. 
14. Provides first line support to employees and managers on Human Resources issues, including answering general questions, processing paperwork, etc.
15. Supervise and mentor junior Human Resources staff, including but not limited to daily and weekly task assignments, training, overseeing work, approving time-off, performance reviews, disciplinary actions, and interviewing/hiring for position if vacant.
16. Ensures the Human Resources Information System (HRIS) is maintained in a complete and accurate fashion, including but not limited to, issuing time-off policy assignments based on employee status, and scanning paper documents into the system when received.
17. Is familiar with benefits processes and is able to assist, as needed, including but not limited to claims filing, updating information with carriers, and answering general questions.
18. Conducts and assists with internal investigations and grievances as needed.
19. Ensures all department information is maintained in strict confidential matter.
20. May perform other duties as needed that are related to Human Resources programs. 

OTHER DUTIES:

The Tribe is committed to the community service and the well-being of its members; as such each employee may be expected to perform a wide range of office and field duties from time to time. Such duties may or may not be related to their regular responsibilities.

PREFERENCE:

Indian Preference Policy applies to this and all positions with the Nooksack Indian Tribe.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The following qualifications are required for the incumbent to have, in order to be considered for the position.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING FOR POSITION: 

Or

Or

• Six (6) years of professional work experience that includes:
  1. A minimum of two years in a Human Resources department using HRIS for on-boarding, off-boarding, and recruiting;
  2. A minimum of two years of experience compiling, analyzing, and reporting data;
  3. A minimum of two years of experience providing direct supervision to junior staff that includes completing performance reviews, coaching, and directing work. 

REQUIRED SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES POSITION:

• Knowledge and experience in employee communications and relations, employee benefits, training and effective supervisory techniques.
• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build working relationships and communicate effectively with people at all levels of the organization.
• Proficient computer skills, including Excel, Work and Outlook.
• Highly analytical thinking with demonstrated talent for identifying scrutinizing, improving, and streamlining work processes.
• Innovated problem solver who can generate workable solutions and resolve complaints.
• Strong organization, prioritization and multiple-tasking skills
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
• Highly adaptable with the ability to adjust to change in a positive manner.
• Knowledge of applicable tribal, federal, and state employee laws, regulations, and policies.
• Knowledge of how tribal sovereignty relates to tribal employment practices.
• High level of reliability, dependability, initiative and ability to work independently.
• Proven planning and organizational skills with high levels of accuracy, thoroughness and follow-through.
• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• The ability to make sound judgments; take initiative; be flexible; and detail-oriented.
• Ability to maintain composure under pressure and treat staff and community members with dignity and respect at all times.

 REQUIRED CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Must pass alcohol/drug test at time of hire and throughout employment.
• Must pass criminal background check at time of hire and periodically thereafter.

REQUIRED LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS: 

• Must have and maintain throughout employment a valid Washington State Driver’s License and meet the insurability requirements of the Tribe. (May be required to provide Driving Abstract at time of hire).
• Obtain and maintain through employment Tribal Human Resources Professional (THRP) Certificate from National Native American Human Resources Association (NNAHRA) within one (1) year of hire date.
• Obtain and maintain through employment Tribal Human Resources Professional II (THRP II) Certificate from National Native American Human Resources Association (NNAHRA) within two (2) years of hire date.

PHYSICAL 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.):

• The standard work week is 8:30-5:00 Monday through Friday (occasionally may have to work evenings)
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods and frequently required to talk and listen. 
• Sitting for extended periods while at a desk or in meetings.
• Ability to hear, understand, and distinguish speech and or other sounds.
• Ability to see and read small print on documents and screens.
• Manual dexterity to operate a keyboard, calculator, and telephone system
• Ability to lift up to 20+ pounds without assistance occasionally.
• Typical office setting with environmentally controlled conditions.
• Read, write, speak and understand English
• Ability to listen, understands customers, and has the ability to translate rules, regulations, and policies to clients so they understand the issues/problems.
• Operate in mentally and physically stressful situations with composure.
• May have to walk/drive between office locations under a variety of conditions.
• Must be able to bend, reach, kneel, twist, and grip from assigned work areas.

DESIRED SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES POSITION

The following qualifications are preferred/helpful for the incumbent who has these skills/knowledge or abilities for this position.

• Experience in a Tribal Government working environment.
• Experience in HRIS (ADP) database preferred.

I have read and understand the position requirements as stated above