HR Service Specialist

About Us

Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation. Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia- a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 16,000+ students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student-centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post-graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first-choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the Universitys mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state.

The University of West Georgia offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support faculty and staff across multiple dimensions; health, wellness, financial security, and professional growth. Employees working at least 30 hours per week gain access to a range of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision, wellness programs, and robust retirement options through Georgia Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Optional Retirement Program, and voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Employees are granted 13 paid holidays and paid time off accruals and are eligible to participate in the University System of Georgias Tuition Assistance Program. Fringe benefits include a variety of resources focused on employee physical, mental, financial, and social well-being through Acentra Employee Assistance Program in addition to personal financial advising with Captrust. UWG also offers exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment, travel, and other products and services through the Perks at Work program, free access to the university recreation facility, discounted campus dining options, and more!

Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small-town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region.

At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award-winning spaces, including an 18-mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus.

The city embraces the Universitys students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community.

Invested in education with highly rated city and county K-12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Location

Our campus is located at 1601 Maple Street, Carrollton, GA 30118.

Faculty and staff members are expected to be physically present on campus as needed to support the in-person educational experience and on-campus vitality at the University of West Georgia. Depending upon teaching assignments and student demand, this could include the Carrollton or Newnan campuses.

Job Summary

The HR Service Specialist provides a high level of customer service to clients across multiple levels of the institution to address needs directly related to the Office of Human Resources (OHR). The client is also known as employees, supervisors, students, retirees, executives, and/or external partners. Serve as the first point of contact with OHR and will provide information and guidance primarily by phone, email, and case tracking system. Provide support to clients with sensitive and confidential information in a timely manner. Communicate effectively (written and verbal) to best match the clients style, needs, and level of understanding in creating the optimal customer interaction. Anticipate the concerns of others and ask clarifying questions to assist with understanding the clients needs. Research, analyze, and work with appropriate levels within the service center to facilitate implementation of corrective action or ensure problem resolution. Cross train to include assigned project work related to a specified area within OHR (i.e. Benefits, Records, Reporting, Data entry). Represent Human Resources to our UWG campus and external partners daily delivering quality service meeting the mission and vision of UWG.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with OHR Business Partners -

Provide full range of customer services directly related to Human Resources through the service center accurately and in a timely manner. Communicate with client via phone or email utilizing the case tracking system. Respond to internal and external inquiries and/or problems while effectively applying critical thinking skills and applying processes to non-routine questions. Research and resolve questions and problems by working with the appropriate levels within the service center.

Functional Subject Matter Expert -

Serve as cross-trained subject matter expert for specific functional areas within the service center to include: employment verifications, benefits (TAP-tuition assistance program, retirement, retiree inquiries, general benefit related inquiries), data (entry, verification, and integrity), internal and external reporting, and personnel record maintenance. Provide coverage for the Administrative Support Sr. position (front desk coverage) as needed to ensure consistent OHR staff coverage for guests and campus partners.

Problem Resolution / Process Documentation -

Assist with creating/updating process documents and job aids. Participate in work groups with leadership to review, analyze, and facilitate corrective action or ensure problem resolution with the goal to ensure effective and efficient customer service.

Professional Development / Special Projects -

Participate in professional development opportunities. Assist with team and departmental special projects as needed.

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements

High School Diploma or GED.

Required Experience

Must effectively apply critical thinking skills when resolving system-related issues and applying process to non-routine transactions. Must have exceptional customer service skills, be deadline-oriented with the ability to make sound, informed decisions. Ability to perform in a team environment. Minimum of two years experience in Human Resources with a working knowledge in one or more of these areas: payroll, benefits, student employment, employment services, or another related field. (Other Required Qualifications): Excellent verbal and written communication skills using a voice tone, speed, enunciation, and volume that can be understood.

Preferred Qualifications

Additional Preferred Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Experience

PHR certification preferred; (Other Preferred Experience): Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, SmartSheet, and Google products.

Proposed Salary

$24.50 an Hour. Paid on a Bi-Weekly Basis.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES

Effectively apply critical thinking skills, Ability to perform in a team environment, Deadline oriented.

KNOWLEDGE

Experience in Human Resources with a working knowledge in one or more of these areas: payroll, benefits, student employment, employment services, or another related field.

Consequences of Error Statement:

Errors in this position can have a significant impact on the quality and effectiveness of Human Resources services provided to employees, supervisors, students, retirees, executives, and external partners. Inaccurate information, failure to properly process transactions, incorrect data entry, mishandling of confidential information, or delays in responding to inquiries may result in payroll discrepancies, benefits issues, reporting inaccuracies, compliance risks, diminished customer satisfaction, and loss of trust in Human Resources services. Mistakes may require substantial time and resources to correct and could negatively affect employee experience, institutional operations, and the universitys ability to meet legal, regulatory, and organizational requirements. Due to the positions role as a primary point of contact and subject matter expert within the HR Service Center, a high degree of accuracy, confidentiality, sound judgment, and attention to detail is required.

SKILLS

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, Exceptional customer service.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of West Georgia as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials, reference checks; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individuals age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individuals protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individuals protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

Other Information

The mission of the University of West Georgia is to enable students, faculty, and staff to realize their full potential through academic engagement, supportive services, professional development, and a caring, student-centered community. The institutional mission and daily operation of the University of West Georgia are guided by our values that support our vision to be the best place to work, learn, and succeed: ACHIEVEMENT, CARING, COLLABORATION, INCLUSIVENESS, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, SUSTAINABILITY, and WISDOM.

Background Check

Position of Trust.