Job Title:                    Human Resources Business Partner I

Job Code:                    HRBP                          

Department:              Human Resources

Division:                     Human Resources

Salary Level:             Exempt 2                                  

Reports To:                Employment Manager

Last Revised:             August 2024

CIHA Overview

Cherokee Indian Hospital is committed to community and to your career. The Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) blends state-of-the-art healthcare within a system of inpatient and outpatient resources across the Qualla Boundary and its outlying clinics.

With an emphasis on Cherokee history and the unique healing aspects of Cherokee culture, including consideration for the mind, body, and spirit, CIHA addresses the health and wellness needs of the Tribe—and does so to the highest national standards of healthcare.

As your employer of choice, Cherokee Indian Hospital’s core purpose is to assure the prosperity of the next seven generations of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.  Our core values — Integrity, Excellence, Engagement, Stewardship, Group Harmony, Compassion, and Accountability — drive everything we do in support of our vision of accessible patient- and family-centered, quality healthcare. Learn more at CIHA online at www.cherokeehospital.org and connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

When you join CIHA, you’ll demonstrate your commitment to our Guiding Principles. We invite you to take an active role in helping us create a true sense of belonging across our organization — an environment of authenticity, trust, empowerment and connectedness that empowers all of our successes. 

Position Summary

 The HR Business Partner (HRBP) is a strategic role within the organization supporting defined client groups. The HRBP uses broad experience in various HR areas to advance CIHA’s Employer of Choice people strategy. The HRBP is the prime point of contact for assigned business leaders and leads assignments of complex issues where the evaluation of human capital management requires evaluation of variable approaches and factors to bring solutions that contribute to the enhancement of our culture and business strategy.   The HRBP is a change agent, with strong literacy of business and financial performance.  This position serves as a coach and consultant to leaders. This role will support the final selection of talent within groups, and works closely with shared services teams. The HRBP consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to client groups/patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values, ensuring excellent customer service is provided to all client groups/patients/customers by proactively seeking out opportunities to be of service.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• The HRBP uses their broad knowledge of CIHA as well as their knowledge of human resources to build strong relationships with client groups and leaders to translate and execute human resource initiatives while maintaining strategic alignment.
• Identifies gaps, risks, and opportunities and proposes and implements change strategies necessary
• Act as a leader coach, ensuring engagement, succession and staff development are top of the agenda for people leaders.
• Provides expert and objective advice to leaders and staff on human resources programs, policy and procedures, employment/labor laws, conflict resolution, change management, and organizational development to promote a fair and equitable work environment.
• Partners with Employee Relations to conduct effective, thorough, and objective investigations.
• Partners with client groups to diagnose, develop, measure and execute engagement action plans based on feedback through formal surveys and exit interviews.
• Meets with client group leaders on a scheduled cadence to present prepared reports utilizing analytics, data, metrics, and reports to identify trends and goals developing solutions, programs, and policies to support positive growth and recommendations to improve business practices and overall organizational performance.
• Leads comprehensive talent review process for client group providing guidance and input on business unit structures, workforce planning and succession planning supporting CIHA strategy.
• Ensures human resources principles are being applied consistently and effectively while ensuring compliance with employment laws, tribal code, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify training needs for business units and individual coaching needs including evaluation and monitoring of training programs to ensure success and appropriate tracking of metrics, completion, and effectiveness of programs.
• Demonstrates commitment to Right Way principles and contributes to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Works within a small HR team, from time to time will be required to support specialist functions.
•  Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Conduct Job Fairs and strategic recruiting efforts designed to reduce time to fill
• Monitor staff status changes and updates all staff related files to reflect such changes as names, position, wages, transfers, etc.
• Responds to employee questions regarding policies and related issues; assists as needed to resolve questions or problems

Education/Experience

• Bachelor degree from an accredited college in Human Resources, Business Management or other related field with two years of HR experience, or verifiable 8 years work experience in lieu of degree; or, Associate Degree plus six years work experience in Human Resources, or related field is required.        
• Must have a Valid Driver’s License

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Demonstrated experience dealing with complex business issues and delivering solutions.
• Demonstrated experience guiding leaders on performance and productivity issues
• Committed to building a strong CIHA culture and continuous improvement.
• HR information systems knowledge and experience required; current knowledge of ADP software a plus.
• Advanced knowledge of programs, including MS Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
• Demonstrates business acumen and strong interpersonal skills to maintain business relationships with internal and external partners, patients, staff, client groups, and teams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Self-organized and detail-oriented
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with a team as well as independently without supervision; Ability to coordinate, manage multiple projects and priorities effectively
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical behavior.
• Strong data management and data analytics skills
• Flexible in adapting and responding to changing situations.
• Advanced skills in the use of Windows based office software including but not limited to Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Highest level of confidentiality is required due to access of personnel files, compensation levels, performance management process document, and other pertinent information.  Has access to payroll information which is highly confidential and requires much discretion to avoid damaging employee relations.  Must adhere to all CIHA confidentiality policies and procedures
• May be necessary to work when Administrative Leave is granted.
• Requires the knowledge of CIHA policies and procedures including but not limited to the human resources policy, hiring procedures, fiscal policy, and other employment related areas like Indian Preference and Fair Labor Standards Act.  
• Must have strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.

Physical/Mental/Environmental Demands

• A high degree of concentration is required while interpreting policies and procedures, preparing reports, reviewing documents such as corrective actions and corrective action appeals.  
• Subject to frequent interruptions, requiring varied responses.  
• Must be able to handle multiple tasks.
• Must be able to work at a fast pace and in stressful situations.
•  Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.   
• Job duties required visual acuity, manual dexterity, and the ability to speak, hear, walk, sit, bend, and reach with both arms and hands.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds and carry up to 5 pounds on a repetitious basis.
• May remain in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for long periods of time.
• Regular use of office equipment such as a computer/laptop and monitors