Why Join UCS:

For over 65 years, UCS has been providing exceptional and thoughtful care to individuals and families in our community through programs, services, and educational opportunities. Our staff includes positions such as administration, clinicians, nurses, teachers, case managers, psychiatrists, and direct support providers who work within our 15 facilities to support over 3,000 individuals annually. We are proud to be part of Vermont Care Partners, a network of sixteen agencies that provide mental health, substance use disorder, and developmental-disability services and supports in every county in Vermont. We are looking for team players to join us in making a difference in the lives of others and building a stronger community.

UCS Offers Generous Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Generous paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer match
• Employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid short term and long term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Career development opportunities
• Free clinical supervision towards licensure
• Loan repayment and tuition assistance program
• Award winning worksite wellness program
• An inclusive workplace supported by an active Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging committee.
• Rewarding experience making a difference in the community.

We believe a dynamic and inclusive workforce will strengthen our organization and enhance the services we provide. Therefore, it is our goal to hire a diverse workforce and cultivate a culture where our employees feel accepted and included, hold a valued place within our organization and are equally able to contribute to their fullest extent, assisting in fulfilling our mission of building a stronger community.

The Human Resources Specialist performs varied duties to enhance departmental efficiency, while providing services to agency employees and managers.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

DELIVERY OF HUMAN RESOURCE PRODUCTS

Serves as subject matter expert to employees in the delivery of UCS human resources supports and services. Employs standard operating policies and procedures when delivering HR services and responding to customer inquiries including those from job applicants, employees, and agency leadership. Ensures equity, compliance, and ethical HR business practices in the performance of duties. Partners with leadership staff throughout the agency on strategic HR interventions. Serves as mentor through regular work activity for the HR Generalist. Applies experience and expertise to research solutions and applies compliance knowledge for risk management. Identifies and reports trends. Provides deliverables with high attention to accuracy, timeliness, and broad thought.

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS

Fosters a culture that supports positive inter-departmental relationships. Is proactive in recommending changes in protocols or structures that support communication, problem solving, and engagement. Identifies engagement trends and/or management training gaps. Interprets agency policies, seeking guidance from the Director of Human Resources as needed or when there is serious risk or emergent concern. Implements and teaches managers the practical application of new employment laws, serving as staff consultant as needed. May participate in, and/or lead interagency workgroups that promote employee recruitment, retention, and/or development as assigned. Assists in the facilitation and planning of events and celebrations that promote engagement including the annual staff luncheon, staff and family picnic, staff appreciation week, year-end party and other milestone celebrations.

ONBOARDING

Facilitates a benefits presentation during new staff orientation for all personnel in cooperation and coordination with HR Generalist and Recruiter. Ensures that all initial training requirements are satisfied and in accordance with agency onboarding and orientation policy. Ensures an effective and welcoming greeting to the newly hired employee. Work collaboratively with managers to create and facilitate tools to support their teaching methods and to improve learning outcomes during the onboarding phase. Collaborate with the HR Generalist to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of onboarding and orientation materials.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING

Promotes an environment that strategically supports UCS as a Center of Excellence where UCS is a "great place to work" and "great place to get care". Participates in establishing, facilitating, and continually improving ongoing management training. Reviews data sets to strategically address gaps in employee talent and/or engagement. Interpret turnover data at all levels within the organization and collaborate with senior leaders on solutions, extracting data as requested. Respond to emergent needs. Provides administrative support for Relias Learning System, training activities and initiatives, including scheduling and assignment of training, attendance tracking, related invoicing, and coordination with in-house trainers. Provides troubleshooting within the Relias Learning system. Fields day-to-day training inquiries and pulls training reports as needed. Offer staff development solutions. Work in collaboration with the Director of Facilities to address training and development needs regarding safety and well-being. May lead or participate in agency committees that promote workforce development and training.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFIT ADMINISTRATION:

Works in cooperation with the Director of HR to carry out senior level administration of employee compensation and benefits plans in accordance with the legal Plan documents, agency philosophy, policies and procedures, and related laws. Serves as primary liaison with insurance brokers and benefits plan contractors for the purpose of administration, trouble-shooting, and Open Enrollment. Collaborate with Director of HR on contract renewals. Researches and/or resolves complex benefits matters, inclusive of consultation with third-party administrators, consultants, as well as with legal counsel as directed. Approves and monitors 403(B) Plan transactions, provides senior level oversight of FMLA and other leave of absence requests, short and long-term disability, workers compensation, and Affordable Care Act compliance. Completes regulatory reporting requirements. Enlists the administrative support of the HR Generalist in the deployment of benefits. Ensures that benefits materials are up-to-date and accessible to employees at all times. Ensure best practice for the communication and education of employees regarding benefits.

Ensures the protection of Personally Identifiable Information and employee privacy in all modes of business communication and/or record keeping; including PHI where applicable. Provides upkeep of written procedures regarding benefits, HRIS, and training, offering assistance/guidance in modifications as warranted.

PERSONNEL RECORDS

Leads the oversight of the electronic HR Information System (HRIS). Responsible for the processing of personnel records and compliance with all legal requirements related to hiring and terminations and division procedures relative to handling confidential personnel records. Complete onboarding functions in HRIS for all newly hired staff. Review and/or enter employee action forms for new employees and promotions/transfers in the HRIS. Develop expert knowledge of HRIS systems capabilities. Identify areas of opportunity to improve existing HRIS processes, functionality, and workflow. Create reports as needed. Create process documentation, reference guides, and training materials regarding the HRIS, as necessary. Develop and conduct audits to support data integrity within the HRIS. Oversees compliance with agency's Policy and Procedures and the HR Operations Manual, regarding upkeep and oversight of the Personnel Record, in particular laws pertaining to mandated HR documentation and related retention such as EEO, I-9, and OSHA documentation.

HUMAN RESOURCE COMPLIANCE:

Maintain the HR Operations Manual and HR project calendar, ensuring timely completion of mandated and internal compliance controls, and special or recurring projects and HR activities. Complete EEO, OSHA, ACA and other reporting requirements. Participate in the annual 403(B) audit process and ensure the accurate and timely information needed for the 403(B) and Health & Welfare 5500 and benefits discrimination testing process completed by third-party administrators (TPA's). Respond to data requests from state entities and Vermont Care Partners.

SPECIAL PROJECTS

Completes special projects as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
A high school diploma or equivalent plus 6 years of work experience in human resources, business, or a related field OR an Associate's degree in human resources, business, or a related field plus 4 years of work experience OR a Bachelor's degree in human resources, business, or a related field plus 2 years of work experience. Bachelor's degree preferred. A PHR or SHRM-CP certification preferred.

PI259952097