Human Resources Consultant - College of Education, Health, And Human Sciences - UTK at University of Tennessee System in Knoxville, TN

Job description

Position serves as the Human Resources subject matter expert, providing guidance, support, and consultative services for all HR functions throughout the College of Education, Health, & Human Sciences. Ensures salaries and wages are managed and maintained at levels consistent with the associated budgets, ascertaining the accuracy of employee classifications, appointments, salaries and unit assignments as well as processing all human resources documents to guarantee timely payroll for all employees. Maintains close working relationships with campus Human Resources, campus Finance and Administration, the Graduate School, and the Payroll Office as well as all units within the college. Decision-making and confidential record-keeping related to the full cycle of personnel directly impacts not only the fiscal welfare of the college but also the university's ability to follow consistent and compliant employment practices. Due to the sensitive nature of personnel issues the incumbent must be professional and discreet. Responsible and accurate execution of all aforementioned duties is paramount. Reviews all college faculty, staff, and student hiring, funding changes, and pay status transactions: Consults with departments, advises, and assists with development of position descriptions for 200+ staff positions (regular & temp) and facilitates submission of classification requests through HR compensation team. Reviews personnel change transactions for accuracy and completion and approves/rejects as needed. Validates budget alignment for personnel changes. Works with departments to confirm accuracy of faculty appointment status changes, including promotion and tenure changes, faculty development leave, and Post-Retirement Service agreements. Leads process for making those changes in the ERP systems. Audits payroll entries for the college, ensuring prompt and accurate time entry and approvals. Generates Work Expiry reports in advance of work permission end dates and actively engages employees / supervisors in visa renewal, extension or departure conversations. Monitors temporary employee status and advises units on termination actions or conversions to regular employment per one year guidelines. Approves student hiring and pay status transactions for 350+ students positions (200+ graduate students). Manages the college's payroll process for summer school and mini-terms; accesses student systems to build spreadsheets using course enrollment information and creates calculations that enable departments to determine fiscal viability of course offerings and associated instructor pay. Partners with management to communicate Human Resources policies, procedures, programs, and laws: Develops training materials and trains department HR coordinators and business managers on preparation and submission of HR documents, college procedures, and campus HR policies. Maintains central inventory of training material. Fields questions from departments and individual employees; troubleshoots technical issues and provides resolution, uses independent judgment to interpret applicable policies and provides resolution for HR and payroll-related issues. Works closely with UTK HR Operations to facilitate payroll advances when necessary. Advises department leadership on Family Medical Leave, sick leave, longevity, promotions, reclassifications, elimination of externally-funded positions, reductions in force, and terminations. Provides guidance to leadership for procedures & processes related to annual performance reviews and employee performance management, refers complex issues to HR Manager. Works with HR Employee Relation and refers to them on all disciplinary actions. Serves as point of contact for workers compensation issues throughout the college and advises on appropriate reporting to campus risk management office. Represents the college at meetings, including quarterly attendance of campus HR Work Group meetings with HR Manager. Provides direct HR support for