Human Resources Officer

A human resources (HR) officer develops, advises on and implements policies relating to the effective use of personnel within an organisation, including working practices, recruitment, pay, conditions of employment and diversity.

What you would do:

• work closely with departments, assisting line managers to understand and implement policies and procedures

• promote equality and diversity as part of the culture of the organisation
• liaise with a wide range of organisations involved in areas such as race relations, disability, gender, age, religion and health and safety
• recruit staff: this includes developing job descriptions, preparing advertisements, checking application forms, shortlisting, interviewing and selecting candidates
• develop policies on issues such as working conditions, performance management, equal opportunities, disciplinary procedures and absence management
• advise on pay and other remuneration issues, including promotion and benefits
• undertake regular salary reviews
• negotiate with staff and their representatives on issues relating to pay and conditions
• administer payroll and maintain records relating to staff
• interpret and advise on employment legislation
• listen to grievances and implement disciplinary procedures
• develop, with line managers, HR planning strategies, which consider immediate and long-term staff requirements in terms of numbers and skill levels
• plan and sometimes deliver training, including inductions for new staff
• analyse training needs in conjunction with departmental managers
• use a number of management information systems to record, maintain, plan and manage the organisation's human resources 

You need to have:

• good planning, organisational, analytical and decision-making skills
• good literacy and numeracy skills, with excellent IT skills required for managing/operating computerised payroll and benefits systems
• good interpersonal skills to form effective working relationships with people at all levels
• a proven track record of 'making a difference'
• the ability to analyse, interpret and explain the legal framework regulating employment
• integrity and approachability, as managers and staff must feel able to discuss sensitive and confidential issues with you
• the ability to compile and interpret statistical data and communicate it in a professional and understandable manner
• influencing and negotiating skills, to implement personnel policies
• the potential to handle a leadership role 
• good oral and written communication skills
• confidentiality, tact and discretion when dealing with people

You will require:

•  Diploma of Business (Human Resources)

• a drivers licence

Improve your chances by:

• taking Psychology, Business Studies or Language subjects
• completing year 12 
• obtaining a related Advanced Diploma or Degree

What you will earn:

Salaries for entry level officers generally range from $48,000 to $55,000

Long Term Possibilities:

• Human Resources Manager
• Management Consultant
• Local Government Administrator