Personnel Director

CITY OF WOONSOCKET, RHODE ISLAND

Personnel Division

EMPLOYMENT ADVERTISEMENT

PERSONNEL DIRECTOR

Reporting directly to the Director of Finance, and in accordance with the Woonsocket Personnel Guiding Principles, the Personnel Director is responsible for planning, coordinating and supervising the operation of the Personnel Division in a manner that will promote the overall efficiency of the city, and enhance the morale and well-being of city personnel.  This position manages the administration of all daily personnel division functions such as hiring, training, classification, certification, benefits, safety, compensation, labor relations, evaluations and performance management and discipline, and compliance with all applicable federal, state and local law, including federal labor laws, and civil service employment laws.  This position administers and enforces personnel ordinances, policies and best practices to ensure that services are provided in alignment with the strategic objectives of the Mayor and the city.

A bachelor’s degree with a concentration in either Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Labor and Employment Relations or a related field; and preferable graduate level course work at a school of business, with course work concentration in the areas of personnel, labor relations and related subjects.  SHRM or HRCI certification is highly desirable.  Must have at least two (2) years of work experience in personnel administration; one (1) year of which must have been in a supervisory position overseeing personnel programs, including wage and benefit administration and employee service programs; and preferably the above experience in the field of municipal government.  Or any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the stated education and experience.  A complete job description is available in the “Employment” section of the City’s website:  www.woonsocketri.gov.

Application Deadline:     Open Until Filled

Classification:     Non-Union Classified

Salary Range:     $65,000/Year to $85,000/Year

To Apply:  The City of Woonsocket offers a competitive benefit and compensation package.  Please forward your completed application and resume to Nikki Aphonphanh, Personnel Division, City of Woonsocket, 169 Main Street, Woonsocket, RI 02895.  You may send your information electronically to naphonphanh@woonsocketri.gov.

A City of Woonsocket Application for Employment must be completed and one can be obtained by visiting the “Employment” section of the City’s website at www.woonsocketri.gov.

JOB TITLE:                           Personnel Director

DEPARTMENT/DIVISION:  Finance Department/Personnel Division

PAY GRADE & HOURS:       Grade N10  /  40-hour work week

UNION:                                  Non-Union Classified Plan

POSITION SUMMARY:  Under the direction of the Director of Finance, and in accordance with the Woonsocket Personnel Guiding Principles, the Personnel Director is responsible for planning, coordinating and supervising the operation of the division of personnel in a manner that will promote the overall efficiency of the city, and enhance the morale and well-being of city personnel.  This position manages the administration of all daily personnel division functions such as hiring, training, classification, certification, benefits, safety, compensation, labor relations, evaluations and performance management and discipline, and compliance with all applicable federal, state and local law, including federal labor laws, and civil service employment laws.  This position administers and enforces personnel ordinances, policies and best practices to ensure that services are provided in alignment with the strategic objectives of the Mayor and the city.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists with planning a program for the selection and assignment of the best qualified professional and support staff, implements and administers such program.
• Serves as a consultant and advisor for all hiring as well as implements, oversees and monitors hiring practices to ensure consistency and compliance with policies and procedures.
• Maintains records and provides reports as needed regarding human resource office functions including but not limited to position postings, current vacancies, organizational charts, and staff assignments.
• Reviews requests for all grant-funded position postings to ensure funding and funding source is appropriate and available and that the request is in compliance with union contract obligations.
• Conducts in-house job fairs as required; attends and organizes participation in statewide or regional job fairs; exercises proactive and vigorous efforts to recruit qualified candidates for open positions.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with all Federal and State laws and regulations including but not limited to any certification and reporting requirements.
• Responsible for administration of the process to determine which employees and/or positions are to be non-renewed, eliminated or added.  Ensures proper notifications as required by law or contract.
• Interprets, administers, and assists in the development of personnel policies for all employee groups.
• Conducts orientation programs and all necessary onboarding for new employees as well as provides training sessions as needed. Develops and implements a comprehensive orientation program for new employees.
• Conducts wage survey within the labor market to determine competitive wage rates for all employees.
• Establishes and maintains procedures and programs to provide opportunities for staff to develop personally and professionally.
• Prepares, maintains and/or revises job specifications as required.
• Analyzes and recommends revisions to all employee policies and procedures, handbooks, and safety manuals.
• Maintains and administers ongoing labor/management program with all unions.  Assists with collective bargaining and preparation for collective bargaining, including preparation of proposals and other related duties.
• Handles employee grievances consistent with collective bargaining agreements, including preparing and generating official responses to union grievances and conducting hearings as necessary.
• Makes recommendations on disciplinary actions, reviews proposed disciplinary actions for compliance with collective bargaining agreements and City policies, and imposes discipline as appropriate.
• Provides technical/contractual advice to all supervisors and assists with employee-related problems.
• Monitors and approves all leave of absence requests; ensures proper notification of long‑term absences that may affect other city department operations; arranges and monitors employee accommodations as needed.
• Advises employees on issues of concern; addresses employee complaints promptly and properly.
• Plans and oversees employee functions and other initiatives to boost and maintain employee morale; serves as chairperson and coordinator of Employee Recognition Award program.
• Responsible for oversight of process and supervision of staff entering new employees into payroll database, including any changes in employee information and status.
• Oversees all Workers’ Compensation claims; ensures that proper records are maintained under OSHA and other applicable law.
• Prepares annual and periodic reports for any federal and state governmental agencies.
• Maintains seniority lists; assists in providing data necessary for grievance and arbitration hearings; confers with union representatives on matters and questions regarding seniority, postings, layoffs, etc. as needed; assists with grievance matters as needed.
• Ensures proper collection and tracking of EEO data; assists with researching, planning, and adjudicating all EEOC issues in the district under Title IX.
• Oversees the maintenance of Personnel Division Information System; responsible for ensuring that the system is continually updated.
• Prepares personnel recommendations section of the City Council Committee agenda.
• Prepares responses and reports for numerous annual requests for information concerning the City’s data, including staff issues, enrollments, etc.
• Advises and assists the Director of Finance on the preparation of the annual city budget.
• Coordinates all professional development activities as needed.
• Serves as custodian and maintains all personnel records.  Monitors and ensures completion of employee performance evaluations, maintains evaluation reports, and proactively addresses performance issues.  Consults on matters of employee discipline and imposes discipline as necessary.
• Maintains Personnel Division web page reflecting available positions and up-to-date information.
• Performs such other tasks as may be assigned by the Director of Finance and the Mayor
• Maintains professional knowledge through such means as attending seminars, reviewing professional publications and participating in professional organizations.
• Performs any other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:  A bachelor’s degree with a concentration in either Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Labor and Employment Relations or a related field; and preferable graduate level course work at a recognized of school of business, with course work concentration in the areas of personnel, labor relations and related subjects. SHRM or HRCI certification is highly desirable.  Must have at least two (2) years of work experience in personnel administration; one (1) year of which must have been in a supervisory position overseeing personnel programs, including wage and benefit administration and employee service programs; and preferably the above experience in the field of municipal government.

Or:  Any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  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 essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to stand; use hands to finger, handles or feel; and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to walk and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

An Equal Opportunity Employer