Job Title:
Human Resources Specialist 1 (Focus on Training and Probations/Evaluations)
Company: StateJobsNY
Location: Latham, NY
Created: 2026-03-15
Job Type: Full Time
Job Description:
Human Resources Specialist For the purpose of staffing, developing and maintaining an adequate and competent workforce, the Human Resources Specialist (HR Specialist) performs a variety of personnel activities and transactions to include: position classification and compensation; employee recruitment, placement, and retention activities; benefits administration, health and safety assessments, employee counseling employee recognition programs, labor relations, payroll transactions, training and other employee services. In addition, due to the unique aspect of DMNA, the HR Specialist performs a variety of duties and responsibilities in support of State Active Duty (SAD) military missions to include but not limited to SAD payroll and Line of Duty (LOD) investigation file management. The HR Specialist series may include supervising subordinate personnel in the performance of human resources responsibilities. This position currently will be assigned to our training and probation and evaluations programs. The position performs responsibilities in accordance with all current and amended DMNA policies and procedures, federal and state statutes, and where applicable, the contract bargaining agreement and requirements of the National Guard Bureau (NGB), specifically the Master Cooperative Agreement (MCA) and supporting regulations. When appropriate, the position may report to state and/or federal supervisory personnel. This position is management/confidential and is not covered under labor contract provisions within the DMNA. Specifically, duties may include but are not limited to: May present at or assist with presentation and training events and oversight of the Statewide Learning Management (SLMS) system. Disseminates information on training and promotion opportunities and related programs for potential employee self-improvement. May counsel individuals on career programs and goals. Administer the probation and annual evaluation program May assist with coordinating activities associated with State Awards, tracking certifications, employee recognition, years of service awards, training dates and mandates, and other tracking of employee data information. Administers tasks pertaining to the appointment, assignment and evaluation of personnel. Administers the maintenance of a position or item control system to facilitate effective and efficient utilization of organizational staff. Reviews organizational relationships and the impact of changing programs on existing positions and organizational structures. Develops and/or reviews requests for new positions, reclassifications, reallocations, increased minimum hiring rates, geographic and shift pay differentials and related classification and compensation matters. Prepares agency classification requests and supporting justifications. Confers with program staff, Department of Civil Service and Division of the Budget representatives as necessary to further explain and support classification proposals. Reviews tentative classification standards; and coordinates with affected program staff for appropriate and timely comment. Confers with agency program managers and Department of Civil Service representatives on possible actions to meet specific recruitment needs. Advises program managers, supervisors and individual employees on applicable laws, rules, directives or negotiated agreements which affect the appointment, promotion, termination or salary of employees. Corresponds or meets with potential applicants to resolve inquiries regarding employment opportunities. Will assist in the tracking and projecting personnel hiring including full-time equivalents (FTE) review and budgeting. Supervises the administration of employee insurance programs, survivor benefits, workers' compensation, organizational health, safety and related programs including retirement counseling. Oversees the administration of the time and attendance rules as modified by negotiated agreements; and pertinent leave programs such as military, educational and sick leave. Coordinate all personnel activities associated with hourly hires such as reviewing hiring paperwork for accuracy; providing supervisory guidance; track hours associated with non-military use contracts and other requirements. Responsible for reviewing and tracking overtime expenditure in accordance with agency directives. May be responsible for assisting in payroll matters and processing. Assists in the development, implementation, daily operations and execution and other matters related to the State Active Duty (SAD) active missions to include activities such as: payroll entry and processing, Line of Duty (LOD) investigations and medical documentation, benefits questions, Orders and DMNA Regulation review and modifications. Provides technical guidance, direction and assistance to staff as needed. Conducts pertinent audits and studies, analyzes data and develops appropriate recommendations. Prepares various personnel reports and related correspondence. Prepares personnel transactions in accordance with applicable rules, regulations and directives. Directs the preparation and adaptation of agency personnel manuals and employee informational handbooks. Supervises the activities of subordinate staff engaged in supporting the agency's state workforce. Performs other job-related duties as assigned. JOB REQUIREMENTS: An individual appointed to a HR Specialist position must be able to take direction, comprehend many assignments at one time, pay attention to detail, analyze and process large amounts of data, supervise subordinate personnel, present material to supervisor and other individuals clearly and concisely, exercise extreme confidentiality in working with personnel and medical records and require minimal supervision in completing tasks timely and accurately. Working knowledge of the principles and practices of personnel administration, particularly (preferred) as practiced under the provisions of New York State policies and procedures. Experience working with labor unions, collective bargaining agreements and/or pertinent knowledge of grievance and disciplinary procedures - preferably experience working with New York State labor agreements. Must be able to interpret regulations and statutes and ensure proper compliance. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Word and Excel. Ability to use PowerPoint preferred. Strong organizational skills. Ability to perform tasks with minimal supervision. Experience in multi-tasking and prioritizing multiple deadlines. Strong communication skills written and verbal. Ability to prepare written material in a clear and concise form. Ability to read and write in English. Demonstrated reliability and trustworthiness. Ability to read, understand and apply laws, procedures, rules, regulations and guidelines where there are not clear precedents or procedures previously established. Ability to interact well with different groups of people, including co-workers and management comprised of both Federal and State personnel. Ability to organize and analyze facts, and to draw logical conclusions. Ability to identify and resolve personnel problems. Ability to effectively supervise and coordinate the efforts of others. Ability to provide direction and training to staff in effective personnel procedures. Working Knowledge of the principals and techniques of supervision. Ability to review and understand complex and lengthy documents while at the same time proofread and make editing recommendations. Must complete and attend training as required. May have to travel to meet job requirements, administer personnel activities, conduct presentations, address employee and labor relations matters, etc. Travel may occur using various modes of transportation to include driving and/or flying. Overtime may be required. Additional duties as assigned.