Description

About the Role

The City of Bend is accepting applications for one (1) regular, full-time Human Resources Program Specialist in the Human Resources Department. This is an hourly, non-exempt (overtime eligible), non-represented position. Please review the entire job posting, including the application requirements at the end.

The Program Specialist in Human Resources is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys administrative work, process improvement, and supporting employee-focused programs. This position provides technical and administrative support across several Human Resources functions, with a primary focus on Leave Administration, Benefits & Wellness programs, and related HR data entry. Additional responsibilities may include assisting with recruitment processes, onboarding coordination, employee training logistics, and support for classification and compensation activities.

As an HR Program Specialist, you’ll be responsible for maintaining records, preparing reports, coordinating meetings and trainings, and assisting with the implementation of HR policies and procedures. You’ll also help monitor program effectiveness and contribute ideas for improving workflows and service delivery. A key part of this role includes serving as a primary point of contact for employees navigating the leave process, providing guidance, answering questions, and ensuring a smooth and supportive experience. This role is ideal for someone who is detail-oriented, enjoys working with people, and is interested in growing their career in Human Resources.

If you’re looking for a position that offers meaningful work supporting people, while blending administrative responsibilities with impactful program coordination, and providing a behind-the-scenes look at how the City supports its workforce, this could be the perfect fit for you!

Classification Framework: HR Program Specialist  

What You'll Do

The following duties are a sample of major duties performed in this role and not intended to be an exhaustive list:

• Serves as a point of contact for employees initiating or navigating the leave process, answering basic questions, collecting required documentation, and routing information to the appropriate HR staff.
• Reviews leave requests for completeness and timeliness, including verifying employee eligibility under the Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and Paid Leave Oregon (PLO), and ensuring documentation is properly filed and tracked in accordance with City policies and applicable laws.
• Assists with processing employee benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations, and responds to employee questions regarding benefit options, coverage, and eligibility.
• Maintains and updates databases, spreadsheets, and systems related to leave and benefits; performs routine audits to ensure data accuracy and integrity.
• Supports the coordination of employee benefits programs, including wellness initiatives, open enrollment activities, and vendor communications.
• Assists with planning and implementation of employee wellness campaigns, events, and communications that promote health and well-being across the organization.
• Provides general administrative support to the Human Resources department, including responding to inquiries, maintaining files, and assisting with special projects as needed.

Requirements

Ideal Candidate

We’re looking for someone who is approachable, detail-oriented, and passionate about supporting employees through key moments in their work life. The ideal candidate will be a strong, accurate communicator and a dependable team player who thrives in a collaborative environment. They will bring a customer service mindset to their work, ensuring employees feel supported and informed when navigating leave programs, benefits options, and wellness resources.

Highly qualified candidates will have working knowledge of protected leave programs such as the Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and Paid Leave Oregon (PLO). However, we welcome applicants with general Human Resources experience who are eager to learn and grow in this specialty area. The ideal candidate will bring skills in data accuracy, document management, and handling confidential information with care. Experience using HRIS systems and Microsoft Office tools is a plus.

Qualified candidates will bring working knowledge and skills in:

• Protected leave programs including the Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and Paid Leave Oregon (PLO)
• Providing responsive and empathetic customer service to employees navigating leave and benefits
• Processing employee benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations
• Maintaining and auditing HR databases, spreadsheets, and systems for data accuracy
• Handling sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Preparing and proofreading correspondence, forms, and informational materials
• Applying applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations related to leave and benefits
• Organizing and prioritizing tasks while managing multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment

Candidates who meet the listed minimum qualifications, including an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered for an interview. Please ensure your application includes information about your education, relevant paid and unpaid work experience, and applicable licenses and certifications. Avoid referencing your resume in the job duties section of the application.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Associate degree or two-year technical certificate AND
• Experience: 2 years' of progressively responsible experience in Human Resources or related field.  Proven ability to handle a wide range of confidential and proprietary information; OR
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

Required Licenses & Certifications:

• Current and valid Driver's license per City policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Oregon Public Notary Designation within 30 days of hire.

Desired (but not required) Attributes:

• PHR/SPHR or SHRM CP/SCP