Class Code: PO218
FLSA Status: Exempt

HR Analyst I

Bargaining Unit: SEA

DEFINITION:

Under direction, an Human Resources Analyst I performs a variety of professional and analytical duties in administering human resources programs, including recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, benefits and retirement administration, leave management, training and development, employee and labor relations, workers’ compensation, regulatory compliance, Human Resources Information System (HRIS) development/administration, and related human resources functions; provides professional advice and assistance to Santa Cruz METRO management on personnel-related issues; performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

HR Analyst I is the journey-level in the Human Resources Analyst series. Positions at this level perform increasingly diverse, advanced and complex human resources assignments and/or tasks, receive occasional instruction, and have full knowledge of the concepts, practices, procedures, and policies of the assigned function. 

 This class is distinguished from the Human Resources Analyst II in that the latter is responsible for the more complex programs and projects requiring in-depth knowledge and the ability to interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with a variety of personnel related laws, regulations, and policies.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.

  • Plans and administers recruitment and selection processes; conducts job analyses and collaborates with hiring managers to establish job-related qualifications; prepares and maintains job announcements and recruitment materials; prepares interview questions; develops, schedules, and proctors various tests and assessments; develops rating criteria; reviews, screens, and tracks employment applications and related documents; chairs and facilitates panel interviews; creates and maintains eligibility lists.
  • As authorized, sends offers of employment and schedules pre-employment drug screening, fingerprinting, and medical examinations; coordinates new employee onboarding processes. 
  • Coordinates recruitment and hiring of temporary help through outside employment agencies. Interview, and select temporary employees.
  • Administers Santa Cruz METRO’s multi-tiered benefits and retirement programs in accordance with plan provisions and in compliance with local, state, and federal laws, Santa Cruz METRO policies and procedures, and labor contracts, including contract review and renewal, negotiating premium rates, and ensuring vendor effectiveness and competitiveness; monitors eligibility, limitations, and restrictions of plan participation; processes enrollments and withdrawals; calculates and determines benefits; coordinates with Payroll and audits payroll reports; processes pension and insurance payments, fees, and reimbursements; researches and analyzes benefit plan changes and employee data, conducts surveys, and prepares various reports and statements; develops, evaluates, and revises program components and processes; implements new benefits programs; facilitates and participates in external audits. 
  • Communicates and works with employees, supervisors, managers, retirees, insurance carriers, benefits brokers, benefits providers, and third-party administrators to resolve coverage and claim issues, respond to issues, and provide benefit program information to active and retired employees; provides guidance on policy and plan document interpretation. 
  • Administers comprehensive leave management program ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal laws, Santa Cruz METRO policies and procedures, and labor contracts; reviews, monitors, and tracks requests and leave usage and accrued balance; evaluates and approves or denies medical certifications; communicates and coordinates with other Santa Cruz METRO departments to ensure proper administration of salary continuance and leave programs.
  • Conducts classification studies by gathering and analyzing job data, recommending proper classification, and documenting findings and results; conducts compensation and benefits studies; responds to external and internal requests for salary and benefits information. 
  • Assists in labor relations activities including negotiations and contract implementation.
  • Assists in investigating grievances, complaints, and misconduct allegations and recommends corrective action; facilitates meetings with union representatives and management. 
  • Counsels and advises employees and management on human resources-related matters, policies, and procedures; provides information to other organizations and the public requiring the use of judgment and the interpretation of human resources policies and procedures and legal requirements; assists management in maintaining regulatory compliance with HR programs. 
  • Administers Santa Cruz METRO’s training and development program including researching, creating, and conducting training, workshops, and presentations; conducts new hire orientation, open enrollment meetings, and exit interviews; coordinates external trainings. 
  • Participates in administering Santa Cruz METRO’s workers’ compensation program by monitoring cases from inception to final disposition, reviewing and processing workers’ compensation claim forms and related documentation, preparing and maintaining documentation and records, and acting as a liaison with other departments, workers’ compensation claims administrator, insurance carriers, contractors, and others; assists in preparing the workers’ compensation budget by monitoring claim payments and other administrative expenses and auditing, reviewing, adjusting, and preparing statements from workers’ compensation contractors and providers. 
  • Participates in the development and administration of Santa Cruz METRO human resources policies, practices, and procedures; identifies opportunities and provides recommendations for improving service delivery and procedures; participates in developing and implementing new or revised human resources programs, systems, procedures, and methods of operation.
  • Participates in the maintenance of HRIS and related databases; organizes and maintains accurate and detailed databases, files, and records; verifies accuracy of information, researches discrepancies, and records information; coordinates and ensures compliance with established records retention schedules; participates in business and system process design and updates.
  • Administers or assists in administering various human resources compliance programs such as Lactation Accommodation Program, Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), responding to Title II/Title VI/Americans with Disabilities Act/504 complaints, and related programs. 
  • Researches, analyzes, summarizes, and interprets data from various sources and prepares and presents various reports, correspondence, memoranda, and other documents.
  • Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions, and reviews publications to remain current on principles, practices, technologies, regulations, and new developments in the field of human resources.
  • May supervise assigned clerical and/or other support staff by scheduling, assigning, directing, and evaluating their work; provides staff training as needed; may perform and/or have significant input into subordinate staff selection and disciplinary action.
  • Drive a Santa Cruz METRO vehicle to perform assignments.
  • Performs related work as required

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Knowledge of:

  • Principles, practices, and techniques of public agency human resources administration, including recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, benefits and retirement administration, leave management, training and development, employee and labor relations, workers’ compensation, regulatory compliance, Human Resource Information System (HRIS) development/administration, and related human resources functions.
  • Analytical methods of researching, gathering, organizing, and reporting data.
  • Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
  • Intermediate mathematics, including percentages and intermediate statistics.
  • Principles and procedures of record-keeping.
  • Business correspondence, formatting, and report writing.       
  • Methods of prioritizing, planning, and organizing complex projects and analytical work.
  • Advanced customer service techniques.
  • The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Modern office practices, procedures, and the effective use of modern office equipment, personal computers, and standard business software. 

Ability to:

  • Administer and coordinate human resources programs. 
  • Learn and understand the organization and operation of Santa Cruz METRO and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
  • Conduct research on a wide variety of human resources topics.
  • Collect, analyze, interpret, summarize, and present information and data in an effective manner.
  • Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
  • Make accurate mathematical and statistical computations.
  • Maintain confidentiality of sensitive personal information of employees, former employees, retirees, and other matters affecting Santa Cruz METRO employee relations. 
  • Provide effective and responsive customer service, including in stressful situations.
  • Maintain a calm demeanor in stressful situations.
  • Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
  • Learn, understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
  • Balance multiple assignments simultaneously and effectively.
  • Utilize standard office equipment and computer software and learn to use specialized Santa Cruz METRO software if assigned.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively in both oral and written form.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department and with other divisions, departments, agencies, suppliers, vendors, and the public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: 

Education, Training, and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in human resources management, organizational development, business or public administration, or a related field.  

AND

One (1) year of professional human resources administration experience, preferably in a public agency. 

Familiarity with transit agency or transportation system activities and functions is desirable.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:

A valid California Driver’s License will be required at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a current, valid California Class “C” Driver’s License.

Certified Professional (CP) or Senior Certified Professional (SCP) from a recognized Human Resource Certification organization preferred.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms; walk, sit and stand; use finger dexterity; talk and hear, and use a keyboard.  Work often requires the repetitive use of both hands to grasp and feel objects; stooping at the waist, and standing.   Work may require lifting up to 20 pounds unaided.  Specific visual abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, the ability to see colors and shades, and the ability to perceive depth. 

Mental Demands 

While performing the duties of this job, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses math and mathematical reasoning; performs highly detailed work; deals with multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work.

Work Environment: 

The employee typically works in a standard office environment where the noise level is moderate. 

OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

  • Must pass a requisite background check.
  • May occasionally work extended hours or hours outside of the regular schedule.
  • May require occasional travel. 
  • Must maintain strict confidentiality of work-related information. 
  • Must participate in professional development activities.  

*Adopted: 01-28-2022

*BOD Approved: 01-28-2022

*Revised: 00-00-0000

*Job Family: Administrative Professional

*Job Series: HR Analyst 

*Job Series Level: Journey

*Confidential: Yes