Human Resources Specialist

Human Resources Specialist

The Human Resources Specialist is responsible for working collaboratively with the human resources team, building/department administrators, and the payroll department to complete human resources functions for the District pertaining to all employees.

An employee hired for this assignment may perform all or some of the responsibilities defined below:

• Coordinate with administrators to identify vacancies; post and advertise positions; review applications; support hiring processes and job fairs
• Lead substitute recruitment through strategic outreach, community partnerships, and hiring initiatives to maintain a qualified substitute pool.
• Manage new hire onboarding: prepare packets, process paperwork, enter data in HRIS and third-party systems as needed, create personnel files, coordinate fingerprinting/background checks, and track ID badges
• Monitor substitute assignments to ensure adherence to collective bargaining agreements and substitute handbook; process certificated long-term substitutes as necessary
• Support development, implementation and delivery of new employee orientation, onboarding, and training; maintain training records in systems (e.g., Vector/SafeSchools)
• Maintain accurate employee records in HRIS (contact, benefits, certifications, immunizations, etc.); notify staff of certification requirements
• Track staff training and education data, including certifications, clock hours, and professional development
• Process employee separations and maintain related records
• Support and maintain the district's time-off/substitute management system as needed
• Revise and update District processes and materials related to the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and other leave laws, as applicable
• Administer leave programs (FMLA and other leaves); process applications, documentation, and shared leave requests
• Track workers' compensation claims and coordinate with NEWESD101
• Support with volunteer applications, review and tracking; communicate with school sites
• Process and track contract services employees
• Administer employee benefits: distribute materials, process enrollments, assist with issues, and maintain benefits portal data
• Coordinate annual open enrollment and communicate benefit updates
• Maintain retirement plan records and provide related information to employees
• Track and report benefits data; maintain benefits webpage
• Process and track extra-/co-curricular and stipend assignments, including contracts and notifications
• Process employment and experience verification requests
• Support employee recognition activities
• Assist with labor relations tracking and documentation as needed
• Prepare and submit required state and federal personnel reports accurately and timely as needed
• Track employee evaluations and report data as required
• Participate in HR trainings and meetings to maintain compliance knowledge
• Support and assist in the efficient operation of a comprehensive human resources program
• Perform other human resources and business office duties as assigned

Each of the positions in the Human Resources Department serves as one unit of the whole team, and as such, is subject to assist or is assigned to tasks in other roles within the Business Office.

Knowledge of: Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite; administration and use of Windows; Basic computer skills including, but not limited to; e-mail, internet, etc.; K-12 education structure of Washington State; necessary record-keeping for state and federal auditing; Washington State legislative laws, rules, codes and regulations; compliance with state and federal requirements for records retention

Ability to: Compile and maintain accurate and complete records and reports with specific attention to detail; work independently, rapidly, and with a high degree of accuracy; prioritize and manage time effectively in an environment with frequent interruptions; handle confidential matters in an ethical manner; interpret laws, rules, regulations, and codes related to human resources; set-up and maintain accurate filing and retention systems; maintain good rapport with students, staff, and the public; communicate with staff and the public in a professional manner both orally and in writing; analyze situations to define issues, draw conclusions, and provide solutions; maintain effective organization of workspace and processes; be dependable and flexible, including flexibility to work beyond the regular workday when required; maintain a consistent presence at the assigned work site and regular work hours; prioritize and manage time effectively in an environment with frequent interruptions; work collaboratively in a team environment; assist other members of the district office staff, including, but not limited to; accounting, payroll, etc.

Required to deal with a wide range of behaviors and needs in a positive and service-oriented manner

May experience shifts in work schedule and/or work site according to district needs

Sustain mental awareness while also maintaining attention to details and safety requirements

Will occasionally deal with distraught or difficult people

Ability to repeatedly lift up to 20 pounds

Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds

Sit and/or stand for extended periods of time

Amount of sitting, walking and standing may vary depending on projects/tasks. Generally, the job requires 50% sitting, 25% walking, and 25% standing.

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: the employee frequently will stand and walk and use hands for repetitive grasping and significant fine finger dexterity, often assembling very small objects. The employee is frequently required to sit, bend at neck and back, twist body, use hands to push/pull and lift/carry, squat, kneel, stoop, crouch, knee stand, crawl, climb stairs or ladders, reach overhead, and lift overhead.

Must have a high school diploma or equivalent and related work experience

Bachelor's degree in human resources, business management, or related field

Prior benefits administration and human resources experience preferred

Combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform duties comparable to those listed herein may be considered in lieu of formal education

Prior school district information system experience preferred

Ability to use proper grammar and English in both oral and written communication, as well as the usage of correct spelling and basic arithmetic functions*

Basic computer knowledge and skills, including Google Workspace, MS Windows, Excel, Word, and Outlook*

Must have and maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License

Must have access to reliable transportation

Ability and willingness to travel on work assignments as needed

*Testing may be used to determine knowledge of pertinent skills

Compensation DOE per non-represented classified salary schedule

Year-round position: 260 days; 8 hours per day

WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance

The Human Resources Specialist shall be evaluated periodically by the Director of Human Resources using the currently established district procedures and evaluation criteria. The process shall include an evaluation of the employee's performance of the above essential job functions.

Must complete school safety training within thirty (30) calendar days from hire date and annually thereafter

Attend designated trainings as specified by supervisor and/or department director in order to maintain knowledge/skills

Submit current/renewed licenses to Human Resources upon attaining

Job description and format updated: July 2026

Cheney Public Schools does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, economic status, pregnancy, familial status, marital status, disability, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions: Title IX/Chapter 28A.640 Officer/Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator/ADA Coordinator - Tom Arlt, Assistant Superintendent, Cheney School District, 12414 S. Andrus Rd. Cheney, WA 99004 Phone: (509) 559-4550; Section 504 Coordinator - Franklin Day, Director of Student Support Services, Cheney School District, 12414 S. Andrus Rd., Cheney, WA 99004 Phone: (509) 559-4507.

Equal Opportunity Employer