Human Resources Specialist

Title: Human Resources Specialist

Employee Classification: Other Professionals

Institution: TCAT-Knoxville

Department: Human Resources

Campus Location: TCAT Knoxville

Job Summary

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology Knoxville is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Human Resources Specialist to join our HR team. This full-time position plays a vital role in supporting the college's HR functions, including recruitment, employee relations, benefits administration, performance management, and compliance with employment regulations. The ideal candidate will be passionate about fostering a positive work environment and enhancing employee engagement.

Job Duties

• Recruitment and Staffing: In supporting the recruitment process, the Specialist will be responsible for posting positions and ensuring that applicants are moved through the hiring process in the PageUp system. They will monitor applications, track candidate progress, and ensure that all necessary documentation is completed for hiring. This role includes collaborating with the human resources team to facilitate a seamless experience for candidates while maintaining compliance with college policies. The Specialist will attend job fairs and other recruitment events to represent the college, engaging with potential candidates and promoting job opportunities.
• Benefits Administration: This role involves facilitating the onboarding process for new employees, ensuring successful enrollment in benefit programs while addressing any questions or concerns. The Specialist will assist current employees with changes to their benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and leave policies, and conduct annual benefits enrollment sessions to provide ongoing support regarding benefit options and eligibility.
• Compensation and Payroll Management: The Human Resources Specialist will assist in the preparation and processing of monthly payroll, ensuring accuracy and compliance with organizational policies. They will collaborate with the Vice President of Human Resources in calculating salaries and managing compensation structures, reconciling payroll discrepancies, and maintaining payroll records to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
• Data Management and Reporting: The Specialist will develop and maintain data tracking systems for HR metrics, including but not limited to employee training, benefits, payroll, and budgetary information. They will generate reports for management that analyze HR data trends, assist in budgeting processes, and support compliance, accreditation, and strategic decision-making. Emphasizing the importance of accurate reporting, the Specialist will utilize advanced Excel skills to manage data efficiently and present findings.
• Compliance and Record Keeping: Ensuring compliance with federal and state employment laws and regulations will be a key responsibility, requiring the Specialist to maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislative changes. They will keep accurate HR records and documentation, ensuring compliance with college policies, accreditation standards, and confidentiality requirements, as well as with HIPAA and HITECH regulations as required by Benefits Administration. The Specialist will prepare internal and external reports related to personnel management and compliance, assisting with those required for accreditation purposes. This includes ensuring that all documentation supports the college's adherence to accreditation guidelines and contributes to maintaining the institution's standing with accrediting bodies.
• Professional Development: Must remain current in the human resources profession; acquire, maintain, and apply knowledge of current methodologies; attend scheduled college and department professional development and in-service activities; support related professional organizations.
• Service to the College and Community: Assist in the recruitment and selection of college personnel as assigned; participate in accreditation, assessment, and performance funding processes; support and participate in the College’s decision-making processes; provide input and assistance with budgets; attend convocation and commencement exercises and participate in mandatory college programs; develop and maintain positive and cooperative relationships with colleagues; work to meet and exceed COE standards. Ensure that all activities are conducted within the established guidelines of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and follow TBR policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or administration, on and off campus. Some travel to other campus locations will be required. - (Essential)

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of three years of experience in a relevant role, demonstrating advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, with a focus on Excel, including the ability to create complex spreadsheets, analyze data, and generate reports efficiently.
• Proven ability to leverage Excel for data management and reporting, showcasing strong analytical skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a higher education setting, demonstrating an understanding of academic policies and practices.
• Familiarity with various technology platforms, including data management systems, collaboration tools, and cloud-based applications.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Effective prioritization skills to align tasks with organizational goals and initiatives, maximizing productivity and impact.
• Strong analytical abilities, particularly in data management and reporting, utilizing Microsoft Excel to derive insights and support decision-making.
• Comprehensive understanding of human resources principles, practices, and employment laws, ensuring compliance and effective policy implementation.
• Familiarity with best practices in benefits administration and employee relations, contributing to a positive workplace culture and employee satisfaction.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of conveying complex information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced functions in Excel, enabling efficient data analysis and reporting.
• Strong interpersonal abilities to foster relationships and communicate effectively with employees at all levels, enhancing collaboration and engagement.
• Capacity to independently manage multiple tasks and priorities in a dynamic environment, demonstrating flexibility and resilience.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy in documentation and reporting, ensuring meticulous maintenance of records.
• Proven ability to follow through on projects, ensuring that objectives are met on time and in alignment with organizational goals.
• Demonstrates adaptability to new technologies, with a willingness to learn and implement new systems as needed to enhance efficiency.
• Strong problem-solving skills to address HR challenges, recommend effective solutions, and implement best practices for continuous improvement.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORKING CONDITIONS - This position often involves a combination of the following potential physical demands:

• Sedentary desk work - Sitting for extended periods while performing computer-based tasks, reading, writing, etc.
• Light physical activity - Walking around campus, standing for meetings or interactions, light lifting/carrying of files or supplies.
• Occasional lifting/carrying - Moving boxes, equipment, or other items that may weigh up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to navigate campus environments - Walking up/downstairs, traversing uneven surfaces, etc.

SALARY: Commensurate with education and experience according to Tennessee Board of Regents guidelines within the ranges of $46,595 - $60,573.

APPLICATION SUBMISSION & REVIEW: To be considered for a position at TCAT Knoxville, you must create and submit an online application that includes your required documents. Your skills, abilities, qualifications, and years of experience will be evaluated using what is recorded on your application. Please ensure to include the complete beginning and end dates under your employment history. Scan and attach the required documents to the online application in Word or PDF format. Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED WITH APPLICATION:

• Resume
• Educational transcripts/diploma

Applications accepted until 09/16/2025

EMPLOYMENT DOCUMENTS: Current federal law requires identification and eligibility verification before employment. Only U.S. citizens and aliens authorized to work in the United States may be employed. An offer of employment is contingent upon a successful background check.