Human Resources Specialist

Interim Director of Human Resources for WESA at the Elsinore Valley Water District

Under general supervision, performs a variety of responsible and technical human resources work in support of the District's human resource management programs and initiatives; areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to recruitment, benefits administration, leaves of absence administration, payroll, HRIS system maintenance, classification review, and compensation studies. Provides technical staff assistance to the Human Resources Director and performs related duties as assigned.

• Within the first 3 months, learn District policies and procedures necessary to answer personnel questions, including how to respond to employee inquiries, candidate inquiries, and other critical tasks.
• Within the first 3 months, demonstrate ability to coordinate the District’s leave programs including FMLA, PFL, CFRA, LWOP, Military, and PDL.
• Within the first 6 months, assume responsibility for District new hire orientations and benefits administration including enrollments, plan maintenance, open enrollment, CalPERS reporting, deferred compensation, and HRIS Benefit management.
• Within the first 9 months, be proficient in the processes and procedures around payroll-related human resources functions.

• Possesses an equivalent to an associate’s degree from an accredited college with major coursework in human resources management, business administration, or related field. A bachelor’s degree in human resources management, industrial organizational psychology, business administration, or related field is desired.
• Possesses three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience supporting a variety of human resources programs and services.
• Is an effective communicator, both orally and in writing, with the ability to interact professionally across a wide range of audiences.
• Possesses a working knowledge of various leave of absence guidelines, along with the ability to maintain compliance with the State of California and Federal guidelines pertaining to each type of leave.
• Will be proactive and solution-oriented in addressing challenges and opportunities, and has experience collaborating with Unions/Employee Associations.
• Is enthusiastic, dependable, efficient, and organized, with the ability to work under pressure with frequent interruptions while maintaining a pleasant, professional demeanor.
• Possesses the ability to address sensitive issues in a diplomatic and respectful manner, maintaining confidentiality, and demonstrating a high level of integrity.
• Is able to foster an environment of inclusiveness, by encouraging diversity, teamwork, and empowerment.
• Possesses a valid California Class C Driver’s license.

• Assist in administering job-related recruitment and selection procedures, including completing personnel requisitions, creating job postings, reviewing applications, scheduling and directing interviews, negotiating job offers, and ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines.
• Conduct new employee orientation sessions; process benefit enrollment and forms; explain District human resources policies and procedures; provide information on benefit plans and enrollment requirements.
• Oversee timecard administration, including review, revision, and audit of bi‑weekly timecards in advance of payroll; audit payroll, make adjustments, and resolve complex issues; create payroll reports for projected and retroactive personnel action changes; train employees and supervisory staff on proper time entry procedures.
• Solicit and maintain services for the District’s benefit programs; coordinate annual benefit fair and open enrollment activities; process annual and life event benefit changes.
• Administer and track activities related to Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and other leaves of absence; provide information and guidance to employees and management on leave policies and procedures; monitor, evaluate, and update the employee performance evaluation system to ensure consistency in program implementation.
• Provide customer service to employees, applicants,…