Deputy Director of Human Resources

Statement of Duties

The Deputy Director of Human Resources performs confidential administrative and analytical work including but not limited: Employee relations; labor relations; leaves of absence administration; employee recruitment and retention efforts; training and professional development programs; compensation and benefits administration. Human Resources policy development; and State and Federal compliance reporting. Employee is required to perform all similar or related duties. The Deputy Director manages the human resource department in the absence of the Director of Human Resources.

Essential Functions

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Assists with interpreting contract language for 10 collective bargaining units.
• Advises managers on counseling and progressive discipline.
• Serves as part of the bargaining team for union negotiations.
• Leads equity and inclusion initiatives related to Human Resources.
• Maintains arbitration and grievance files, logs and past practice documentation.
• Prepares the departmental budget.
• Oversees Employee Assistant Program contract.
• Identifies and implements professional development opportunities.
• Oversees training and education incentive programs.
• Conducts investigatory interviews and reports findings.
• Serves as point person for HRIS.
• Maintains positive employee relations.
• Develops and implements policies and procedures.
• Oversees leave of absence programs in compliance with FMLA, ADA HIPPA, and other applicable state and federal regulations.
• Oversees Pre-Employment Drug Screening program.
• Oversees random drug and alcohol screening program.
• Oversees employee programs such as the MBTA Pass program and Gym Reimbursement Programs.
• Oversees accruals program and applicable sick banks.
• Reviews and assesses proper grade for non-union positions.
• Oversees annual ethics training.
• Maintains and advises on the City of Somerville Employee Guidebook (for non-union employees).
• Oversees CORI checks.
• Responsible for administering the employee recognition program.
• Takes on other duties as assigned.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree and five to seven (5-7) years of experience in human resource management, or related work experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. SHRM-CP or HRCI-PHR preferred.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skill

Knowledge: Working knowledge of Massachusetts and Federal employment law; Human Resources and business management techniques to include budget preparation.

Abilities: Ability to effectively manage and engage staff. Ability to supervise or delegate projects or unexpected increase(s) in workload; ability to plan, assign, motivate and supervise. Ability to prioritize. Ability to respond effectively to constant changes in work demands. Ability to manage multiple tasks in a detailed and accurate manner. Ability to deal tactfully with disgruntled employees. Ability to effectively use office software programs including word processing and spread sheet applications.

Skill: Excellent interpersonal, conflict resolution and organizational skills; skilled problem solver.

Work Environment

The work environment involves everyday discomforts typical of offices, with occasional

exposure to outside elements. Noise or physical surroundings may be distracting, but conditions are generally not unpleasant. Employee may be required to work beyond normal business hours to attend evening meetings.

Physical and Mental 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.

Physical Skills

Little or no physical demands are required to perform the work. Work effort principally involves sitting to perform work tasks, with intermittent periods of stooping, walking, and standing. There may also be some occasional lifting of objects such as books, office equipment and computer paper (up to 30 lbs.)

Motor Skills

Duties are