HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST (Labor Relations/Classification & Compensation)

Are you skilled in labor relations, classification, and compensation? Do you enjoy working with HR systems, analyzing job classifications, and supporting fair and compliant compensation structures? The San Bernardino Superior Court is seeking a detail-oriented professional to assist with labor negotiations, process grievances, and ensure accurate job classifications and pay structures. If you have strong analytical skills, experience working with HR systems, and a commitment to equity and compliance, we want to hear from you!

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

A strong candidate will possess the ability to:

• Assist in processing employee grievances, preparing for labor negotiations, and ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements and labor laws;
• Research labor laws, compensation trends, and best practices to support HR decision-making and maintain compliance with regulations;
• Evaluate job descriptions, conduct classification studies, and ensure positions are appropriately classified based on duties and responsibilities;
• Review salary placements, conduct salary studies, and assist in maintaining equitable and competitive compensation structures; and
• Utilize HR systems to track job classifications, salary structures, and labor relations cases while ensuring accuracy and compliance.

The first review of applications will be the week of March 17, 2025. 

BENEFIT HIGHLIGHTS

VIEW THE 2025 BENEFITS GUIDE (Download PDF reader)

ABOUT THE POSITION

Under general supervision and depending on assignment, provides a variety of confidential specialized, technical, administrative, and programmatic support to the Court’s Human Resources Department programs and services including recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, benefits and leaves administration, worker’s compensation and risk management, and records and information management; develops, summarizes, and maintains programmatic, administrative, and fiscal records; conducts research and compiles data from multiple sources; responds to inquiries and interacts with Court management and staff, vendors, and the general public; coordinates assigned programs, projects, and services with other departments, divisions, and outside agencies; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This journey-level classification is responsible for independently performing the full range of confidential para-professional and technical duties in support of the Court’s Human Resources Department programs and functions. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

*** VIEW THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION. ***

Essential Functions

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Provides information and general assistance to Court staff and the public regarding assigned human resources programs and services; explains applicable rules, policies, and procedures; provides procedural guidance as assigned.
• Organizes and maintains accurate and detailed databases, spreadsheets, files, and records; processes and verifies accuracy of information within area of assignment; researches discrepancies and adjusts records as needed; ensures compliance with applicable regulations and records retention schedules.
• Verifies and reviews forms and reports for completeness and conformance with established regulations and procedures; applies departmental and Court policies and procedures in determining completeness of forms, records, and files. 
• Performs employee recruitment and selection activities for assigned job classes; confers with hiring managers on job demands and appropriate requirements; develops and posts job announcements, advertisements, supplemental applications and other recruitment materials; identifies potential applicants via social media outreach, job boards, and career fairs; screens applications for qualifications; coordinates testing and interview scheduling; requests background and reference checks; reviews test results; prepares certification lists; responds to applicant and candidate questions and concerns; generates notices to applicants and candidates.
• Coordinates pre-employment processes including background checks and medical clearances; advises hiring department regarding results; makes official job offers and drafts employment offer letters based on management guidance; determines salary and step placements based on policy guidelines.
• Coordinates onboarding processes including the processing of new hires or promotions from certification lists; assembles new employee information packets; conducts and coordinates new employee orientations.
• Administers employee benefit programs including medical, dental, short and long-term disability, life insurance, flexible benefits, and retirement benefits for active and retired employees; processes employee address changes and benefit enrollment changes due to qualifying events; collects supporting documentation and updates insurance carrier database systems; troubleshoots and resolves benefit related issues.
• Plans, organizes, and coordinates the Court’s annual open enrollment program and related activities; prepares and distributes marketing materials for open enrollment; audits open enrollment transactions collects and processes insurance carrier forms and acknowledgements; approves open enrollment transactions in an automated system; troubleshoots and resolves open enrollment issues.
• Administers the continuation of health insurance benefits pursuant to law; prepares and distributes letters to eligible separated employees and dependents; processes enrollment transactions; collects and processes premium payments.
• Reviews and approves requests from retirees regarding Medicare reimbursements; confirms eligibility, tracks deposits, and prepares documentation for accounts payable; processes employee Affordable Care Act (ACA) eligibility, enrollment, and reporting functions.
• Participates in coordinating and administering the Court’s wellness program, including organizing events, providing informational material to staff, and staying abreast of wellness trends.
• Administers and coordinates employee leaves of absence; maintains leave reports to track leave status; assists employees with completion of documentation; notifies employees regarding available leave accruals and benefit options; monitors employee status changes assists managers and employees with return-to work options and accommodations.
• Analyzes payroll information given to third-party administrators and state agencies for wage replacement benefits.
• Responds to and prepares salary and fringe benefits surveys; assists in the research, data compilation, and preparation of reports and spreadsheets.
• Receives, enters, and processes new workers' compensation claims; coordinates with departments on work accommodations and restrictions; prepares temporary light duty assignment agreements; contacts established medical clinics for treatment and updates.
• Provides information and assistance to employees related to workers' compensation matters; communicates with employees, third party administrators, and medical providers regarding work status and restrictions; distributes forms, compiles information, and obtains signatures; ensures accuracy of forms and applications.
• Conducts ergonomic evaluations and provides feedback to staff and supervisors; makes recommendations on ergonomic options; maintains records related to ergonomic evaluations.
• Participates in training programs; assists with the development and reproduction of material; oversees tracking of employee compliance training attendance as assigned.
• Participates in the planning, organizing, and coordination of various human resources related events such as the Court’s annual open enrollment, award ceremonies, trainings, wellness and related events. 
• Researches, summarizes, and interprets data from various sources and prepares reports according to established procedures and practices. 
• Participate in committees and task forces, as assigned.
• Observes and complies with all Court and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of human resources and risk management functions.
• Court-wide as well as departmental and divisional administrative procedures, practices, and principles.
• Basic principles and techniques of research, data collection, and report preparation. 
• Principles and practices of Superior Court operations.
• Recruitment and selection methods and processes including creating and posting jobs, screening applications, and scheduling tests and interview/selection panels.
• Employee benefit program principles and practices, including benefits reporting, benefit plan types, claims processing, leave tracking, and insurance recordkeeping requirements.
• Basic methods and techniques of classification and compensation principles and practices.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
• Concepts of workers’ compensation benefits and procedures.
• Math and statistical techniques.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping, document processing, and filing systems.
• Court and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service, by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and Court staff. 
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

Equivalent to an associate degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in human resources, business or public administration, or a closely related field.

Experience:

Three (3) years of increasingly responsible technical and administrative experience in supporting human resources programs and services. 

Licenses and Certifications:

As assigned, possession of a valid California Driver’s License, a satisfactory driving record, and a properly registered and insured vehicle, to be maintained throughout employment.

Physical Characteristics

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various Court sites within the County geographic area as assigned; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.