Human Resources Consultant

The Board of Public Defense is hiring a Human Resources Consultant 2 to manage core HR and personnel functions for the agency. Working under the general direction of the Chief Administrator or Human Resources Manager, you will handle work of considerable complexity, including administering pay, benefits, and leave, and enforcing Board policies and practices. This is an unclassified position that requires sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to manage competing priorities. First round interviews are expected to take place the week of August 10th, 2026. - Support and partner with the Human Resources Manager to administer the Board's human resource and personnel functions - Conduct orientation for new employees on salaries, benefits, and statewide policies - Administer and manage leaves of absence, including Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Minnesota Paid Leave (MPL) requests - Maintain and update employee personnel data in SEMA4 and all other relevant systems - Process and manage workers' compensation and unemployment compensation claims - Administer employee insurance programs and serve as the Board's designated department insurance representative (DDIR) - Respond to employee inquiries in a timely manner - Serve as the liaison for the Board's Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) - Support the Chief Administrator, State Public Defender, and Human Resources Manager on disciplinary actions, grievances, investigations, complaints, and compliance with the ADA and EEOC - Assist with recruitment efforts - Serve as backup payroll specialist - Perform other duties as assigned ***Knowledge*** - Personnel techniques as applied to the overall operation of an agency's HR function - Personnel laws and rules, and how to apply them when advising employees and ensuring compliance - Public or state personnel policies - State of Minnesota personnel and payroll systems - Family Medical Leave Act and Minnesota Paid Leave - SEMA4 ***Skills*** - Handling unemployment claims, workers' compensation matters, and Americans with Disabilities Act requirements - Conducting interviews to discuss and resolve personnel-related employee problems ***Abilities*** - Present ideas effectively, both orally and in writing - Explain complex personnel transactions to people with varying levels of HR knowledge and expertise - Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, the Board, other agencies, and the public - Prioritize and manage multiple projects - Analyze problems and determine solutions using precedents, including collective bargaining agreements and personnel laws and rules - Assess and develop the employee recruitment process ***Minimum Qualifications*** - Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Human Resources, Public Administration, or Business Administration. - Five years of progressive human resources experience may substitute for the degree requirement. - 3-5 years of progressive human resources experience in the areas of recruitment, absence management, employee relations, and/or labor relations. ***Preferred Qualifications*** - Previous or current experience working for the State of Minnesota is strongly preferred. - Experience working in a highly unionized environment