Assistant Director of Human Resources

Washington County Government; Hagerstown (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington County Government seeks an Assistant Director of Human Resources to plan, manage and coordinate day-to-day HR operations. You will supervise staff, drive strategic initiatives, and act as a deputy to the HR Director when needed.

This role requires strong knowledge of personnel administration, labor relations, benefits, policy compliance, and confidentiality. A bachelor’s degree in HR or related field and several years with leadership experience, including government work, are

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, business, or related field.
• PHR or SHRM-CP certification preferred.
• 3–5 years in a people manager role; government HR experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operational leadership of the employee life cycle (recruiting, onboarding, pay & benefits, performance management, training, disciplinary actions, offboarding).
• Direct supervision of HR staff and delivery of HR services.
• Oversee employee relations, grievances, investigations, and union contract administration.
• Design and manage benefits Open Enrollment; coordinate with vendors and providers.
• Develop policies to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
• Provide HR leadership in the Director's absence and assist with budget preparation.
• Counsel leaders and employees on personnel issues with confidentiality.

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

PHR/SHRM-CP preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Assistant Director of Human Resources

• GRADE: 16
• DEPARTMENT: Human Resources
• FLSA STATUS: Exempt
• REPORTS TO: Director of Human Resources

General definition of work

The Assistant Director assists the Director of Human Resources by planning, managing, and coordinating the day-to‑day operations of the Human Resources department. This includes supervising HR personnel, executing strategic initiatives, and overseeing administrative support and services. At times, the Assistant Director will need to act as a strategic thought partner to senior leadership and step in for the HR Director in their absence.

Essential functions / typical tasks

(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

1. Operational leadership. Responsible for the daily HR Workflow of the employee life cycle (recruiting, onboarding, pay & benefits. performance management, training & development, disciplinary action and offboarding). Directly supervise and provide leadership for the HR staff to ensure excellence through the delivery of these HR services.
2. Employee & Labor relations. Oversees disciplinary procedures and performance management process. In collaboration with the HR Director, will provide support for grievance resolutions, investigations, collective bargaining or union contract administration.
3. Benefits administration. Through the supervision of the Benefits Coordinator, designs and manages annual Open Enrollment for employees to review and change their benefit elections. Oversees claims problems between the employee/insurance company/doctor’s offices. Manages communication and documentation between employees, their doctors, and our HR Department in support of FMLA, STD, and unexcused leave of absence. Meets with benefit vendors to address issues, discuss solutions, and evaluate plan design options
4. Policy & compliance. Develops, drafts, writes, and updates county policies & procedures in an effort to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
5. HR leadership. Acts in the Human Resources Director’s absence and uses initiative and judgment to ensure HR matters requiring immediate attention are handled in a manner as to minimize the effect of the Director’s absence. Works with the Director of Human Resources in preparation of Department Budgets. Brings personnel requests and recommendations to the Director of Human Resources for review.
6. County leadership. Provides counseling, guidance and recommendations to both leaders and employees on all personnel issues to include disciplinary actions, coaching, grievances, terminations, etc. Keeps Director of Human Resources apprised of issues of concern. Assures that employee personnel information is maintained in a safe, secure and organized operation.
7. Performs related tasks as required. Assists with special projects.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

1. General knowledge of basic methods, practices and objectives of public personnel administration.
2. General knowledge of the County's policies and procedures.
3. General knowledge of basic research techniques and report writing.
4. Excellent record keeping ability.
5. Ability to communicate effectively.
6. Capability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with employees and the public.
7. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality as it relates to employees and personnel issues.

Education and experience

Bachelor’s Degree or any combination and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in human resources management, business administration or related field. Human Resource Certification (PHR, SHRM – CP) preferred.

A minimum of 3 - 5 years in a people manager role is required.

A minimum of 3-5 years of government related human resources experienced preferred.

Physical requirements

Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to, personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. No significant standing, walking, moving, climbing, carrying, bending, kneeling, crawling, reaching, and handling, pushing, and pulling.

Special requirements

Valid Driver's License.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.