Human Resources Mission Statement The Department of Human Resources serves the taxpayers by focusing efforts on the County’s most valuable asset, its employees.  Human Resources takes a leadership role and provides direction, technical assistance, training, equal employment opportunities, and labor relations coordination in the areas of recruitment, hiring, and retention of a diverse, qualified workforce.      Goals The Human Resources Department’s goal is to: establish, administer and effectively communicate sound policies, rules and practices that treat employees with equality and dignity while maintaining County compliance with employment and labor laws, County Executive and Council directives, and collective bargaining labor agreements; develop an attitude of integrity, trust, excellence, and teamwork in our day-to-day operations; commit to acting openly and consistently in our pursuit of best practices; accept responsibility for promoting ethical and legal conduct in personal and County practices; and provide a work atmosphere that is safe, healthy and secure, and conscious of long-term family and community goals.                           We put the “human” in Human Resources.   Responsibilities and Duties The Northampton County Human Resources Department was established in the early 1990s as a Department in an effort to reorganize and modernize the operation and in recognition of county government's position as the fifth (5) largest employer in Northampton County.   We recognize the added value that a modern human resources strategy provides to an efficient County government.   Northampton County workforce currently numbers more than 2,200 full-time and part-time employees, at several sites, including:     Northampton County Government Center     Northampton County Prison     Northampton County Criminal Administration Building     Northampton County Juvenile Justice Center     Northampton County Domestic Relations Building     Governor Wolf Building     Greystone Building     Martin J. Bechtel Building     Gracedale Nursing Home     911 Operations Center   The Human Resources Department has responsibilities involving all terms and conditions of employment.  For example:   Recruitment and Hiring, including review of the creation of new positions, posting of vacancies, testing of applicants and the process of employee promotions or transfer, while encouraging the value of diversity in the workplace.   Administering entrance and skills examinations in accordance with Career Services Regulations.   Labor negotiations and collective bargaining with employees (11 recognized unions representing about 75% of the workforce).   Compensation Administration, Job Evaluation and Wage Studies.   Evaluation of required qualifications and analysis job tasks for positions.  Establishment of job descriptions and placement of positions within the county job classification and compensation plan.   Responsibility for establishing training programs and skill improvement/ enhancement classes.   Enforcement and effective communication of Northampton County Career Service Regulations and County Policies.   Day-to-Day administration of Union Contracts, including employee disputes, contract interpretation, and discipline through the use of established mediation and grievance procedures.   Enforcement of all applicable state and federal employment laws and regulations, including unemployment and worker's compensation, labor relations, Family & Medical Leave, Fair Labor Standards, and equal employment opportunity.   Coordination of health and welfare plans with insurance carriers who provide for employee benefits.   Administration of paid time off and absence management.   Administration and communication of pension/retirement benefits for approximately 800 retirees.   Establishment of job growth policy, succession planning, as well as strategic efforts to increase employee efficiency, in conjunction with the County Executive.   Design and maintenance of an Enterprise Resource Planning system, allowing the County Executive, Council, and managers to receive timely management reports which provides for a more efficient and effective County government. Staff Patricia Siemiontkowski, Director of Human Resources Lorraine Schintz, Deputy Director of Human Resources Linda Markwith, Human Resources Generalist Christopher Moakley, SPHR, Personnel Analyst Lorena Morley, Benefits Administrator Mission Statement | Location | Recruitment | Benefits Overview