Payroll Specialist

About Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD)

Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD) is the third-largest juvenile justice agency in the country and the second-largest department in Harris County, employing over 1,200 professionals dedicated to youth justice transformation and reform. HCJPD is committed to improving outcomes for youth, reducing racial disproportionality, and ensuring a safe environment for both staff and residents. We continuously innovate by implementing systemic changes to lower detention populations and promote positive youth development.

The Human Resources (HR) division provides overall policy direction on human resources management and administrative support to all staff. It oversees various actions to develop the human capital and talent of Harris County Juvenile Probation (HCJPD). This division is responsible for recruitment, hiring, benefits, compensation, organizational development, employee relations and training. HR plays a strategic role in business management and the fostering of a positive workplace culture, which contributes significantly to HCJPD's overall success.

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for managing and executing all aspects of the payroll process, including ensuring compliance with payroll laws and regulations, verifying that employees are paid on time and correctly, maintaining and updating employee payroll records, handling and resolving payroll-related inquiries from employees, validating and confirming reports, and by providing exceptional service to employees regarding payroll matters.

• Processes bi-weekly payroll accurately and on time for all employees in the department, including coordinating, entering and submitting payroll for employees, as needed.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and county payroll laws and regulations.
• Resolves payroll discrepancies by collecting and analyzing information.
• Communicates with managers for any missed times or payroll issues.
• Handles and resolves payroll-related inquiries from employees.
• Processes all paperwork associated with hiring, salary, and position changes.
• Visits residential facilities to address employee payroll inquiries and provide updates on payroll policies and procedures.
• Tracks attendance for Residential Services and files payroll records.

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent with a minimum of two (2) years of progressive work experience in payroll processing (as a payroll specialist).
• Thirty (30) hours of education from an accredited college or university may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.

• Demonstrate proficient use of the personal computer by passing the clerical exam with a score of at least 85%.
• Proficient use of the county payroll system.
• Working knowledge of county, state, and federal payroll regulations.
• Broad working knowledge of divisional and departmental policies and procedures.
• Able to effectively communicate payroll matters to members of the management team and department administration.
• Must be 21 years of age.

• Upon receiving a conditional job offer, all applicants must undergo a criminal background check and drug screening.
• All employees are subject to random drug and alcohol testing, as well as testing based on reasonable suspicion that the employee may be under the influence of a substance prohibited by the county's drug and alcohol policy during the course and scope of employment.
• In the event of a public emergency declared by the county, staff may be assigned to other duties, facilities, or departments under the supervision of another county department.
• Employees in this position must possess and maintain a valid Texas Driver's license and maintain liability insurance coverage at least equal to the minimum amounts required by law.
• Certified copies of educational transcripts and/or college credits will be required during the hiring process.
• This position involves working with challenging youth where the use of crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies may be necessary to ensure the safety of both youth and staff.

Grant-funded Full-time | On-site Position.

Monday - Friday | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Hours may vary based on the needs of the department.

$59,987.00 Annually

Human Resources (1200 Congress)

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.

Due to a high volume of applications, positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.