Human Resources Specialist II

WHY WORK FOR DFPS?

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected — children, elderly, and people with disabilities — from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS accomplishes this responsibility by employing over 12,000 workers who live up to the agency's Mission, Vision, & Values in service to the citizens of Texas. DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, longevity pay, generous paid leave, access to the Wellness program, lifetime retirement annuity, Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

Brief Job Description:

Performs routine (journey-level) human resources management work. Work involves assisting in the administration a human resources management program (recruitment and selection, compensation, classification, employee relations, leave and benefits, workers’ compensation, records management or organizational development). Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions:

Provides advice and counsel to employees and management on issues, rules, and policies related to human resources management, which may include handling complex issues and answering complex questions.

Answers internal and external inquiries related policy and law governing general HR functions.

May provide direction and guidance related to HR area of assignment.

Assists other HR employee relations staff by researching complex issues and providing input to help resolve questions. 

Enters, updates, and retrieves information from various automated, human resources, and/or payroll systems.

Enters and retrieves information in the electronic employee master personnel file and the Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel System (CAPPS).

Enters and retrieves information within the IMPACT system.

Maintains all employee records in accordance with applicable laws and policies.

Maintains an internal tracking and suspense system for job task completion.

Uses the E-Verify, a web-based system, to confirm an applicant’s eligibility to work in the United States.

Uses the Texas Department of Public Safety Fact Clearinghouse database to view and retrieve criminal history information.

Uses the Texas Department of Public Safety Driver’s License database (DRRS) system to review and assess employee and applicant driving records.

Upon request provides information from the electronic master personnel file and the CAPPS system required to satisfy open records requests.

Upon request provides information from the electronic master personnel file and the CAPPS system required to satisfy employment verifications.

Maintains and reviews human resources automated systems, files, and records.

Maintains all employee electronic master personnel files in accordance with applicable laws and policies for the area of assigned work.

Within established timeframes and procedures, enters and retrieves required information from employee master personnel files upon request.

Within established timeframes and procedures, enters and retrieves required information from CAPPS system upon request.

Uses an internal tracking system to track and monitor E-Verify extensions and exceptions or Criminal Background Check and Driver’s License Check information.    

Administers and scores employment tests and may assist in developing employment tests.

Upon request assists the DFPS Talent Acquisition Group in administering and scoring employment tests. 

Completes human resources-related surveys and questionnaires, and compiles and analyzes human resources data.

Assists HR staff and management by compiling and analyzing data from surveys and questionnaires related to:

Management reviews,

Exit surveys, and

Employee satisfaction surveys.

Completes federal reference checks of employment and questionnaires upon request.

Completes requests for employment verification upon request. Prepares and maintains human resources correspondence and reports.

Upon request, assists to verify prior state service for new DFPS employees.

Maintains and reports to track the number of requests for assistance to verify prior state services. 

Maintains suspense logs related to employment verification and employment authorization.

Assists to prepare reports upon request related to master personnel files, employment verification activities, open records activities, federal agency job verifications, and other employment verifications.

Assists to develop training and other management resources related to area of expertise. 

Processes personnel actions and reviews completed personnel actions to ensure conformity with agency, state, and federal regulations.

Upon request, assists to enter personnel information into the CAPPS system.

Works with HR Employee Relations staff to establish proficiency and cross-training in order to act as a back-up in the staff’s absence.

Assists in recruiting, screening, and interviewing applicants; evaluating their qualifications; and referring qualified applicants to the appropriate hiring manager.

Upon request assists with all phases of the recruiting and screening process, including but not limited to:

Attending job fairs,

Screening applications, and

Participating in interview panels.

Assists in compiling and analyzing human resources data.

Upon request compiles and analyzes data for HR staff and other appropriate DFPS management information from the master personnel file or the CAPPS system.

Assists in training agency staff on issues, rules, polices, and regulations related to human resources management.

Assists in training agency staff on issues, rules, polices, and regulations related to HR records management.

Assists in developing and revising human resources policies, procedures, and forms.

Assists in developing and revising human resources policies, procedures, and forms related to records management.

Assists in investigating and resolving employee relations issues.

Assists in investigating and resolving employee relations issues related to employment records and/or CAPPS employment data.

Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of the principles and practices of human resources management; human resources programs such as employment, compensation, classification, employee relations, benefits, workers’ compensation, or organizational development; and federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing personnel activities.

Skill in oral and written communication, conducting interviews, using a computer and human resources-related software applications, and handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.

Ability to explain policies and procedures to staff and the public; to maintain confidential and sensitive information; to develop and analyze human resources processes; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants, employees, and the general public; and to communicate effectively.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

One year of experience directly related to the processing of Human Resources activities or closely related to the essential job functions of human resources management.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in human resources management, business or public administration, organizational development, or a related field is preferred.

OR

Four additional years of experience directly related to the processing of Human Resources activities or closely related to the essential job functions of human resources management may be substituted for a college degree.

Additional Information:

N/A

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.

As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files. 

DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS/DFPS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.