Human Resource Specialist

University of Southern Mississippi; Hattiesburg (MS); On-site; USD 16,000 - 23,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Southern Mississippi is seeking a Human Resource Specialist to support HR operations by processing faculty, staff, and student personnel paperwork and maintaining accurate employee records and HR system data.

This position serves as a primary point of contact for the university community and works closely with departments to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely processing of HR transactions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1–2 years of experience in human resources, administrative support, records management, or a related office environment.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Process faculty, staff, and student personnel paperwork accurately.
• Maintain employee records and HR system data with attention to detail.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for the university community and assist with HR transactions.
• Provide responsive HR customer service and support to departments and the public.
• Assist with HR forms and provide backup to ensure continuity of operations.

Skills

Customer service

Data entry

HR documentation

Education

High school diploma

Job description

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Human Resource Specialist.

Location Hattiesburg
118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States

Division Department of Human Resources

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Part Time

Grant Funded No

Salary Range 14.00 - 14.00

Pay Grade Generic Grade

Posting Close Date Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

This position is expected to move full time on January 4th, 2027. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary

The Human Resources Specialist supports Human Resources operations by processing faculty, staff, and student personnel paperwork and maintaining accurate employee records and HR system data. This position serves as a primary point of contact for the university community and works closely with departments to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely processing of HR transactions. The Human Resources Specialist contributes to the efficient operation of Human Resources by providing responsive support and maintaining consistent HR processes.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Verify personnel documentation by reviewing Personnel Action Forms (PAFs) and Personnel Data Sheets (PDS) for completeness and accuracy, and by working with departments to resolve discrepancies prior to data entry.
• Enter and maintain HR data by accurately processing personnel transactions in accordance with established deadlines and by creating and maintaining organized employee files.
• Ensure pre-employment compliance by verifying completion of background checks, conducting degree verifications, confirming required documentation with departments, and ensuring requisitions are properly closed.
• Provide HR customer service and support by responding to inquiries from faculty, staff, students, departments, and the general public regarding HR processes, employment status, and payroll-related questions.
• Assist with HR forms and operational coverage by helping employees complete HR forms and serving as backup to the HR Operations Assistant to ensure continuity of operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of Human Resources operations.

Minimum Qualifications

High schooldiploma or equivalent and one to two (1-2) years of experience in humanresources, administrative support, records management, or a related officeenvironment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to provide professional, customer-focused service and build effective working relationships with employees, visitors, and the public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment when handling sensitive or confidential information and records.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to think critically and respond effectively under time-sensitive conditions.
  Proficiency with basic computer applications and office systems, including email, word processing, spreadsheets, and data entry.
  

Preferred Qualifications

A minimum of two years of Human Resource experience with HR systems and processes.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of SouthernMississippi has remained dedicated to preparingstudents for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 studentsin Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across theMississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Weare a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one ofthe nation's leading research institutions.
Southern Miss is known for pioneering work inpolymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringinglanguage to children with communication disorders. We are also a nationalleader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography,nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.
We produce graduates ready to enterfields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs suchas computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation ofbusiness leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages byproducing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition ofexcellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nationaccredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, ourstudent-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion andpersistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu .

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

The University of Southern Mississippi is committed to the safety and security of the USM community. The annual federal required compliance document which contains policy statements and crime statistics for the University is available on the UPD website at http://www.usm.edu/police/. You may also request a copy by contacting the University Police Department at Bond Hall, 1st Floor West, Hattiesburg, MS 39406 [phone]. The policy statements address the University's policies, procedures and programs concerning safety and security, for example, policies for responding to emergency situations and sexual offenses. Three years' of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on campus, in or on off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University and on public property within or immediately adjacent to the campus.