Human Resource Associate

Why should you keep reading and consider working here?

We know you have other work options, but we ask you to consider working with us at the State of Montana Department of Administration (DOA). The mission of DOA is to provide centralized services to other state agencies to ensure the citizens of Montana are adequately served. Our foundation for success is having effective working relationships built on mutual trust and respect. We will challenge you to be the best you can be and will work hard to provide a work environment that allows you to succeed.

The Department’s Office of Human Resources is staffed with six motivated and personable employees who collaborate effectively and bring a bit of humor to our chosen profession. Members of the office hold service to others as our core value and building effective relationships with our nearly 580 employees is vital to our success. With a variety of business areas in DOA, from Accounting to the Montana Lottery, there are a wide variety of business areas to work with and learn about and work with on a daily basis.

What is this career opportunity?

The Human Resource Associate is an ideal role for candidates who are:

• Seeking to leverage educational coursework in business to begin a career in Human Resources;
• Looking to join a team of people who are passionate about their occupations and seek always to do the right thing by our employees;
• Enjoy supporting people and making a positive difference in their work lives.

This position will work within a range of Human Resource office functions in tandem with another HR Associate and in support of our agency in topics such as:

• Payroll Activities: The state processes payroll on a bi-weekly basis for the agency which rolls up to a central payroll authority to ensure accuracy and timeliness of processing.
• Safety Coordination: Nearly 90% of DOA employees perform their work in office settings minimizing the types, and complexity, of hazards compared to other agencies. This role would serve as a point of contact for generalized safety inquiries, accident reporting, and communicating safety messaging to the department as part of a proactive campaign to reduce accidents.
• Recruiting Support: The state utilizes a proprietary recruiting system to post its vacant positions and manage pools of applicants. This position will be a part of posting positions, managing applicant communications, and supporting onboarding/offboarding tasks when needed. Recruiting support may expand into participation on hiring panels, conducting applicant reference checks for managers, and other elements of support to HR Business Partners during periods of high volume.
• FMLA Administration: Assists with FMLA coordination by giving written communication about the benefit and tracking FMLA hours used.
• HR Information Management: Performs data entry into the Human Resource information system, manages physical files, and maintains other Human Resource information while ensuring accuracy. Runs reports and provides analysis in support of Human Resource decision-making processes as needed. Once trained, manages the intake, processing, and filing of background checks. Maintains strict confidentiality in accordance with all laws and policies.
• Customer Service: Provides exceptional service to employees who walk in the office or send inquiries. This position operates during typical state office hours, Monday through Friday 8 to 5 p.m. with one day per week telework opportunity when trained.

If you want to join an agency with a positive culture of strong working relationships alongside a team of other passionate HR professionals, look no further and apply today! We will train you in our system as needed if you bring the potential and desire to learn!

What are we looking for?

Education and Experience:

• High-school diploma or equivalent. College coursework in business, Human Resources, finance, or payroll related topics preferred; AND
• Substantive experience with high contact customer interactions and providing excellent service; OR
• Strong aptitude for learning a custom payroll system and HR support processes
• Alternate forms of education/experience considered on a case-by-case basis

Competencies:

Knowledge of, or Ability to Learn:

• State and federal policies that apply to state work and Human Resources
• State payroll processes
• Union pay and leave requirements in certain business groups
• Microsoft Office Suite, specifically strong skills with Outlook and Teams

Ability to:

• Provide excellent customer service to agency personnel seeking support from Human Resources via in-person or electronic interaction
• Demonstrate consistent accuracy and attention to detail
• Pivot between a fixed payroll timeline to self-managed tasks
• Prioritize quickly and effectively
• Maintain working relationships with coworkers and other business groups
• Maintain strict confidentiality of personnel and medical information
• Identify and resolve problems within assigned areas of responsibility

Does this sound like a fit for you?

Please tell us how and why by submitting your resume and cover letter. (Please note: You do not need to complete the “work experience” or the “education & certifications” portion of the application process in our recruiting system. You only need to upload the requested documentation.)

What can you expect from us in return for your work at our agency?

• Work/life Balance
• Health Coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid Vacation and Sick Leave and Holidays
• And more…

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

Other important information to be aware of.

• This position requires the successful completion of a criminal background check.
• Only online applications are accepted. By applying online, you are able to receive updates and monitor the status of your application.