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Personnel Officer 1 Jurisdiction: Schuyler County Jurisdictional Classification: Exempt Revised: May 26, 2005; February 9, 2009; Reviewed: June 27, 2011; Revised: July 9, 2012; Revised: December 15, 2021 PERSONNEL OFFICER JOB DESCRIPTION: This is a public officer position charged by the law to administer the provisions of the Civil Service Law, County Civil Service Rules, and County Civil Service Policies and Procedures for the County of Schuyler and all civil divisions therein including towns, villages, school districts and special districts. As a public officer, the incumbent must maintain county residency during the length of employment. The duties are performed at a high level of independence and exercise of judgment within the confines of the Civil Service Law, Rules and Regulations, local Civil Service policies, and the appropriate relevant policies and procedures established by the County Legislature. Additionally, this position is responsible for directing the operation of the Human Resources Department, including planning, implementation and evaluation of all policies and functions relating to County employees, payroll, labor relations, affirmative action, employee training, and compensation plans. Supervision is exercised over any staff members assigned to the Civil Service and Human Resources Departments. The incumbent’s work is performed under the administrative direction of the County Administrator and general direction of the County Legislature. Does related work as required. TYPICAL DUTIES: Administers and enforces the provisions of Civil Service Law, Rules and Regulations for all County departments and the towns, villages, school districts and special districts within the County; Establishes local policy for those areas not covered by Civil Service Law, Rules and Regulations; Advises, instructs, motivates, and assists appointing authorities and employees of municipalities to obtain compliance with Civil Service Law, Rules and Regulations, and Policies; Classifies all positions as to title, jurisdictional classification, and minimum qualifications, and prepares job class specifications; Prepares and maintains accurate and current job class specifications for all positions; Establishes and administers a recruitment and examination program; Establishes and maintains a roster of all officers and employees of the County and other municipalities, school districts and special districts; Ascertains the merit and fitness of applicants through review of all applications; Determines eligibility for Veteran’s Credit and Seniority Credit for examinations; Maintains Veteran’s Roster and Police Registry; Establishes and certifies all eligible lists in accordance with Civil Service Law; Certifies payrolls for classified positions in those municipalities under the jurisdiction of the Personnel Officer; Conducts Civil Service orientation for new County employees; Advises employees of their rights under Section 75 of Civil Service Law and may receive appeals after Section 75 hearings; Prepares and manages budget for the Civil Service Department; Serves as Department Head of the Civil Service Department; ---PAGE BREAK--- Personnel Officer 2 Prepares annual NYS Civil Service reports and county report Establish and promulgate the Schuyler County Policies and Procedures for all County employees, subject to final approval of the Legislature; Represent the County in dealing with the public, government officials and professional groups on personnel-related matters; Act as Co-Chief Negotiator with the County Administrator for union contract negotiations including research, proposal development, compliance with changing laws, etc.; Administer provisions of agreements on behalf of the County with recognized bargaining unit employee representatives concerning conditions of employment, wages, employee sick leave, vacation, health insurance, retirement and such other matters as may come before the Personnel Officer, make reports and recommendations to the County Administrator and Legislature as may be appropriate; Coordinate all employee claims of discrimination, harassment, or improper practice; thoroughly investigate; and make recommendation on matter; Administer labor relations program including processing of grievances, interpreting labor contracts and advising department heads on labor matters. Conduct conferences with employees and union representatives in disputes that could lead to an unfair labor practice charge or an employee grievance; Administer compensation plan, classification and grading system for County employees, periodically conducting surveys on prevailing wages and fringe benefits; in conjunction with the County Administrator, recommend adjustments to the County Legislature for the purpose of eliminating inequities, recruiting difficulties and employee turnover; Report to the Management and Finance Committee of the County Legislature; Serve as an advisor to the County Administrator, County Legislature, department heads, union representatives and employees on various issues as they relate to personnel, union contracts and County Policies and Procedures, as well as the applicable Federal and State laws; interpret rules and procedures for consistent application; Research and advise the County Administrator and the Legislature on the development and progress of programs, impact of proposed decisions, organizational changes and legislation affecting personnel functions; Assist the County Administrator with administration of the Management/Confidential Handbook; Represent the County in hearings for Workers Compensation, Public Employee Relations Board (PERB), Unemployment Insurance and Americans with Disabilities Act; Administer the County’s Affirmative Action Program, serve as Affirmative Action Officer; Coordinate and maintain official personnel record for all mandated and non-mandated training and development, safety, health and counseling for employees; Administer the Fair Labor Standards Act, Americans with Disability Act, and Family Medical Leave Act; Administer continuation of health insurance benefits for employees under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA); Direct the day-to-day operation of the Human Resources Department, including payroll, and supervise all employees of the Department; Prepare NYS Retirement reports for submission; Prepare annual departmental budget for Legislative approval and manage budget appropriations in a fiscally responsible manner; ---PAGE BREAK--- Personnel Officer 3 Fulfill role as Safety Coordinator and Title VI Compliance Officer. SUGGESTED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Either A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources, or a closely related field and two years of administrative experience involving personnel, civil service functions, human resources, or employment services; or B. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an Associate’s degree in business administration, human resources, or a closely related field and four years of experience as described in A; or C. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of A and B above. OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: Thorough knowledge of New York State Civil Service Law, Schuyler County Civil Service Rules and Regulations, and local Civil Service policies; Good knowledge of the organization and operation of County government; Good knowledge of the practices and procedures involved in civil service and human resources administration; Good knowledge of modern office procedures and equipment; Good computer skills; Ability to maintain effective working relationships with public officials, employees at various levels of government and the public; Ability to communicate well orally and in writing; Ability to understand and interpret complex written material; Ability to perform research tasks and analyze data; Ability to maintain confidentiality; Ability to manage Civil Service office and plan and supervise the work of others; Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.