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Columbia County human resources details hiring process, benefits and on-site services
Summary
In a Columbia County video segment, Human Resources Director Jeff Carney explained the county's hiring process, recent increases in applications and the benefits and employee services the county offers, including tuition reimbursement, an on-site clinic and a fitness center.
In a Columbia County “A to Z and CC” video segment, Cassidy Harris, public relations manager, spoke with Jeff Carney, director of human resources, about the county’s hiring process and employee benefits.
Carney said the county has simplified online applications and increased outreach, and reported application volumes rising from about 2,500 a year three years ago to 6,000 last year and a year-to-date increase of about 72% over last year. He said applicants must apply to specific job postings but can reuse a single application for multiple openings and that the county provides an in-person application station outside the HR office for those without home internet access.
The segment outlined why the changes matter: the county supports roughly 1,400 employees and uses HR to both facilitate hiring and manage day-to-day employee needs. “We really pride ourselves on taking care of our employees,” Carney said, describing HR’s role in helping staff resolve benefit and payroll questions and in contacting insurers or medical providers when necessary.
Carney described HR’s structure as two units: a compensation side that handles applications, the front part of payroll and leave accruals, and a benefits side of three staff focused on benefit programs. He clarified that hiring decisions and interviews are conducted by department managers and that HR typically becomes directly involved again when a manager submits a hiring recommendation. Job-seekers with questions can call HR for follow-up; HR will contact the hiring manager and relay information.
On specific employee benefits, Carney said Columbia County offers health insurance, dental and vision coverage, paid time off and an education reimbursement program that can pay up to $5,250 per calendar year for tuition. He noted some employees have left for private-sector jobs and returned because of the county’s health benefits, and he encouraged applicants to read job descriptions and, if unclear, to contact the hiring department or HR for details before applying.
The county runs two job fairs a year, typically in spring and fall, and promotes them primarily via social media and an employee newsletter; Carney said about 200 people usually attend. He also described two on-site services: a medical clinic available Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., staffed by two MedNow clinicians, and a fitness center staffed by a fitness specialist 30 hours a week. The county spent nearly $60,000 on new fitness equipment in July, Carney said, and employees and their spouses have 24/7 access to the facility.
Carney’s advice to applicants was practical: research the hiring department and the job description and call the department or HR with specific questions rather than applying broadly.
For more information or to apply, the segment directs job-seekers to the county website at columbiacountyga.gov and the jobs icon on the home page.
