Human Resources, or HR, can encompass a diverse and sizable team. After all, this is a crucial department that deals with the complex beating heart of an organisation: its employees.
Among the key roles within HR is that of an HR employment specialist. What exactly does this role entail? What sets apart an HR ‘specialist’, and what are their specific responsibilities? Let’s delve deeper into these questions.
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What Is An HR Employment Specialist?
To begin with, what is an HR employment specialist?
In essence, an employment specialist is an HR professional within the department who specialises in various aspects of employment processes and policies within an organisation, including recruitment, selection, hiring, and retention of employees.
It’s understandable that specialists are needed to match job applicants to a specific job that suits their talents and skills. After all, employment can be a tricky business and it is important that the right person gets the right role.
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What Is The Difference Between HR and HR Specialist?
Before delving into the responsibilities and qualifications of an HR specialist, let’s first address why this role is referred to as an HR specialist, and how this differs from a general role in HR.
HR, as a broad term, encompasses the entire field of how an organisation manages its workforce. This includes handling various activities such as recruitment, employee relations, training and development, compensation and benefits, performance management and compliance with employment laws.
The roles and responsibilities of HR professionals vary depending on the size and structure of the organisation. For example, in smaller organisations, there are likely to be HR generalists, or even just one HR employee, who handles multiple HR functions.
However, in larger organisations with more employees to manage and t resources to support a larger HR team, it is more common to have HR specialists. These specialists focus on specific areas such as training, employee relations, or, as in this case, the employment process.
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What Qualifies Someone As An HR Specialist?
Becoming an HR specialist is a rewarding opportunity, but if you’re considering the path for yourself certain requirements may be necessary.
Typically, organisations require candidates to hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as HR or business, along with some practical experience, such as an entry-level HR position or internship. However, requirements may vary among organisations; for example, some may prioritise work experience over formal education.
In addition to educational and experiential qualifications, prospective HR specialists must demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills, ethical conduct, adept problem-solving abilities, and excellent organisational prowess.
HR specialists will hone these skills during their time studying for a bachelor’s degree, pursuing an internship, or getting other HR work experience. It may take several years for individuals to develop these competencies to a proficient level.
Once equipped with the necessary skills and experience, HR specialists can actively pursue employment opportunities in their specialised fields.
What Are The Duties Of An HR Employment Specialist?
The everyday duties of an HR employment specialist will, unsurprisingly, primarily revolve around the employment process.
Some of the duties HR specialists may perform on a day-to-day basis include:
- Recruitment: This involves identifying job openings, creating job postings, and even headhunting to find talented candidates to apply for positions within an organisation
- Interviewing and Screening: Once candidates apply, or are found, this will involve screening resumes, conducting interviews to find out about experience, education and competencies, and coordinating the selection process to ensure that the organisation hires the most suitable candidates
- References and Vetting: Candidate references and background checks must be performed
- Compliance and Regulations: It’s crucial to stay up-to-date with employment laws and regulations to ensure that the organisation’s hiring practices and employment policies comply with legal requirements
- Onboarding Process: Once candidates are selected, the job isn’t yet complete. The HR employment specialist will aid with the onboarding process, including communicating with candidates about processes, handling the subsequent paperwork and updating employee records
- Compensation and Benefits: HR employment specialists may help to organise employee compensation and benefits and ensure employee records are kept updated
- Training: HR employment specialists do not just help with the initial phase of recruitment, they may be involved in coordinating training programs and professional development opportunities for employees to enhance their skills and contribute effectively to the organisation
- Workplace Disputes and Problem-Solving: Particularly if onboarding new employees causes issues within the workplace, HR employment specialists may help to resolve workplace disputes and problem-solve workplace challenges
