Director of Human Resources and Risk Management

Position Description

GENERAL PURPOSE:
Serves as an integral part of the Lauderdale Lakes Executive Staff. Supervises the staff and functions of the Office of Human Resources and Risk Management, serves as the official custodian of personnel files and records, and provides human resources and risk management expertise, guidance and advice to the City’s executive staff. Participates in senior-level discussions and decisions relating to human resources issues and risk management for the entire City operation. The incumbent exercises considerable initiative and judgment to accomplish City goals and serves at the pleasure of the City Manager.

Essential Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Oversees the day-to-day operation of the Office of Human Resources and Risk Management and all of the functions assigned to it, including, personnel policy development and application, recruitment and selection, benefits administration, compensation, training and organizational development, performance management and discipline, and risk management.
Serves as an advisor to the City’s managers and supervisors on personnel issues, including dealing with employee performance issues, investigating misconduct or allegations of misconduct, determining appropriate discipline or rewards, interpreting state and federal laws relating to personnel and safety, classification and salary matters, and selection techniques and decisions.
Advises and counsels City management staff on procedures for handling employee grievances, complaints, unemployment claims, appeals of disciplinary action, workers compensation claims, leave requests, handicap accommodations, and assists in the preparation of City’s case in formal and informal hearings on such matters.
Implements, updates, and improves employee benefit programs to maintain the City’s competitiveness with other employers, within the bounds of the City’s financial constraints.
Manages various insurance policies that protect the City from the financial impact of liability, workers compensation, physical damage, personal injury, and automobile accident claims.
Prepares and monitors workplace safety programs to reduce the City’s exposure to risk, including making periodic safety inspections.
Reviews and investigates accidents, injuries, property damage and liability claims, providing reports and analysis to the City’s insurance carriers to assist them in defending the City against claims.
Serves as principal liaison to the City’s Civil Service Board, and as Chairperson of the Safety Committee and the annual Benefits, Health & Safety Fair for city employees.
Monitors state and federal personnel law and regulations and insures that the City’s elected officials and employees are properly informed of their rights and obligations under the law.
Maintains and updates the City’s classification and pay plans.
Reviews a variety of personnel action recommendations to assure compliance with adopted policy and procedures.
Attends City Commission and other meetings as necessary to make presentations, respond to questions, and provide input. Represents the City in dealing with other municipalities and outside agencies on human resource, safety and risk management issues.
Performs any and all other tasks necessary for the successful operation of the Human Resources Office.

Qualifications

MINIMUM AND DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible management experience in human resources, preferably in a municipal or county setting.
• Risk management experience desired.
• Professional in Human Resources certification from the Society of Human Resources Professionals desired.

• Thorough command of modern human resources practices, state and federal law relating to human resources; effective training principles; and of modern principles and practices in supervision and management of staff.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally with City employees at all levels and in writing at a professional level.
• Strong planning and organizing skills.
• Ability to effectively manage and supervise the work of others.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with the City’s senior staff.
• Superior judgment.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret and apply complicated policies, programs and laws.
• Ability to coach managers and supervisors in handling personnel matters effectively.
• Strong degree of initiative.