Personnel Specialist

Description

Personnel Specialist
City of Covington, Kentucky
Human Resources Department
Location: Covington, KY
Hours: Full-Time

Why Covington?

Welcome to the bold side of the river. Covington, Kentucky, is a place where history and progress come together—and as a Personnel Specialist, your work will directly shape that future. We attract the bold and the best — people who are ready to make an impact—innovators, changemakers, and problem-solvers who want to be part of something bigger. Your work in the Human Resources Department will help drive initiatives that attract top talent and ensure the ongoing success of our City’s services.

Covington is all about celebrating what makes us unique. Our rainbow crosswalks, locally owned businesses, and warm Kentucky hospitality reflect the spirit of our city. It’s where timelessness meets the ventures of tomorrow. With the most diverse and accessible city government in the region, we believe that everyone can contribute to our collective success. Most importantly, we are a city that values its people—because around here, y’all really does mean all.

If you want to be part of shaping the future of the city, Covington could be the perfect place for you to grow your career and make a difference.

Role Overview

The Personnel Specialist will be an essential member of the Human Resources team, primarily responsible for driving talent acquisition efforts and managing the day-to-day onboarding and offboarding processes for employees. In this role, you will collaborate closely with department leadership to identify staffing needs, assist in creating job descriptions, and lead the recruitment process—from sourcing candidates to ensuring a seamless onboarding experience. You will be instrumental in creating a positive, welcoming environment for new hires and providing ongoing support throughout their employment lifecycle.

This position requires hands-on involvement in the recruitment process and a proactive approach to employee engagement. A successful Personnel Specialist will thrive in a fast-paced environment, be a self-starter, and have a genuine passion for supporting and developing employees. If you are detail-oriented, organized, and ready to make an immediate impact in an exciting, dynamic environment, this is the role for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Recruitment & Onboarding: Manage the full recruitment cycle, including posting job openings, screening applicants, interviewing candidates, and facilitating onboarding for new hires.
• Employee Relations: Serve as a primary point of contact for employees, providing guidance on HR policies, benefits, and other workplace matters.
• Compliance & Recordkeeping: Ensure HR records are maintained in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Performance Management: Support the performance review process, help set employee goals, and assist with managing performance-related issues.
• Employee Retention: Conduct stay and exit interviews, analyze turnover data, and recommend strategies for improving employee satisfaction and retention.
• HRIS Management: Utilize the Human Resources Information System (HRIS) to track employee data, manage benefits administration, and generate reports.
• Training & Development: Coordinate and support employee training programs, fostering professional growth and enhancing employee skills.
• Administrative Support: Assist with payroll changes, processing purchase orders, invoice verification, benefits, and preparation of HR reports.
• Confidentiality: Handle sensitive employee information with the highest level of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Other Duties: Perform additional tasks as needed to support the overall goals of the HR department.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2 years of experience in Human Resources or related administrative roles.
• Familiarity with HR policies, practices, and compliance regulations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and HRIS systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate discretion in handling sensitive information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or higher in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 3 years of HR experience, preferably in a government or public sector environment.
• Experience with recruitment, benefits administration, employee relations, and performance management.
• Certification in HR (e.g., PHR, SHRM-CP) is a plus.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive Salary
• Full Benefits Package: Health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and 12 paid holidays.
• Meaningful Impact: Your work will directly contribute to the success of Covington's services and the satisfaction of its employees.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a dedicated and supportive team in a culture that values communication, respect, and continuous improvement.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the City’s expanding HR programs.

EEO Statement

The City of Covington is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the rich variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences in our community. We encourage individuals from all walks of life to apply and proudly provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants, regardless of race, color, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

Qualifications