Human Resources Specialist Trainee 1 (NYHELPS)

Human Resources Specialist Trainee 1Under the general supervisor of the Human Resources Specialist 2, the incumbent will supervise administrative staff responsible for providing employee benefits services to several divisions/bureaus within the Tax department. Essential functions include, but are not limited to: Supervise administrative staff within the unit. Evaluate staff performance to ensure consistent application of established policies and procedures. Provide coaching and guidance to staff on a variety of employee benefits topics. Develop a thorough understanding of the Attendance and Leave Rules that govern NYS employees, act as agency liaison with the Business Services Center for Time and Attendance. Respond, both orally and in writing, to sensitive or complex matters concerning employee benefits and payroll issues. Review various documents to determine entitlement and ensure compliance with all applicable rules for employees requesting a leave of absence, either with or without pay, including Family Medical Leave. Oversee the administration of certain salary continuation programs offered by the State including the leave donation program, the sick leave at half pay program, Military leave entitlement, Workers' Compensation program, etc. Administer health insurance benefits for Tax employees by completing transactions in NYBEAS and by communicating with the Employee Benefits Division at Civil Service. Research complex inquiries from employees, supervisors, managers, Union personnel, etc. regarding time and attendance issues utilizing a variety of resources. Communicate effectively via telephone, in writing and/or in person with a variety of staff and other agency personnel. Use and navigate computer systems; learn, maintain and update skills in computer technology. Assist in the review, evaluation and analysis of reports. Prepare and review transactions to remove and restore employees to and from the payroll. Prepare Management Confidential packets, administer IPP short-term and long-term disability, and answer M/C program related questions. Must be able to multitask and prioritize assignments while adhering to strict deadlines. Must be able to work independently. Complete other tasks as assigned by management. Maintain confidentiality of information, exercise good judgment. Meet department's time and attendance rules and regulations. 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, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply. NON-COMPETITIVE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Human Resources Specialist Trainee 1: Four 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. 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. This is a two year traineeship leading to SG-18. Schedule and telecommuting opportunities to be discussed at interview. New York State is an equal opportunity employer. It's the policy of the state of New York to provide for and promote equal opportunity in employment, compensation, and other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, disability, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, or an arrest or criminal conviction record unless based on a bona fide occupational qualification or other exception. Any candidate selected for this position will be subject to a review of their tax return submissions by the New York State Department of Taxation & Finance. Employment of a candidate is conditioned upon a finding by the New York State Department of Taxation & Finance that the candidate is in compliance with all local, state, and federal tax laws. In accordance with federal government requirements, the employment of any candidate selected for this position is conditioned upon successfully completing a background investigation including a criminal history record check (fingerprint check).