HR Specialist III

Human Resources Specialist

Become part of an enthusiastic, energetic team that is passionate about good government. If your career goal is to make a difference, and you are looking for a rewarding career that supports work/life balance consider joining the dedicated professionals at the State of Colorado, Office of the State Auditor (OSA). Our professional staff strives to support state government and the citizens of Colorado while providing a healthy and opportunity-based work environment for our staff. If you are the successful candidate for this exciting opportunity you can expect to benefit from:

• Hybrid work location, with some work time at home and some work time at our central downtown location by the Capitol Building
• Outstanding opportunities for professional development and continued skills training
• Excellent work-life programs including flexible work schedule opportunities
• Engaged and dedicated leadership
• Eco-Pass for public transportation, as well as transportation reimbursements for parking, and bicycle commuters.
• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus 401K and 457 plans
• Medical and dental health plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life insurance options
• Limited travel required
• 11 paid holidays per year plus paid vacation and sick leave
• Automatic Short and optional long - term disability coverage

The Colorado Office of the State Auditor (OSA) serves as the government accountability arm for the citizens of Colorado auditing state agencies, colleges, universities, and other recipients of state funds. Overseen by the State Auditor, the OSA is an independent, nonpartisan staff agency within Colorado's Legislative Branch. The OSA's mission is to improve government for the people of Colorado. We are committed to promoting economical, effective, ethical, and equitable government. Our audits focus on reducing costs, improving the quality of services, and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of information. We help the General Assembly fulfill its legislative oversight responsibilities by providing independent, objective, and thorough information about whether state agencies use their authority and public resources properly and in compliance with laws and regulations; whether government programs are achieving their objectives and desired outcomes; and whether state government services are provided effectively, efficiently, equitably, and ethically. The OSA employs approximately 80 professional staff organized into five divisions: Financial Audits, Performance Audits, IT Audits, Tax Expenditure Evaluations, and Local Government Audits. We are winners of National NLPES and NSAA awards for Excellence in Auditing, and winner of the Denver Business Journal's Healthiest Employer Award. Work environment

• Primarily work hours 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday
• Hybrid - staff are required to work in office at least one day a week.

Description of Job

The Office of the State Auditor is seeking a detailed-oriented and proactive Human Resources Specialist to provide key professional and technical support for our HR unit. In this multifaceted role, you will play a critical part in executing OSA's HR operations, specializing in talent acquisition, assisting with benefits administration, and leave coordination.

If you are passionate about candidate experience, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, and supporting employees throughout their careers, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

Talent Acquisition & Recruitment

• Perform job analyses, write engaging job ads, and thoroughly review incoming applications.
• Guide hiring authorities and subject matter experts through compliant recruitment and selection processes.
• Serve as the main point of contact for candidates: handle inquiries, manage correspondence, schedule tests/interviews, and coordinate attendance at career fairs.
• Administer candidate testing/exams to ensure integrity and fairness.
• Conduct comprehensive background and reference checks.
• Ensure strict compliance with employment laws and State Personnel Rules while maintaining complete recruitment records.

Benefits Administration

• Partner with the Benefits Coordinator to facilitate open enrollment meetings, disseminate materials, and guide employees through the process.
• Verify required documentation to process, approve, and audit benefit choices and dependent additions.
• Track enrollment deadlines and provide ongoing guidance to employees regarding benefits, payroll, and career growth.

Leave Coordination

• Collaborating under the direction of the HR Manager and alongside payroll staff, administer employee paid time off, FMLA, FAMLI, short-term disability, and worker's compensation.
• Ensure full agency compliance with state and federal leave laws, including timely employee notifications, eligibility interpretations, and form management.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of medical records while tracking return-to-work dates and coordinating modified work schedules.
• Advise and educate employees, supervisors, and managers on leave policies to ensure smooth payroll processing and minimize pay discrepancies.

Administrative support

• Enter and maintain data in our payroll system.
• Assist with new employee orientation.
• Assist or develop staff trainings.
• Provide front desk coverage as needed.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

To be successful, you will:

• Have 6 years of HR experience OR a bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration, Public Administration (or similar) with 2 years of relevant HR experience.
• Possess strong written and oral communication skills.
• Thrive in a collaborative environment, interacting with staff at all levels.
• Demonstrate analytical skills to research and interpret HR data.
• Be highly organized and adaptable, prioritizing tasks effectively.
• Possess the ability to negotiate and advocate for positive HR solutions.
• Be knowledgeable of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• SPCP in selection, SPHR, PHR or equivalent certification (desirable)
• Experience navigating public sector recruitment processes (desirable)

Conditions of Employment: Must submit to and successfully pass a pre-employment background check. The Office of the State Auditor conducts background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history, state personnel files, national sex offender search and motor vehicle history. State employee transfer applicants must disclose any corrective actions within the last 2 years and must currently be in good standing. Must be a Colorado resident Appeal Rights: If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for the position, you may protest the action by filing an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the date you receive notice of the elimination. Also, if you wish to challenge the selection and comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the receipt of notice or knowledge of the action you are challenging. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR801, for more information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at A standard appeal form is available at: If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within 10 days of your receipt of notice or knowledge of the action: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination.

Supplemental Information

Thank you for your interest. The following application materials are required for ALL applicants to be considered for the position: Failure to submit required application materials will disqualify you from the recruitment process. -Cover letter - Your cover letter should provide a summary of why you want to work for the Colorado Office of the State Auditor and why the position of Human Resources Specialist appeals to you. -Resume -Unofficial Transcript Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an