Assistant Director of Human Resources Under administrative direction, plans, manages, oversees, and directs the operations and services of the Human Resources and Risk Management Department, which includes recruitment, selection, equal employment opportunity, employee and labor relations, classification, compensation, training, grievance and disciplinary process, employee recognition, benefits, industrial safety, risk management, Workers' Compensation, emergency management, and wildlife management; implements policies and procedures related to program areas within the City; coordinates activities with other City officials, departments, outside agencies, organizations, and the public; serves as the secretary to the Personnel Board; provides responsible and complex staff support to the City Council and City Manager and other City personnel; performs other related duties as required. The Assistant Director of Human Resources is the administrative management level class, which oversees all functions and operations of the Human Resources and Risk Management Department and is responsible for the activities of recruitment, selection, employee and labor relations, classification, compensation, training, grievance and disciplinary process, employee recognition, Workers' Compensation, emergency management, and wildlife management. The incumbent is expected to exercise independent judgment and initiative in establishing efficient and effective departmental operations consistent with City policies and administrative guidelines. This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of City Manager in that the latter has overall responsibility for the administration of all City Departments and operations. Receives administrative direction from the Director of Human Resources and Risk Management. Exercises direct and indirect supervision over professional, technical, and office support personnel. Essential functions include but are not limited to: Assisting in planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating the operations and activities of the Human Resources and Risk Management Department. Assisting in overseeing the recruitment, selection, supervision, training, development, and performance evaluation of department personnel. Assisting with the development, administration, and monitoring of the Human Resources and Risk Management Department budget. Reviewing and evaluating departmental operations, administrative systems, and service delivery methods. Assisting in the development, implementation, and administration of citywide human resources and risk management programs, policies, and procedures. Assisting with labor relations activities, including preparing for negotiations, conducting cost analyses, participating in meet-and-confer sessions, administering labor agreements, and interpreting Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).Assisting in administering the City's personnel rules, policies, and procedures, ensuring consistent interpretation, application, and compliance. Providing professional and technical assistance to the City Manager, City Council, Personnel Board, department directors, supervisors, and employees. Assisting in directing employee and labor relations activities, including serving in a leadership capacity for disaster preparedness activities, coordinating training and exercises, maintaining emergency plans and related resources, and promoting organizational readiness. Interpreting and applying applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to assigned responsibilities. Representing the Human Resources and Risk Management Department at professional meetings, interagency committees, and community events. Establishing and maintaining collaborative working relationships with City leadership, employees, employee organizations, governmental agencies, community organizations, consultants, and the public. Serving as Acting Human Resources Director in the Director's absence, exercising delegated authority over departmental operations, personnel, and strategic initiatives as assigned. Other duties include but are not limited to: Functioning as a member of the City's management team and participating in discussions, initiatives, and decision-making processes regarding issues of importance to the City, including matters outside the immediate scope of Human Resources and Risk Management. Being exposed to confidential and privileged information, including personnel, labor relations, legal, and organizational matters, and maintaining confidentiality and exercising appropriate discretion. Performing other related duties as assigned. Physical, mental, and environmental working conditions include prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading written reports and work-related documents. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The need to lift, drag, and push files, paper, and documents weighing up to 25 pounds is also required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations. Qualifications include a bachelor's degree in human resources, business, public administration, or closely related field, and any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for a Director of Human Resources and Risk Management. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of five years of increasingly responsible experience in human resource administration, labor relations, benefit administration, and risk management, including at least two years at a management or supervisor level. Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Class C California driver's license is also required. Knowledge of modern principles, practices, and techniques of public human resources administration, organization, and operation; recruitment and selection techniques and procedures; principles and practices of public industrial safety, loss control, benefit programs, insurance programs, Workers' Compensation, and property liability; benefit and retirement system administration; principles and practice of employer-employee relations; principles and technique for the administration of employee assistance program; principles and practice for emergency preparedness and disaster response; principles and practices of budget administration; methods and techniques of supervision, training, and motivation; basic principles of mathematics; applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations, including labor laws; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices, and equipment, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling, and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices. Ability to assist in planning, directing, managing, assigning, and coordinating the work of the Human Resources and Risk Management Department; assist in the development and administration of departmental goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and performance measures; interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; participate in labor negotiations and assist with the development and administration of labor agreements and contract language within established authority; analyze complex administrative, personnel, benefits, labor relations, and safety issues and recommend appropriate solutions; assist with the planning, coordination, and implementation of citywide emergency preparedness programs; provide direction, training, and evaluation of assigned staff; perform mathematical calculations accurately; interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations; review, analyze, and maintain accurate records and data; organize, prioritize, and follow through on assignments; work independently and collaboratively as part of a management team; interact with the public, employees, and City officials with diplomacy, tact, and professionalism; resolve conflicts and develop effective solutions; exercise sound judgment and make decisions within established guidelines; evaluate complex issues and develop recommendations and appropriate courses of action; follow written and oral instructions; promote and practice safe work methods; communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, management, labor representatives, governmental agencies, and the public. Skill to operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications. The City of Whittier is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
