HR Assistant - Human Resources in Belfast

The City and Neighbourhood Services Department is seeking a motivated and skilled HR Assistant to join our Support Services – Human Resources team on a temporary basis. This role is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the seamless delivery of human resource functions and administrative support for the department. You will assist the Business Support Officer in executing a variety of operational, strategic, and tactical HR tasks while providing supervision, training, and development for assigned staff members.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the Business Support Officer to provide effective HR and administrative services in compliance with council policies and guidelines.
• Supervising, training, and developing assigned staff, including allocating tasks and ensuring deadlines are met.
• Analysing service performance, employee compliance data, and preparing performance reports.
• Providing advice and information to managers and staff on HR matters, including absence management, employee relations, payroll, recruitment, and learning and development.
• Coordinating recruitment activities such as appointments, agency staff management, and onboarding processes.
• Maintaining accurate workforce statistics and HR records using IT systems.
• Assisting with employee relations, including conducting investigations and preparing absence management reports.
• Supporting disciplinary, grievance, and industrial relations meetings, including preparing agendas, correspondence, and minutes.
• Collaborating on planning and implementing training and personal development programmes within the HR team.
• Responding to Freedom of Information requests, Data Subject Access Requests, and corporate complaints in line with council procedures.
• Representing the Business Support Officer as required and contributing to the Support Services business plan.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of relevant HR experience, including providing HR-related support and advice to operational managers on recruitment, time and attendance, and employee relations.
• Developing and maintaining HR and administrative systems and processes.
• Experience supervising staff.
• Strong technical knowledge of HR policies, procedures, and legislation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills to effectively communicate across the organisation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for reporting, decision-making, and operational challenges.

Day-to-Day Activities

• Oversee staff operations by allocating tasks, offering guidance, and providing training.
• Analyse and prepare HR data reports on metrics such as compliance, absence management, and workforce statistics.
• Provide tailored guidance to managers and employees, ensuring alignment with HR policies.
• Organise recruitment activities including interviews, candidate selection, and onboarding processes.
• Attend HR meetings such as grievance or disciplinary hearings and accurately document outcomes.
• Recommend and implement HR process improvements.
• Manage employee records, update IT systems, and ensure accurate HR documentation.
• Respond to Freedom of Information or Data Subject Access Requests in line with organisational standards.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

The City and Neighbourhood Services Department is committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and promoting equal opportunities for everyone. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities, and value diverse perspectives to support informed decision-making and innovation.

Are you an experienced HR professional with a passion for people and process efficiency? If so, we encourage you to apply and join our dynamic, supportive team.