SENIOR HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST

About the Department

The Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino, is looking for a knowledgeable, motivated, and collaborative HR professional to step into the role of Senior Human Resources Specialist.

In this leadership-oriented position, you will guide and support HR staff while taking on advanced responsibilities in talent acquisition, classification, and compensation, benefits and leave programs, workers’ compensation, and records and information management. You’ll also coordinate key projects and initiatives with departments across the Court and partner agencies, helping to strengthen our workforce and enhance service delivery.

If you’re ready to make an impact, mentor others, and contribute your expertise to a mission-driven organization, we encourage you to apply.

Please note that the final date to submit your application is May 15, 2026.

Under general direction and depending on assignment, the Senior Human Resources Specialist reviews, leads, and participates in the work of staff performing professional-level work within the Court’s Human Resources Department. This role involves providing expert level support in areas such as talent acquisition, classification and compensation, benefits and leaves administration, workers' compensation, and records and information management. Additionally, this position coordinates assigned programs, projects, and services with other departments, divisions, and outside agencies, and may lead and mentor junior staff as well as perform related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direction from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Provides technical and functional direction to lower-level staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the advanced journey-level class in the Human Resources Specialist series.  Employees perform the full range of duties to include the most difficult types of assignments and are fully trained in all processes and procedures. Employees at this level are distinguished from Human Resources Specialist by the level of experience, responsibility and level of impact to the Court. This position also plays a key role in policy development, process improvement, and the strategic planning of human resources initiatives.

Positions in this class are distinguished from the lower-level class of Human Resources Specialist by the level of technical specialization and level of responsibility over these technical areas.

Position Duties

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Provides lead direction; training, and work review of assigned staff; organizes and assigns work and follows up to ensure coordination and completion of assigned tasks
• Serves as a subject matter expert for assigned human resources programs; provides advanced consultation and technical assistance to Court management, supervisors, and staff regarding policies, procedures, laws, best practices and complex HR issues.
• Provides training and mentoring to human resources staff; assists with the development of training materials and delivers presentations as assigned.
• Independently plans, coordinates, and administers complex human resources programs and initiatives; evaluates program effectiveness and recommends process improvements.  
• Oversees and participates in recruitment and selection activities, collaborating with hiring managers to develop job postings, selection criteria, and interview processes. 
• Administers complex leaves of absence and return-to-work issues; provides guidance on interactive process accommodations; advises management on leave coordination and compliance.
• Coordinates and oversees workers’ compensation claims administration; analyzes claims data; collaborates with departments, third-party administrators, and medical providers regarding work restrictions and accommodations.
• Leads ergonomics and workers’ compensation programs and collaborates with Risk Management to reduce injury risk, manage claims, and support employee safety and recovery.
• Performs advanced research, analysis, and data compilation for classification and compensation surveys, salary studies, benefits reporting, and compliance requirements; prepares narrative and statistical reports.  
• Advises and supports the development and execution of marketing and outreach efforts; advise staff on appropriate and effective advertising for specialized or difficult recruitments.
• Manages and administers employee benefit programs, including leading the annual open enrollment process, resolving complex benefits issues, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
• Administers and coordinates complex employee leaves of absence cases, including those involving FMLA, ADA accommodations, and workers' compensation, working closely with employees, managers, and third-party administrators to facilitate return-to-work strategies.
• Leads classification and compensation studies, including analyzing job roles, developing classification specifications, and making recommendations for compensation adjustments based on market trends and internal equity.
• Leads the development and implementation of HR policies and procedures in support of management, ensuring they remain current, legally compliant, and aligned with the Court’s operational needs.
• Prepares and presents detailed reports and recommendations to management, using data analysis and research to inform decision-making on human resources strategies and programs.
• Coordinates and collaborates with other departments and external agencies on interdepartmental and cross-functional projects, ensuring that human resources initiatives support overall organizational goals.
• Performs advanced research and analysis on complex HR issues, including legal compliance, best practices, and emerging trends, and applies findings to improve HR programs and services.
• Represents the Court in meetings with governmental agencies, and various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, as well as in meetings with individuals regarding human resources matters.
• Ensures the confidentiality of sensitive and confidential information in accordance with Court policies and applicable laws.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:
Associate's degree in business administration, Human Resources or a closely related field, plus a minimum of three (3) years of professional HR experience or two (2) years working as a Human Resources Specialist with the Court. Experience within a court or public agency setting is preferred.  

In place of a degree, four (4) years of professional HR experience, with at least three (3) years of increasing responsibility. Experience within a court or public agency setting is preferred.  

Certifications such as PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP are preferred.

The employee must have the ability to transport himself/herself between or among different work locations when needed to carry out job-related essential functions. When operating either a personal or court-issued vehicle, individuals are required to hold a valid California Driver License and adhere to the Court's vehicle policy. 

Other Qualifications

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various Court sites within the County geographic area as assigned; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification, although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS:
The Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino, is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process may contact the Human Resources Office at (909) 521-3700 or via email at HR@sb-court.org. Individuals with hearing and/or speech impairments may also contact the recruiter for this position through the use of the California Relay Service by dialing 711.