Human Resources Management

ROSA M. ARSUAGA

#* ****** **. *** ****, Puerto Rico USA 00907

Phones: 787-***-**** (Home) 787-***-**** (Cell)

E-Mail: ************@****.***

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

BBA Business Administration University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Juris Doctor (JD), Inter-American University School of Law, San Juan, Puerto Rico

College of William and Mary Law School, Williamsburg, Virginia, Law Internship Program, Madrid, Spain

US Citizen, Fluent English and Spanish (read/write/speak)

Computer Proficiency: MS Office, Ceridian, Kronos Payroll System, PeopleSoft/Versions 8 and 9, PeopleAdmin (Recruiting Software), Internet, Outlook

Member of Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM)

Member of College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA), Boston, Massachusetts

. Emergency Management Training, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency

Management Administration (FEMA)2016

. Certified Human Resources Specialist, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency

Management Administration (FEMA) 2016

Certified Diversity Trainer by the state of Massachusetts

VOLUNTARY AFFILIATIONS

Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Pathfinder Society Member

Therapy Dogs, Inc. Voluntary Member

University of Texas at Austin, Ex-Student Association, Lifetime Member

San Juan Art League

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATION (FEMA)

Certified Human Resources Professional

2016-Present

As a Certified Human Resources Specialist for FEMA I work in various FEMA Human Resources Projects such as onboarding of new employees, deployment of personnel, create WEB Time and Attendance Accounts for new employees, and process all I-9 documentation in compliance with federal law and Human Resources Office. Assigned to Joint Federal Offices as needed. Most recent projects in Alabama, Virginia, Tennessee.

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

2014-2015

Human Resources Consulting/Recruitment Project on a contract basis. Recruitment of four hundred (400) employees for the staffing of new bank operations in Puerto Rico resulting from transfer to Puerto Rico of bank operations in the United States.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS/HIGHER EDUCATION

Associate Director of Human Resources and Equal Opportunity

2008-2010

Responsible for participating in the planning, development, organization and implementation of a comprehensive Human Resources and Equal Opportunity Programs; Recruitment, Hiring, Policy and Program Development, regulatory compliance and reporting, human resources information systems. Designated EEO Coordinator to counsel and investigate discrimination complaints. Designated Hearing Officer responsible for the investigation and resolution through written documents of complex grievances from unionized employees.

o Full responsibility for Human Resources programs, benefits, compensation, EEO complaints, designated officer to hear and mediate discrimination complaints.

o Designated Hearing Officer to hear and solve Step II grievances from AFSCME union member’s .Participate in the oversight of the implementation of the AFSCME contract. Direction to academic and administrative personnel on collective bargaining matters.

o Hear, analyze, investigate and resolve complex employee relation issues involving union and non-union employees at all levels/mediation hearings.

o Counsel and support top management in the resolution of all employee relation issues including disciplinary actions, progressive disciplinary process, written and verbal warnings, suspensions, terminations.

o Management of benefit programs for employees covered under three (3) union contracts. Retirements, management of Family Medical Leave Act claims and extensions/enhanced benefits provided by labor contracts. Disability accommodation programs, worker’s compensation claims and programs, training programs to faculty, Deans, faculty directors and staff. Oversee the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and effectively recommend to employees.

o Recruitment/hiring/search committees/student employment/posting of vacant positions.

o Oversight of regulatory compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, statutes including Title VII, American with Disabilities Act (ADA), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) GINA (Genetic Information Act) OBRA, COBRA, and American Recovery Act (ARRA) funds, HIPAA, ERISA and the rules and regulations of the Commonwealth’s Human Resources Division and other regulatory agencies.

o Maintenance of Human Resources and Equal Opportunity Information systems to ensure updated information, accuracy and retention of all personnel records, including official personnel files of all administrators and staff.

o Participate as advisor on to the President’s Advisory Committee on Diversity and Multicultural issues.

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CONSULTING SERVICES

2007-2008

Human Resources Management consultant services to private industry in areas of Compensation, Benefits, Employee Relations, Recruiting/Staffing, performance management, application of federal and state labor laws for the resolution of Human Resources Management issues. Have conducted Human Resources Management Consulting work for the following companies:

o McDonald’s Corporation, San Juan, Puerto Rico – Franchisee Division Reorganization

o Cigna Insurance, San Juan, Puerto Rico – Restructuring Claims Department

o American Express Corporation, San Juan, Puerto Rico – Sales Workforce Reorganization

o Triple S Insurance Company, San Juan, Puerto Rico – Implementation of Health Insurance Portability Act (HIPAA) rules and regulations. Training to Providers.

o Puerto Rico Commerce and Economic Development Department (DECC), Puerto Rico – Closing of the Roosevelt Roads Military Base/Displaced Workers Project.

o Sea-Land Corporation, San Juan, Puerto Rico – Transportation Workers Union Contract Compliance

o Universal Insurance Company, San Juan, Puerto Rico

WAL-MART STORES, INC., Houston Texas

District /Market Human Resources Manager 2006-2007

• Manage and oversee the efficiency and execution of Human Resources operations for twelve (12) Wal-Mart Super Center retail stores with approximately 6000 employees during regular facility visits and interaction with human resources departments and leadership teams. Ensure compliance with business strategies for the district.

• Provide strategic and tactical Human Resources Management expertise and support to District Managers and management staff at the stores.

• Conduct trainings and implement effective communication programs with all Management and Associates to ensure consistent execution of company policies.

• Actively practice the company’s basic beliefs to ensure preservation of the company culture and uphold the Ethics Policy.

• Implementation and enforcement of company procedures, policies, and applicable laws and ensure that employee comply as well.

• Manage, participate and oversee new store openings including staffing, compliance with labor/employment regulations, offsite recruiting kiosk, new employee orientations. Ensure compliance with labor laws and policies/procedures during the entire process.

• Communication and direction to managers in individual and group meetings about facilities performance, current plans, and actions to be taken to meet business needs.

• Practice the company’s Open Door policy by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns, researching issues, conducting investigations on employee related grievances, review company policies and procedures and suggesting resolutions to associates and management.

• Oversee investigations on misconduct and policy violation issues, ensuring documentation is completed and issues are resolved in compliance with applicable laws, regulations and company policy.

• Manage and oversee employment practices, staffing, retention, and ensure compliance with Federal, State and Local laws.

• Find, assess, engage, hire, and on-board the highest quality candidates for employment and promotion, especially in the critical skill areas. Assess candidate’s skills, background and fit so as to predict performance levels and styles with a high degree of accuracy. Stay abreast of marketplace trends and competitor practices in order to educate hiring management and build/maintain a competitive edge within the retail industry.

• Review and analysis of Associate Opinion Surveys, Management Opinion Surveys and Engagement Surveys to understand employee’s issues and concerns and prepare action plan to address these issues.

• Manage and oversee the company Diversity and Mentorship Programs by creating an environment that promotes opportunities to attract and retain a diverse workforce. Engage in Good Faith efforts to support a diverse workforce. Conduct activities and seminars on diversity topics on a monthly basis. Ensure associates respect and value the differences and perceptions of different groups/individuals. Promote community involvement of the stores and associate participation in community driven activities.

• Review monitor and analyze turnover, retention and absenteeism trends with facility management, develop and implement plans to keep staffing at appropriate levels to meet customer needs. Review front end staffing at the stores and daily scheduling of employees.

• Coach and mentor managers and associates by working with them to understand their career aspirations, performance and capabilities and provide counsel and input on how to grow and improve their careers.

• Work with the Regional Human Resources Director in the annual development of succession planning and performance management programs.

• Manage the company’s Management Training Program by identifying, interviewing and selecting qualified candidates for the training program and place them appropriately in management positions at the stores.

• Manage associates learning process by ensuring compliance and completion of computer based learning programs (computerized based learning)

• Strong interaction with Wal-Mart Corporate Offices and field employees in all human resources issues.

• Oversee store’s associates training programs to ensure they are timely and efficiently conducted through Training Coordinators.

THE HOME DEPOT USA, San Juan, Puerto Rico 2004-2006

Regional Human Resources Manager

• Manage and oversee the execution of Human Resources programs and initiatives in the areas of Organizational Effectiveness, Staffing, Learning, Performance Management, Employment Practices, Community Affairs and Human Resources communication programs for eight (8) retail stores with 2500 employees.

• Perform the selection, performance management, coaching and development of Store Human Resources Managers at the stores to ensure successful implementation of field Human Resources processes and programs in the stores.

• Direct accountability for Field College Trainers who deliver hourly-level curriculum (specialty, operations, and new store orientation) for the stores.

• Monitor and Analyze reports on turnover, absenteeism, staffing, employee complaints, and profit/ loss statements, to evaluate Human Resources operations for assigned stores and make recommendations to management for improvement in line with business strategy for the district.

• Investigate all employee related issues and complaints reported through the company’s Awareness Phone Line or directly from employees. Monitor Aware Phone Line activity and investigations to identify trends and measure Store Human Resources Managers performance. Act as liaison with Corporate Legal Department and outside counsel in the settlement and resolution of complaints.

• Analyze results of Employer of Choice employee survey and prepare action plans to address issues and concerns at the stores.

• Accountability for workforce planning, staffing/selection/retention processes at the stores for hourly and salaried employees. Ensure vacancies are filled on a timely basis to ensure efficient customer service and achievement of the district business goals.

• Conduct periodic Human Resources Management operational audits at the stores with the Regional Office staff. Make recommendations.

• Ensure compliance with Federal, and local laws in all human resources processes. Ensure OFCCP compliance and conduct audits of Affirmative Action Plans and goals completion at the stores.

• Conduct town hall meetings with employees as required based on associates issues, review feedback reports and implement action plans for solution of pending issues.

• Act as liaison with Home Depot Corporate Offices and outside legal counsel as required.

TIMBERLAND/THE OUTDOOR FOOTWEAR COMPANY, Isabela, Puerto Rico

Human Resources Manager/1996-2003

• Manage Human Resources operations supporting 750 shift non-union employees, Averted union threats, management of benefits/compensation programs, HR budget, payroll, employee relations, and health and safety solution of grievances. Significantly improved communication and morale/performance of operation.

• Directed the Human Resources Department with seven (7) direct reports, two (3) HR Assistants, two (2)occupational health nurses, one (1) Receptionist, One (1) Environmental Health and Safety Manager. Main liaison with the company’s outside legal counsel in the resolution and investigation of all labor related issues.

• Provide Human Resources support to Timberland’s twin manufacturing plant in the Dominican Republic.

US BANKRUPTCY COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF PR, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico

Human Resources Manager 1990-1996

• Directed Human Resources programs for US Courts in Puerto Rico. HR liaison to Administrative Office of US Courts in Washington, DC.

• Designated EEO Coordinator and Training Coordinator for the Court, conducting training programs and ensuring EEO compliance. Investigate complaints. Implementation of benefits and compensation programs, employee relations issues, time and attendance, administration of the Court’s compensation program. Creation of new positions, initiating job descriptions and job classification in accordance with federal courts policies and procedures.

• Address employee relations issues, coach and counsel judges, management and supervisors on disciplinary actions, and all employee relations issues.

• Conduct Management and EEO training programs for management and supervisory employees.

MCCONNELL VALDES LAW OFFICES, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico

Law Associate, Labor and Employment Department/1988-1990

Joined main law firm in San Juan, Puerto Rico as a part-time Law Clerk supporting fourteen

(14) Attorneys in the Labor and Employment Department. Researched Puerto Rico and federal labor case law and statutes as applicable to complex labor cases. Prepared legal briefs, memorandums of law, motions and other documents as assigned by attorneys. Attended court hearings and depositions, meetings with law firm clients. Projects as assigned by attorneys.

WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CORPORATION, Corporate Offices, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico

Human Resources Benefits and Compensation Administrator 1985-1987/

Benefits and EEO Specialist 1983-1988

• Accountability for twenty seven (27) non-union manufacturing operations with 7,000 employees located throughout the island of Puerto Rico from Westinghouse Corporate Offices in San Juan. Frequent visits to the locations with management team.

• Coaching/Counseling to human resources managers and plant managers at the manufacturing locations on employee/labor relations, benefits, compensation, and union avoidance.

• Administration of company compensation and benefit programs. Conduct compensation and benefit Surveys Island wide and prepare corporate compensation and benefits guidelines for hourly/management/salaried employees at locations. Manage external vendors in charge of administration of medical, 401K and pension plans.

• Advanced to assume full HR responsibility for 27 manufacturing operations, multi-unit operations. Launched cost containment program and PPO Plan. Provide human resources management support during company’s mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, reorganizations, downsizings.

• Provided Human Resources management support to 500 unionized employees at Westinghouse owned Seven-Up Bottling Company manufacturing operation. Participated in contract negotiations, arbitration, grievance procedures.

• Conduct Human Resources Management audits at manufacturing locations to ensure compliance with federal and local labor laws and company’s policies and procedures.

STANFORD KLAPPER & ASSOCIATES

Leading Marketing Research Office in Puerto Rico

Human Resources Supervisor

1980-1985

Conduct a start-up of a Human Resources Office for the Company.

Supervise and prepare all employees payroll on a weekly basis and maintenance of employee leave records.

Prepare all payroll reports according to Puerto Rico legal requirements, Income Tax, Social Security, Workers Compensation, government disability program

Keep confidential employee personnel records.

Coaching and counseling supervisors and managers on employee’s issues and disciplinary actions.

Counseling and orientation to employees on benefits, compensation, payroll issues and grievances.

Other projects as assigned by the President.

ITT WORLD COMMUNICATIONS, INC. (International Telephone and Telegraph)

Employment Specialist/Benefits/EEO/Compensation Supervisor

1975-1980

Employment Specialist with full responsibility for recruitment of technical and professional employees in Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas and St. Croix.

Responsible of special recruitment projects related to the company’s federal contracts

Responsible for compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations including preparation of Affirmative Action Plans for Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands.

Conduct new employee orientation programs and enrollment of new employees in company benefits.

Full responsibility for the implementation of benefit and compensation programs for hourly, technical, professional and managerial employees.

Coordinate all employee activities and programs, summer activities, perfect attendance program, employee of the year program

Other projects as assigned.

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