Human Resources Business Partner I

Human Resources Business Partner I

The Harris County Public Library (HCPL) system, established in 1921, began as a collection of small libraries located in stores, post offices, and private homes. Over the years, it has grown into a robust network comprising 26 branch libraries, two technology service centers, and two partner locations that provide collection and circulation services. HCPL serves the communities of unincorporated Harris County and cities without independent library systems. In 2024, HCPL received the prestigious National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the highest honor awarded to libraries in the United States. Bestowed annually by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), this award recognizes institutions that deliver exceptional service to their communities. The library was recognized for innovative initiatives like HCPL Connected, Enhanced+ Library Cards, and its Mobile Outreach Librarian program. HCPL is also recognized as one of the best places to work, offering a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. Its dedication to employee well-being, diversity, and community impact makes HCPL more than just a workplace—it's where individuals can grow, inspire, and contribute to meaningful change.

What you will do at Harris County Public Library:

The Human Resources Business Partner I provides entry-level professional and administrative HR support to employees, supervisors, and managers across core HR functions, including recruitment and staffing, classification and compensation, employee relations, payroll and benefits, performance management, training, compliance, and records management. Under general supervision, this position provides basic consultation to departments on routine workforce issues, HR policies, procedures, and employment practices; supports HR programs and processes; and maintains HRIS and personnel records. The position identifies and escalates complex or sensitive matters and performs work with accuracy, confidentiality, customer service, and compliance with applicable laws and HCPL and Harris County policies.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provides entry-level HR consultation and guidance to department leaders, supervisors, and employees regarding routine workforce matters, HR policies, procedures, and standard employment practices in a respectful, consistent, and service-oriented manner.
• Supports assigned HR functional areas, including workforce planning, recruitment and staffing, classification and compensation, employee relations, payroll and benefits administration, performance management, learning and development, and compliance activities.
• Processes personnel actions and employment-related transactions; maintains HR data; updates HRIS records; prepares, reviews, and routes documents; tracks action items and deadlines; and responds to routine HR inquiries with accuracy, confidentiality, and professionalism.
• Leads recruitment and staffing processes, including position and requisition coordination, job posting support, candidate tracking, interview scheduling, onboarding and documentation, and related communications.
• Supports employee relations activities by receiving and documenting concerns, gathering relevant information, maintaining accurate records, tracking follow-up items, preserving confidentiality, and escalating complex, sensitive, or legally significant matters to senior HR staff and the Director.
• Assists with performance management activities, including tracking evaluation timelines, supporting documentation processes, coordinating communications, and helping departments follow established procedures.
• Conducts basic HR data review and analysis; prepares routine reports, spreadsheets, and summaries; identifies trends, discrepancies, or missing information; and supports recommendations for review by senior HR staff.
• Maintains personnel records, HR files, and employment-related documentation in accordance with applicable laws, records retention requirements, privacy standards, and HCPL and Harris County policies and procedures.
• Supports compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including Equal Employment Opportunity requirements, Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, workers' compensation, wage and hour requirements, confidentiality, records retention, and related HCPL and Harris County policies.
• Assists HR leadership and department management with HR projects, operational priorities, process improvements, policy implementation, and special assignments.
• Participates in required training, work groups, meetings, and professional development activities to maintain current knowledge of HR practices, systems, policies, and compliance requirements.
• Performs other related duties as assigned, including support during emergency events, continuity of operations, or natural disasters, as required by departmental or County needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net. This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.