Chief Human Resources and Benefits

** Apply online at https://www.ccgov.org/government/human-resources **

Position Summary

Position performs at a professional and managerial level administering multiple programs within the Department, with a focus on benefits. An employee in this class serves as second in command to the Director, with responsibility for planning, organizing, directing, managing, and controlling major programs and activities of the Department. Work performed involves considerable administrative, supervisory, financial, and technical knowledge and skills in planning, organizing, and directing programs and activities. Work of this class involves supervisory duties and responsibilities.

Position Responsibilities

1. Develop and deliver internal training programs.

2. Ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to the administration of benefits, pension plan and deferred compensation. Recommends plan administration changes to remain in compliance with laws and regulations.

3. Provides leadership in the research and development of benefit programs, including plan design, funding, contract negotiations, and program administration, to insure a strategic and cost-effective approach.

4. Prepares and executes presentations to provide information on the County’s benefit programs, pension plans and deferred compensation plans to County officials and employees.

5. Manages and supervises daily activities of the Benefits Coordinator to include health benefits, pension, deferred compensation.

6. Manages Department budget; establishes and communicates budget control processes.

7. Implements and manages employee programs deliver valued, competitive, and cost-effective programs.

8. Assists the Director in developing short- and long-range strategies to achieve Department goals and objectives.

9. Manages County’s Compensation and Classification Plan; conducts position audits; utilizes questionnaires, standards, and organizational charts; assign news classifications as appropriate; conducts occupational and organizational surveys; responds to surveys generated by other entities.

10. Acts as back up to supervision of employees who provide services in the areas of classification and pay plans, recruitment and selection, training, and related programs and functions.

11. Acts as a back up for employee investigations, and prepares reports of findings and recommendations.

12.Develops, evaluates, and amends County Personnel Policies and Procedures in coordination with the Director. Assures consistent application and adherence to standards of conduct and performance to provide excellent customer service.

13. Manages and prepares reports utilizing appropriate tools. Develops standard reports for ongoing customer needs. Maintains data integrity in systems by regularly running queries and analyzing data.

14. Investigates and researches difficult and complex inquiries, problems, or complaints and initiates appropriate action to address/resolve them.

15. Serves as project manager for departmental projects. Acts as liaison with employees, Departments and third parties on special projects or programs. Oversees record-keeping and retention programs.

16. Represents the Department on various committees.

17. Assumes the duties and responsibilities of the Director in his/her absence, including issues related to employer-employee relations and grievances.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or closely related field. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in Human Resources. A minimum of which three (3) of those years must have been in supervisory experience.

*An interested candidate with an equivalent combination of education and experience as listed above may be considered.

Certificate(s) and/or License(s)

1. Possession of a valid Class “C” non-commercial driver’s license with no more than three (3) points.

2. HR Certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

1. Extensive knowledge of benefits, payroll processes, recruitment and retention, classification and pay, employee relations, training, human resources functions, as well as laws and regulations governing these processes.

2. Thorough knowledge of the County’s Personnel Policies & Procedures Manual.

3. Ability to plan, assign, train, and provide professional leadership to professional and technical staff.

4. Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting policies and procedures of the Department, as well as County, State, and Federal laws, and regulations.

5. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

6. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, Department Heads, employees, retirees, vendors, and the general public.

7. Excellent customer service, organizational and interpersonal skills.

8. Adherence to confidentiality and ethical standards.

Miscellaneous Position Information

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

This role is primarily sedentary in nature but may involve occasional strenuous effort, such as handling moderately heavy boxes, tools, equipment, or other materials; walking or climbing over uneven surfaces; and sitting/standing in fixed position for extended periods of time. Must be able to lift 50 pounds unassisted on a regular basis. General conditions involve working at a computer, using telephonic equipment, and interfacing regularly with internal and/or external stakeholders.

Work is normally performed Monday through Friday during normal business hours, however, may require alternate work hours 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week.

Individuals appointed or promoted to a position in this class will be required to serve a probationary period of six (6) months. Performance will be carefully evaluated during the probationary period. Continuation in this class will be contingent upon successful completion of the probationary period.

*Telework is available for this position based in accordance with the County’s Personnel Policies & Procedures Manual. Consideration for telework must follow the application, review and approval/denial process as set forth within the P&P Manual.

Conditions of Employment

1. Prior to appointment, employees are subject to pre-employment medical history review and drug testing, extensive background investigation (which may require CJIS and NCIS clearance), including but not limited to reference checking, and driving history, and an evaluation of training or experience.

Benefits(*Not all positions may be eligible for these programs.)

Cecil County Government offers a full complement of benefits including medical, dental, life, disability, and AD&D insurance programs as well as a generous time off benefits. We understand that finding the right balance between home and career is a challenge and offer the following programs: employee assistance program, flexible work arrangements/compressed schedule and telework/remote office opportunities.

This position description is representative of the general and most important components of this role and does not characterize every aspect of the job; other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as warranted and deemed appropriate. This document does not constitute a contract of employment, nor a guarantee of continued employment. Cecil County Government is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $77,046.16 - $90,815.77 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Human resources: 5 years (Required)
• Supervising: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person