Human Resources Manager - Appeals Court

Official Title: Human Resources Manager - Appeals Court

Pay Plan: Senior Management 1

Pay Information: $113,438.98 (Step 1) - $167,296.24 (Step 8)

Appeals Court Mission Statement: To do justice under the law by rendering thoughtful, well-reasoned appellate decisions in a timely and efficient manner and treating all those who come before the court fairly and impartially.

Departmental Webpage: Mass.gov/orgs/appeals-court

Notes: This position will remain open until filled with preference given to candidates that apply within the first 14 days.

This position is designated as a management position and is covered by the Appeals Court Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

This position currently offers a hybrid schedule of two days remote per week (subject to change).

Position Summary: The Human Resources Manager is responsible for administering the day-to-day HR functions for the Appeals Court, including recruiting, employee relations, payroll, benefits administration, leave management, performance management, and employee development. As the organization's dedicated Human Resources professional, this position provides hands-on support across all areas of HR, partnering with employees and leadership/management to foster a positive workplace culture while ensuring HR programs, policies, and practices are administered effectively and consistently. This position works with and reports directly to the Court Administrator but also collaborates with the Fiscal Director to work closely with the Administrative Office staff, which includes Administrative Coordinators as well as liaising with the Trial Court Human Resources Department.  The ideal candidate brings expertise in disability compliance, strong case management skills, and the ability to balance empathy with sound judgment while fostering a safe, inclusive, and productive workplace.

Supervision Received: Reports directly to the Court Administrator of the Appeals Court and receives general supervision in performing duties which require a high degree of independent judgement and initiative.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position may serve as a supervisor to others.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Manage the talent acquisition process, including recruiting, interview scheduling, hiring facilitation, and onboarding/offboarding.
• Assist in data input for Human Resource/Compensation Management System (HR/CMS).
• Administer employee benefits, leave programs, unemployment claims, workers’ compensation, and accommodation processes in coordination with the Court Administrator, Administrative staff, and Trial Court HR, when necessary.
• Coordinate the employee performance review process and provide support to managers throughout the review cycle.
• Serve as a resource to employees regarding HR policies, procedures, benefits, payroll, and general employment-related questions.
• Maintain and update Appeals Court Personnel Policies & Procedures Manual.
• Support court culture initiatives, employee engagement activities, employee recognition programs, and court events.
• Coordinate Human Resources administrative activities and support.
• Assist in resolving employee concerns and workplace issues while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
• Provide guidance to managers and employees regarding court policies, procedures, and employment practices.
• Maintain employee records (i.e. personnel records), data, organization charts, and job descriptions, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
• Assist with the administration and communication of court policies and procedures and help ensure consistent application across the organization.
• Maintain employment records and Human Resources practices in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Conduct HR-related research and assist in evaluating the effectiveness of HR programs, policies, and procedures.
• Recommend improvements to HR policies, programs, and processes to enhance employee experience and organizational effectiveness.
• Prepare reports and analyze HR-related data to support business and workforce decisions.
• Coordinate employee training, development, and onboarding activities.
• Maintain knowledge of employment law, regulatory changes, and Human Resources best practices.
• Assist the Administrative Office with the process of payroll and maintain payroll records, ensuring accuracy and timely completion.
• Liaise with the Trial Court Human Resources Department on all Human Resources issues, when necessary.
• Serves as ADA Coordinator for the Massachusetts Appeals Court.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including covering duties of Administrative Office staff, when necessary. 

Job Competencies: All applicants must be able, through the interview process, to prove efficiency in the following areas:

Ethics and Values Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Administrative Office and the Appeals Court.

Mission Understands, upholds, and communicates the Administrative Office and the Appeals Court.

Problem Solving Accurately assesses ADA accommodation requests and workers’ comp matters in the Appeals Court and recommends and facilitates appropriate solutions and innovations.

Customer Service Establishes a culture of courteous and professional customer service towards both Appeals Court employees and the public.

Collaboration Works with others cooperatively, demonstrating a willingness to be a team player, and contributing to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals.

Applied Knowledge Demonstrates extensive experience and knowledge of human resources to ensure the continued excellence of the workforce to resolve issues, and to properly administer personnel policies and procedures in a unionized employee environment;

Commitment to Diversity Promotes an environment of diversity through understanding, respect, and positive communication with persons of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds.

Continuous Learning Demonstrates a commitment to continuously improving himself or herself through professional development.

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements: These are the minimum requirements for the position of Manager of Human Resources:

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. A minimum of 5 years of progressive Human Resources experience is desirable. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered for meeting the minimum requirements.

Certifications such as SHRM, SPHR, or Lean/Six Sigma are desirable.

Professional Background, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Demonstrated working knowledge of federal and state Workers' Compensation laws ADA, FMLA, PFML, FLSA, COBRA, and related employment regulations.

Experience managing employee accommodations, return to work processes, and interactive discussions.

Strong analytical and case management skills, with the ability to evaluate medical documentation and coordinate with third party administrators.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and professionally with people at all levels, including judges, and to maintain effective working relationships;

Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise good judgment, and handle sensitive situations with professionalism.

Ability to generate and analyze data reports.

Ability to understand and administer policies and procedures of the Massachusetts Appeals Court.

Well-developed writing skills to regularly draft business correspondence and to present project information clearly and concisely.

An ability and commitment to observing the strict confidentiality of sensitive information maintained by the Appeals Court.

Ability to multi-task and manage a variety of assignments at once.

Ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and develop workarounds for issues that require timely resolution.

Ability to maintain accurate records.

Ability to work independently and with an attention to detail.

Ability to develop and comfortably and effectively present at training seminars.

SPECIAL NOTES

• Court employees are not permitted to engage in the practice of law.
• Employees of the Massachusetts courts are required to be Massachusetts residents.
• This is a full-time position and is eligible to participate in the Court’s remote work policy.
• The position includes a generous State benefit package including a defined benefit pension plan, subject to vesting. Information about the Court's benefit page is available at https://www.mass.gov/guides/trial-court-employee-benefits
• Employment is contingent upon passage of a criminal record check for all new hires.

• This position is a non-union, management position.

The Massachusetts Appeals Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Appeals Court seeks out, welcomes, and encourages applicants of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints.