Primary Purpose:

Work under general supervision to facilitate the district leave and workers' compensation program according to established policies, rules, and regulation. Process and provide timely notification and communication to employees and supervisors regarding leaves, absences, workers' compensation, and unemployment inquiry claims.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Minimum 60 college level hours required and one (1) year Human Resources or leave experience or Bachelor’s degree

Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check.  Non-refundable fee (approximately $50.00) paid by the employee.

Required Experience:

Successful experience in a work environment

Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of administration of leave and workers' compensation programs and applicable laws 

Skilled in data entry, word processing, spreadsheets, and file maintenance

Ability to quickly learn and operate in multiple employee management systems and function efficiently

Knowledge of computer software and data management systems

Attention to detail in composing, typing and proofing materials, establishing priorities and meeting deadlines

Effective oral and written communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills

Ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations/documentation and maintain a high level of confidentiality

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

(The following statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions that may be assigned or skills that may be required)

Professionalism

The Educators' Code of Ethics is set forth in Texas Administrative Code to provide rules for standard practices and ethical conduct toward students, professional colleagues, school officials, parents, and members of the community. 

• Rule §247.1 Purpose and Scope; Definitions
• Rule §247.2 Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators 

Data Management

The specialist assists with fostering analytical and collaborative environment activities such as the following:

• Prepare statistical reports regarding leave, workers' compensation, unemployment inquiries, etc.
• Enter and accurately maintain data in multiple employee management systems.  
• Compile reports and data as needed by departments, and administrators.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents.

Organization Management

The specialist manages administrative, fiscal, and facilities functions responsibly through activities such as the following: 

• Process all long-term absences according to established guidelines including determining eligibility for various leave programs (e.g., family medical leave and temporary disability leave) and providing employees with appropriate and timely notice.
• Counsel with employees and supervisors concerning leave benefits and provide employees with accurate information related to absences such as deductions from pay, medical certification requirements, return-to-work dates, and fitness-for-duty requirements.
• Work cooperatively with payroll department staff to process and coordinate all employee leaves and absences, including those relating to workers’ compensation claims.
• Assist with employee orientations and present information on leave benefits.
• Receive and process electronic accident reports and workers’ compensation claims. File all insurance forms and Texas Department of Insurance, Workers’ Compensation Division (DWC) reports including wage statements, first report of injury, supplement report, and job information in a timely manner.
• Establish and maintain contact with injured employees and provide assistance with claims and obtaining health care as appropriate.
• Communicate with workers’ compensation insurance carrier, doctors, nurses, campuses, and health care providers to enable appropriate processing of claims.
• Work closely with campus and department secretaries, supervisors, and administrators to facilitate reporting work-related illnesses and injuries.
• Work with the benefits coordinator on matters relating to insurance benefits.
• Prepare for and conduct DWC conferences and hearings for the district.
• Review and respond to all unemployment claims. Serve as district representative for Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) hearings. Adjust claims or work in defense and settlement of claims against the district.
• Facilitate the Catastrophic Sick Leave Bank (CSLB) committee reviews.  

Communication and Community Relations

The specialist promotes a positive tone for school or community relations through activities such as the following: 

• Provide phone coverage for main line Human Resources calls and walk-in assistance.  
• Greet visitors and employees with professionalism and courtesy.
• Use effective communication skills, both oral and written.
• Interpret district and department policies, and procedures in formulating responses for the general public.
• Compose responses regarding administrative matters and department procedures based on knowledge of department supervisor views.
• Promote a positive work climate and positive image for the Department of Human Resources. 

Professional Growth and Development

The specialist provides leadership in professional growth and development through activities such as the following: 

• Participate actively in professional associations.
• Assist in organizational cross training and professional development efforts.
• Keep informed of and comply with state and district policies and regulations concerning primary job function through training and certification courses.
• Assist in organizational training and development efforts.

Qualities of an Effective Human Resources Specialist

The specialist exhibits qualities such as the following: 

• Demonstrate a high level of personal integrity and collaborative leadership.
• Understand how the mission and policies of the department supports the policies of the district.
• Maintain a professional demeanor and appearance.
• Conduct himself or herself in an ethical and professional manner.
• Daily attendance and punctuality at work are essential functions of the job.
• Adhere to multiple project deadlines and processing of time sensitive materials.
• Seek and use evaluative information for improvement of performance.
• Shall comply with the standards of conduct set out in Board Policy DH (Legal) and (Local) and with any other policies, regulations, and guidelines that impose duties, requirements, or standards.
• Maintain confidentiality of information. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None 

Equipment:

Computer, printer, scanner, calculator, copier, shredder, fax machine, telephone and other equipment applicable to the position.

Working Conditions

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors 

• Work with frequent interruptions and maintain emotional control under stress.
• Occasional prolonged and irregular hours to complete projects.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, standing, stooping, and bending.
• Repetitive hand motions, prolonged sitting, and prolonged use of computer.
• Occasional district wide and statewide travel.
• Frequent exposure to: temperature extremes (hot and cold), humidity extremes, noise, low or intense illumination vibration. Occasional exposure to: biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, insects, mold, fungi, etc.), work outside, work around moving objects or vehicles, work on uneven surfaces.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.