Human Resources Specialist

Job Title: Human Resources Specialist

Job Description: West Knox Utility District is a water and sewer provider in the northwest portion of Knox County, Tennessee that serves a population of nearly 80,000 with approximately 100 employees. We are seeking a dedicated and experienced HR and Employee Relations Specialist to ensure compliance with employment laws while promoting a positive, high-performance work environment. In this key role, you will oversee employee engagement, policy development, conflict resolution, and training initiatives across departments. Your expertise will guide our HR practices to allow our employees and our organization to succeed.

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Policies and Procedures Development: Improve, recommend, and implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations including COBRA, FMLA, FLSA, OSHA, Title VI, and ADA

• Conflict Resolution: Investigate and resolve employee grievances and disputes in a fair, professional, and consistent manner.

• HR Training & Consultation: Provide proactive training and guidance to employees and supervisors on HR best practices and workplace policies; respond with aid and guidance to employees and departments regarding HR matters and questions.

• Employee Hiring and Training: Oversee hiring and employee training programs, ensuring a successful transition for new employees and ongoing development of existing employees.

• Disciplinary & Termination Processes: Oversee the disciplinary process, ensuring fair and consistent application of policies and procedures. Manage the termination process, including conducting exit interviews, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, COBRA enrollment, retirement plan assistance, and maintaining documentation for employee separations.

• Benefit Enrollment: Assist employees with benefit enrollment and provide guidance on available options.

• Worker Compensation: Handle worker compensation claims and ensure compliance with regulations and reporting requirements.

• Performance Evaluation Assistance: Support supervisors and management in consistent performance evaluations and corrective action/development plans

• OSHA & TN Drug-Free Program: Oversee compliance with OSHA regulations and Tennessee's Drug-Free Workplace Program

• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance: Oversee, manage, enroll, and file all matters related to short-term disability and long-term disability benefits.

• Employee Retirement Plans: Enroll and assist employees in all matters related to the District’s retirement plans.

• External Training Registrations: Manage external training opportunities and registrations for employees.

• HR Software Employee Education: Provide education and support to employees on HR software and systems.

• Occupational Health: Manage occupational health programs and initiatives to promote employee well-being, including physician visits and drug testing for new hires and post-accident, vaccination scheduling, and any related occupational requirements.

• Employee Development Programs: Develop programs to assist employees in career growth and professional development.

• Investigations: Conduct and manage human resources investigations and investigations into employee misconduct or performance issues and recommend appropriate corrective actions. 

• Project Management: Oversee and manage HR-related projects and deadlines.

• Employee File Management: Ensure employee personnel files are maintained and managed in a timely and organized manner.

• Unemployment & COBRA Reporting: Oversee and report unemployment records and ensure compliance with COBRA reporting requirements.

Job Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, human services, or related field. SHRM Certified Professional (a plus).

• Experience: At least three years of experience in a human resources role, with expertise in employee relations, training, compensation, benefits, employment laws and regulations and HR information systems or related work experience.

• Legal Knowledge: Legal Knowledge: Strong understanding of employment laws such as COBRA, FMLA, FLSA, OSHA, Title VI, ADA, and others

• Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities
• Effective project management and organizational skills
• Critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to work with employees, supervisors, and management. 
• Strong judgment and analytical skills
• Ability to identify and mitigate risks.

West Knox Utility District Benefits Package:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with minimal employee contributions
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401a Plan with employer matching contribution
• 457b Plan with Roth and pretax options
• Paid Time Off
• Eleven paid holidays

How to Apply:

If you are a motivated HR professional with a passion for employee relations and compliance, we encourage you to apply. Join West Knox Utility District and contribute to a thriving workplace that values integrity, collaboration, and growth. Please submit your resume, along with a cover letter detailing your qualifications and experience, to hr@wkud.com.

We look forward to reviewing your application and considering you for this exciting opportunity to contribute to the success of West Knox Utility District.

West Knox Utility District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.