Human Resources Specialist 1/Trainee 1/2 - Albany (NY HELPS)
5 days ago
Albany
The Department of Labor is dedicated to supporting its employees through vital leave benefits, promoting work-life balance, boosting morale, and reducing burnout. We are committed to fostering a supportive environment that values advocacy, guidance, and employee well-being. Position Overview: We are seeking a compassionate, detail-oriented, and proactive incumbent to join our Leaves Unit. They will serve as a primary liaison, providing expert guidance, advocacy, and advice on all facets of leaves, separations, time and attendance, and Workers' Compensation in accordance with Civil Service Law, Rules, and Regulations. Key Responsibilities: Act as the main point of contact for assigned program area(s), offering guidance on leaves, separations, and attendance matters. Collaborate with various departments including the Employee Relations Office, the Office of Diversity Equity and Access, and Counsel's Office to resolve complex employee issues. Administer leave - paid and unpaid, including but not limited to: o Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) - intermittent and continuous o Paid Family Leave o Paid Parental Leave o Childcare Leave o Discretionary Leave o Employee Health Services o Military Leave o Income Protection Plan o Leave Donation Program Manage Workers' Compensation claims o Coordinate with Workers' Compensation Board and the New York State Insurance Fund o Record accident and injuries in the New York Benefits Eligibility and Accounting System (NYBEAS) o Ensure timely reporting of workplaces injuries and illness to the Public Employee Safety and Health Bureau (PESH) via SH900 and SH900.1 Forms Monitor and respond to emails in shared mailboxes promptly. Review medical documentation and ensure accurate processing of leave requests. Track and update leave statuses, advise employees and supervisors on proper absence reporting, and act as a Timekeeper. Administer and provide guidance on employee off-boarding o Resignation o Transfers o Retirements Determine appropriate pay status based on leave balances, employee requests, and regulations. Process all Personnel transactions into Human Capital Management (HCM) and the Human Resource Information System (HRIS) Prepare reports, correspondence, and participate in special projects as assigned. Why Join Us: This role offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of employees by ensuring they receive the support and guidance they need during important life events. Join our team to contribute to a positive, supportive, and compliant work environment. Minimum Qualifications: This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide program (NY HELPS). For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, if they meet the below NY HELPS minimum qualifications. NY HELPS Non-Competitive Minimum Qualifications: Human Resources Specialist 1: Six years of experience* performing and supervising the performance of various human resources activities such as staffing services, which consist of recruitment, examination, and placement activities; position classification and compensation; and employee services such as employee benefit, health and safety, employee counseling, and employee recognition. Human Resources Specialist Trainee 2: Five years of experience* as described above. Human Resources Specialist Trainee 1: Four years of experience* as described above. *Substitutions: An associate degree may substitute for two years of experience; a bachelor's degree may substitute for four years of experience; a master's degree may substitute for five years of experience; and a doctorate may substitute for six years of experience. Or a bachelor's degree and completion of a two-year traineeship. Your degree must have been awarded by an educational institution accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the United States (U.S.) Department of Education/Secretary of Education. If awarded by an institution outside of the U.S. and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of companies that provide these services (fees must be paid to the company you choose) can be found at: . You will be required to provide this information to the hiring agency at the time of interview. NY HELPS Non-Competitive Minimum Transition Qualifications: An employee of New York State with one year of permanent, competitive, or 55-b/55-c service in a clerical/keyboarding/secretarial title, or administrative paraprofessional title allocated to a G-8 or higher. A comprehensive list of qualifying titles is available at: . Only the titles listed are qualifying. It is expected that employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status in the future, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified. Note: It is essential that you describe your qualifying education and/or experience as completely as possible on your application; your application should describe in detail the kind of service and information you provide to the general public. Omissions or vagueness may not be interpreted in your favor. Additionally, in accordance with Civil Service Law, provisional service immediately prior to a permanent appointment to this title is now credited towards the completion of probation upon permanent appointment. Competitive Minimum Qualifications: As this position requires travel, the appointee must have a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State and have a motor vehicle or otherwise demonstrate their capacity to meet the transportation needs of the position. 55 B/C Qualifications: (Same as OC exam qualifications): This position is designated 55b/c and is subject to verification of applicant eligibility. Please provide a copy of your 55b/c letter when applying. You must meet the open competitive qualifications from the most recent examination announcement. 52.6 Transfer Qualifications: One year of permanent or contingent-permanent as a Grade 12 or higher determined to be administrative by Civil Service. 70.1 Transfer Qualifications: One year of permanent or contingent-permanent as a Grade 11 or higher determined to be similar by Civil Service. 70.4 Transfer Qualifications: One year of permanent or contingent-permanent service as a Grade 11 or higher and two years of experience as described above with a passing score on Professional Career Opportunities (PCO) or the Public Administration Traineeship Transition (PATT) exam. Note: Candidates must not have failed the most recent examination for this title. Appointments are made at the Trainee 1 level. Note: For all transfers noted, a comprehensive list of titles approved for transfer is available through Civil Service GOT-IT at Preferred Qualifications: Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills. Ability to handle multiple priorities with efficiency and professionalism. Knowledge of Civil Service Law, Rules, and Regulations related to leaves and employee separations is preferred. Experience with Workers' Compensation and injury reporting a plus. Ability to initiate and maintain relationships across a diverse set of stakeholders