Human Resources Technician

About the Department

Are you looking to start your career in human resources and make a real impact in public services? The City of Palo Alto is seeking a problem solving, analytical, detail-oriented and motivated HR Technician to join our team Human Resources Team, supporting our Benefits & Workers’ Compensation division. This is an entry-level position ideal for candidates interested in public service and looking to grow a career in human resources.

Department

Meet our Team, CLICK HERE.

The City's HR team is a dynamic, hard-working, and talented group of professionals committed to creating an engaging employment experience for the City's greatest assets - our employees! Join us and you will be encouraged to grow and learn while working in a creative and fulfilling work environment. 

About the Role: 

As an HR Technician, you’ll perform a variety of clerical, data entry and technical duties under direct supervision. You’ll be an important part of our HR operations—supporting workers’ compensation, employee benefits, wellness programs, process improvements, and day-to-day front desk customer service. 

Exciting Projects You Will Support 

In this role, you will assist and support the Benefits & Workers’ Compensation division with several key initiatives, including:

• Assist in the smooth transition to a new workers’ compensation vendor
• Updating content on our internal HR websites
• Preparing for the upcoming open enrollment period
• Create and launch benefits related communication campaigns

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate will bring the following skills and attributes:

• A customer service mindset with a focus on providing helpful and responsive support
• A self-starter who is eager to learn and take on new challenges
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel), including formulas, logic, and computations
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• A proactive approach to assignments and projects
• Strong time management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively
• Strong technical and analytical skills, with the ability to think critically and solve problems
• High attention to detail and excellent organizational skills
• Experience reviewing data and running reports is a plus
• A high level of discretion and professionalism when handling confidential HR documents

Position Duties

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Prepares, processes, distributes, and maintains a variety of personnel records, documents, files, logs, applicants, benefits and status changes, and/or other related human resources information.
• Responds to requests for information from employees and/or the general public over the phone, in person, and via e-mail regarding a variety of Human Resources programs, job opportunities, and/or other related information.
• Enters a variety of information into databases; compiles data, provides analysis and prepares related reports, correspondence, and collateral materials.
• Provides research assistance in a variety of areas, such as employee relations, training, benefits, occupational health and safety, workers' compensation, and communications.
• Schedules and participates in site visits and training sessions, including new employee enrollment and orientation.
• Assists with day-to-day workers compensation operations activities. This includes, but not limited to; answering day to day employee, department and third party questions about workers compensation; creating accrual buckets to ensure accurate timecard coding; help with managing workers compensation claims
• Assists with day-to-day benefit operations activities. This includes, but not limited to; answering day to day employee, department and third party questions; completing accurate and timely benefit entries; running and transmitting monthly reports.
• Assist with front desk customer service duties

Minimum Qualifications

• Associates Degree and two years experience in technical or clerical human resources programs; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Other Qualifications

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

• Work in an office environment; sustained posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time.
• Positions in this class typically require: reaching, standing, walking, some lifting, and repetitive motions.
• Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.  If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

The Selection Process:

• Recruitment status notifications will be sent via email or text (please enroll in text alerts when applying).
• Updates can also be found on your governmentjobs.com account.
• Applicants will be screened throughout the posting process and highly qualified candidates may be invited to interview at any time. 
• The screening process for this position may include a virtual recorded interview and/or panel interviews preceding final interviews with the hiring manager or their designee.

Our online application system is provided by NeoGov. If you have problems while applying online, please contact NeoGov's Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday - Friday. 

The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.