Director, Human Resources & Merit System

Salary Range: $151,006+     Pay Grade: 33     FLSA Status: Exempt 

Purpose of Classification:

The purpose of this classification is to plan, organize, direct, manage, administer and evaluate the countywide human resource-related function.

Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Manages, directs, and evaluates assigned staff; oversees employee work schedules to ensure adequate coverage and control; approves/processes employee concerns and problems and counsels or disciplines as appropriate; ensures that department works effectively within budget allocation; assists with or completes employee performance appraisals; directs work; acts as a liaison between employees and County administrators and elected officials; and trains staff in operations, policies, and procedures.

Organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work; prioritizes and schedules work activities in order to meet objectives; ensures subordinates have proper resources needed to complete the assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; collaborates with assigned staff to assist with complex situations and provides technical expertise; submits progress and activity reports to County administrators and elected officials.

Oversees and directs the administration of countywide human resource function; develops and communicates new policies and revises existing policies, and procedures to be effective, transparent, and legally defensible; ensures fair and consistent application of policies, procedures and practices; advises Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Board of Commissioners, and department/agency heads regarding human resource practices and issues; conducts internal investigations; and resolves and recommends solutions to sensitive human resources issues.

Develops short- and long-term goals, plans, and objectives for the department; researches and assesses current and future human resource needs to support the department's strategic plan as assigned; and makes appropriate recommendations.

Ensures compliance with all personnel laws and ordinances; assimilates and disseminates information on changes in laws and regulations; analyzes impact of changes on County policies and procedures; creates and implements compliance processes or procedures; responds to internal and external requests for information regarding local, state and federal personnel laws and ordinances; and ensures human resource information systems meet operating, legal and compliance standards.

Develops and implements guidelines for employee actions, such as hires, promotions, transfers and terminations, etc.; directs recruiting and selecting processes that attract top talent; prepares, analyzes and revises class specs; directs screenings, interviews, background and reference checks; makes hiring and firing decisions and recommendations, and maintains related documentation; and manages the performance review process.

Directs and implements a total compensation program that includes salary and non-salary rewards and employee appreciation events to attract and retain top talent; oversees salary surveys and recommends measures to maintain competitive salary structure to the administration based on available resources; analyzes compensation trends; and directs performance evaluation program and revises as necessary; and pursues proactive measures to retain talent as resources are available.

Directs, conducts and/or implements training programs to ensure compliance with regulations policies, or laws; orient new employees; increase employee effectiveness, and promote a culture of engagement/wellness, including physical and mental fitness to perform assigned job duties; facilitate employee communication, and other training; and employee rewards and recognition activities to communicate and reinforce County business strategies, operational and financial needs and incentivize employees to excellence; develops annual training calendar; and conducts and/or coordinates training events with outside vendors to encourage continuous job-related employee development at all levels in the County.

Oversees administrative hearing process for employee adverse actions; implements decisions rendered by hearing officers; maintains hearing meeting minutes; develops appeal hearings calendar and performs related activities; and conducts prehearing conferences to determine case facts and mediate resolutions.

Develops, implements, and administers department budget; monitors expenditures to comply with established budgetary parameters; and prepares and su