Human Resources Specialist

About the role

The Human Resources Specialist is responsible for administering employee leave programs and providing support across a variety of human resources functions. This position serves as the primary point of contact for employees, supervisors, and department representatives regarding leave administration, ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and county policies.

Responsibilities

• Administer all employee leave programs, including Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), extended medical leave, leave with pay, and leave without pay.
• Review leave requests and supporting medical documentation to determine eligibility and ensure compliance with federal, state, and organizational requirements.
• Monitor leave usage, maintain accurate leave records, and communicate important deadlines to employees and supervisors.
• Coordinate with payroll, department leadership, and benefit providers to ensure proper processing of leave-related actions.
• Maintain confidentiality of medical information and personnel records in accordance with applicable laws.
• Assist employees with filing short-term disability claims with outside vendor.
• Manage unemployment insurance claims by responding to agency requests, gathering documentation, coordinating hearings when necessary, and representing the County as appropriate.
• Coordinate the County's non-occupational light-duty program by maintaining required documentation, identifying appropriate temporary assignments with departments, and monitoring employee progress and assignment timelines.
• Work collaboratively with supervisors and employees to facilitate successful return-to-work transitions.
• Assist with applicant screening and recruitment activities.
• Assist with pre-employment processes as assigned.
• Participate in the Human Resources orientation rotation by presenting assigned onboarding topics to newly hired employees.
• Provide excellent customer service to employees, supervisors, and department representatives by responding to HR-related questions and providing guidance on policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate personnel records and electronic files.
• Assist with special projects, policy implementation, and process improvement initiatives.
• Remain current on applicable laws, HR best practices, and organizational policies.

Requirements

• Knowledge of federal and state employment laws, particularly the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and other leave-related regulations.
• Knowledge of HR principles, practices, and employment processes.
• Ability to interpret policies and apply regulations consistently and fairly.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, department leaders, and external agencies.
• Ability to adapt and assimilate to the HR department’s cultural requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work for long periods of time without directions.

Qualifications

Associates degree and three (3) years of related experience; High School Diploma and five (5) years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Skills

• Customer service skills.
• Working knowledge of office equipment such as telephone, computer, fax machine, scanner, and copy machine.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. occasionally.
• Experience with software systems such as Munis; E-Verify; OnBase; Neogov; Record Pros; and eScreen preferred but not required.

Benefits

• Participate in the South Carolina State Retirement System with strong employer contributions (SCRS or PORS).
• Optional retirement saving through tax-favored 401(k)/457 accounts.
• Employer-funded health and dental insurance, plus employer-funded Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Basic Life Insurance coverage.
• Vision coverage and additional insurance options available for employees and dependents.
• Access to Wellness Center, free gym, wellness incentives, and employee-family counseling via EAP.
• Generous paid leave accruals that grow over time, plus 13 paid holidays.