HR Specialist III.

The Office of the State Auditor (OSA) serves as the government accountability arm for the citizens of Colorado, auditing state agencies, colleges, universities, and other recipients of state funds. Overseen by the State Auditor, the OSA is an independent, nonpartisan staff agency within Colorado’s Legislative Branch. Our mission is to improve government for the people of Colorado by promoting economical, effective, ethical, and equitable government. Our audits focus on reducing costs, improving service quality, and ensuring accuracy and integrity of information.

About the role

The Office of the State Auditor is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Human Resources Specialist to provide key professional and technical support for our HR unit. In this multifaceted role, you will play a critical part in executing OSA’s HR operations, specializing in talent acquisition, benefits administration, and leave coordination.

Responsibilities

• Talent Acquisition & Recruitment
  • Perform job analyses, write engaging job ads, and thoroughly review incoming applications.
  • Guide hiring authorities and subject matter experts through compliant recruitment and selection processes.
  • Serve as the main point of contact for candidates: handle inquiries, manage correspondence, schedule tests/interviews, and coordinate attendance at career fairs.
  • Administer candidate testing/exams to ensure integrity and fairness.
  • Conduct comprehensive background and reference checks.
  • Ensure strict compliance with employment laws and State Personnel Rules while maintaining complete recruitment records.
• Benefits Administration
  • Partner with the Benefits Coordinator to facilitate open enrollment meetings, disseminate materials, and guide employees through the process.
  • Verify required documentation to process, approve, and audit benefit choices and dependent additions.
  • Track enrollment deadlines and provide ongoing guidance to employees regarding benefits, payroll, and career growth.
• Leave Coordination
  • Administer employee paid time off, FMLA, FAMLI, short-term disability, and worker’s compensation under the direction of the HR Manager and alongside payroll staff.
  • Ensure full agency compliance with state and federal leave laws, including timely employee notifications, eligibility interpretations, and form management.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality of medical records while tracking return-to-work dates and coordinating modified work schedules.
  • Advise and educate employees, supervisors, and managers on leave policies to ensure smooth payroll processing and minimize pay discrepancies.
• Administrative Support
  • Enter and maintain data in our payroll system.
  • Assist with new employee orientation.
  • Assist or develop staff trainings.
  • Provide front desk coverage as needed.

Requirements

• 6 years of HR experience OR a bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration, Public Administration (or similar) with 2 years of relevant HR experience.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative environment, interacting with staff at all levels.
• Analytical skills to research and interpret HR data.
• Highly organized and adaptable, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Ability to negotiate and advocate for positive HR solutions.
• Knowledgeable of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• SPCP in selection, SPHR, PHR, or equivalent certification (desirable).
• Experience navigating public sector recruitment processes (desirable).

Benefits

• Hybrid work location, with some work time at home and some at our central downtown location by the Capitol Building.
• Outstanding opportunities for professional development and continued skills training.
• Excellent work-life programs including flexible work schedule opportunities.
• Engaged and dedicated leadership.
• Eco-Pass for public transportation, as well as transportation reimbursements for parking and bicycle commuters.
• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus 401K and 457 plans.
• Medical and dental health plans.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Life insurance options.
• Limited travel required.
• 11 paid holidays per year plus paid vacation and sick leave.
• Automatic short-term and optional long-term disability coverage.

Schedule

• Primarily work hours 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday.
• Hybrid schedule: staff are required to work in the office at least one day a week.

Must submit to and successfully pass a pre-employment background check. The Office of the State Auditor conducts background investigations for all final candidates, which may include criminal history, state personnel files, national sex offender search, and motor vehicle history. State employee transfer applicants must disclose any corrective actions within the last 2 years and must currently be in good standing.