Service Spotlight: HR Consulting Services

Every day for VRSA Director of Human Resources, Tina Stevens is an adventure. Stevens provides Human Resources (HR) consulting at no additional charge to members with public officials liability coverage to assist them in mitigating employment practices liability exposure.

While some days may be spent reviewing policies and procedures, others may be spent helping navigate sensitive personnel issues. At least one Wednesday per month, you can find Stevens online providing a virtual engagement on a number of topics, from documentation to recruitment, corrective action, termination, and more.

An emerging topic she has been providing guidance on as of late is HR’s increasingly important role in cyber risk management. She advises that all employees be adequately trained and aware of changing cyber risks to protect data from being compromised. All personnel with access to sensitive or confidential information should stay informed on new and emerging threats.

Members are encouraged to utilize this service to prevent or reduce charges of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination.

HR services include:

• Review of materials, including:
  • Job descriptions;
  • Policies and procedures;
  • Corrective actions; and more.
• HR consultations, in person or by phone, are available to those wishing to gain personalized guidance on policies or procedures or to speak with Stevens on sensitive personnel issues in a confidential manner. This includes consultation on issues such as the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
• Virtual engagements, workshops, and on-site training on topics such as: effective interviewing, supervisor training, writing job descriptions, documentation, terminations, FMLA, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and more. Most offer HRCI credit!
• Access to HR ExecSupport, providing access to the nation’s leading employment and labor law firm, Littler Mendelson P.C., offering risk management products and services carefully designed to manage your workforce and reduce your exposure to employment-related liability.
• Online Training, available 24/7/265 through the VRSA Online University, at no additional cost.
• Sample Documents: Stevens has compiled hundreds of sample policies and procedures, sample job descriptions, employment posters, performance evaluations, and helpful information, all available on the HR Services page of the VRSA website, open to eligible members.

Additional resources include a sample HR Audit, a sample Personnel Policy, Recruiting Toolkit, and links to recorded virtual engagements given by Stevens.

Employment-related decisions are complex. Consider the legal ramifications before decisions are made. For more information on HR services, contact Stevens at 800-963-6800.