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Job description: HR Advisor
As an HR - Human Resources - Advisor, you will be responsible for delivery of a full range of human resource services to your organisation or clients.
These services include consultation and advice on areas such as recruitment, selection, and appointment, interpretation of awards and enterprise bargaining agreements, issues relating to the maintenance of conditions of employment, salary and benefits administration, employee relations issues, learning and development activities, and job design and evaluation.
Typically, your responsibilities will include:
- Providing advice and assistance to management and staff on human resources policies, procedures, legislation, and enterprise agreements.
- Conducting job evaluations.
- Advising managers on recruitment and selection strategies.
- Coordinating the appointment process for successful applicants including the preparation of appointment letters.
- Negotiating terms and conditions of employment with staff.
- Providing advice and playing a major role in work area reviews and change processes.
- Ensuring that the HR Information System data is updated and maintained accurately.
- Contributing to the continuous improvement of HR systems and practices in the organisation.
- Consulting on issues related to workplace relations and performance management.
- Write and present information briefings over a wide range of HR related topics.
- Advising on staff development.
Hours and Environment
Basically, for full-time appointments you'll work between 37 and 40 hours a week, from 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. However, you may often need to work extra hours.
Your role will be mainly office based, although you will also travel to visit other business sites or to attend meetings and conferences.
Skills and Interests
To be a HR advisor, you should have:
- Knowledge of relevant HR policies and procedures and best practice on recruitment and selection
- Experience in interpreting, advising and implementing such agreements and procedures.
- Ability to use of a HR information system including, accessing, inputting, and compiling data.
- The verbal communication skills to communicate with a diverse client group,
- The written communication skills to produce succinct correspondence and reports.
- The ability to research, analyse and reason logically and effectively within tight and conflicting timeframes.
- Experience in leading and working effectively in teams.
- Experience supervising staff and assuming responsibility for workload allocation, identifying development needs and performance planning and feedback.
- A commitment to providing customer service.
- Ability to write and present information.
- Experience in providing advice and support to senior managers on strategic matters.
- Experience in leading projects and implementing new initiatives.
Entry
You should have a degree in human resources or a relevant area, with up to four years subsequent relevant experience. Alternatively, relevant experience equivalent.
Training
CIPD qualifications are essential. They offer various courses and qualifications through full-time study, part-time study, or flexible learning.
The CIPD's Professional Development Scheme (PDS) covers leadership and management, people management and development, generalist and specialist personnel and development, and applied personnel and development.
There are various certificates available, including:
- Certificate in Business Awareness and Advanced Professional Study (CBAAPS)
- Certificate in Personnel Practice (CPP)
- Certificate in Training Practice (CTP)
- Certificate in Recruitment and Selection (CRS)
- Certificate in Employment Relations Law and Practice (CERLAP)
- Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring (CCM).
Opportunities
The majority of commercial and public sector organisations have a human resources function. Potential employers include manufacturers, retailers, banks, consultancies, local and national government. Opportunities exist throughout the UK.
Career progression in HR is structured, and there are plenty of opportunities to gain experience or specialise in other areas of human resources.
You may move between employers to progress, or switch into another sector, such as training or marketing.
You also have the opportunity to work part-time, or become self-employed and offer a consultancy service. You can work abroad as well.
Annual Income
These figures are a guide only.
- Generally, salaries may be between £22,000 and £40,000 a year.
- Senior advisors may earn over £50,000 a year.
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