Position Overview
The Human Resources Specialist is responsible for coordinating and administering a wide range of human resources functions with a primary focus on talent acquisition, onboarding, employee records management, and HR compliance. This position serves as the primary point of contact for recruitment activities and ensures a seamless onboarding experience for new employees while supporting the overall strategic objectives of the Human Resources Department.
- Position Type
- Full Time
- Agency
- Human Resources
- Salary Range
- $60,363.00 - $ 82,850.00
- Job Family
- Human Resources
- FLSA Status
- Exempt
- Bargaining Unit
- Non-Represented
- Revision Date
- July 2026
General Purpose
The Human Resources Specialist is responsible for coordinating and administering a wide range of human resources functions with a primary focus on talent acquisition, onboarding, employee records management, and HR compliance. This position serves as the primary point of contact for recruitment activities and ensures a seamless onboarding experience for new employees while supporting the overall strategic objectives of the Human Resources Department.
Supervision
Works under the general supervision of the Library – Director, Human Resources; and does not exercise supervisory responsibility.
Distinguishing Characteristics
The HR Specialist exercises sound judgment, maintains confidentiality, and provides excellent customer service to applicants, employees, supervisors, and external stakeholders. This job class is an individual contributor and is not distinguished from other classes in a job series.
Primary Responsibilities
The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Talent Acquisition
- Coordinate the full-cycle recruitment process from requisition through onboarding.
- Collaborate with hiring managers to develop recruitment strategies and hiring timelines.
- Prepare and post job advertisements on internal and external job boards.
- Screen applications and resumes to identify qualified candidates.
- Coordinate interviews, interview panels, and candidate communications.
- Conduct reference checks and employment verifications.
- Prepare and extend employment offers in accordance with organizational policies.
- Maintain applicant tracking records and recruitment metrics.
- Develop and maintain talent pipelines for current and future vacancies.
- Attend job fairs, recruitment events, and community outreach activities.
- Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the recruitment process.
- Ensure recruitment activities comply with all federal, state, and local employment laws.
Onboarding
- Coordinate all pre-employment requirements including:
- Background investigations
- Employment eligibility verification (Form I-9)
- New hire documentation
- Drug screening (if applicable)
- Prepare new hire packets and onboarding materials.
- Schedule and facilitate new employee orientation.
- Coordinate onboarding activities with Payroll, Information Technology, Security, and departmental managers.
- Ensure employees complete all required onboarding paperwork and compliance training.
- Monitor completion of probationary periods and required certifications.
- Serve as the primary HR contact for newly hired employees during the onboarding process.
Human Resources Administration
- Maintain confidential personnel files and electronic HR records.
- Process personnel action forms, employment status changes, and employee data updates.
- Respond to employee questions regarding HR policies, procedures, and benefits.
- Assist with performance evaluation administration.
- Maintain HR databases and ensure data integrity.
- Prepare HR reports and employment statistics.
- Assist with employee recognition and engagement initiatives.
- Support compliance with collective bargaining agreements, where applicable.
Compliance
- Ensure compliance with:
- Federal employment laws
- State employment laws
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Michigan employment regulations
- Assist in responding to unemployment claims, audits, and employment verification requests.
- Maintain required HR records and retention schedules.
Additional Responsibilities
- Assist with HR projects and special assignments.
- Develop and update HR procedures and documentation.
- Participate in policy development and implementation.
- Cross-train with other HR staff to ensure continuity of operations.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
- Three (3) years of progressively responsible Human Resources experience, including recruitment and onboarding.
- Experience in public sector or unionized environments preferred.
- Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Preferred Qualifications
- Professional Human Resources certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or IPMA-HR).
- Experience with HRIS and Applicant Tracking Systems.
- Experience supporting collective bargaining environments.
- Knowledge of public sector employment practices.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit for extended periods while performing computer work.
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
- Ability to travel between library locations and attend recruitment events as needed.
- Knowledge of human resources principles and employment laws.
- Knowledge of recruitment and selection best practices.
- Strong understanding of onboarding and employee orientation processes.
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to prioritize multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
- Experience using Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
- Ability to analyze information and prepare reports.
- Ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, applicants, and external agencies.
Working Conditions
Work is primarily performed in a professional office environment with occasional travel to library branches, community events, educational institutions, and job fairs.
Core Competencies
- Customer Service
- Integrity and Confidentiality
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Attention to Detail
- Problem Solving
- Organization and Planning
- Accountability
- Adaptability
- Cultural Competency
- Ethical Decision Making
Work Authorization
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and throughout their employment. The Detroit Public Library does not sponsor employment visas or employment-based permanent residency now or in the future.