Human Resources Administration Certificate Program

Program Objectives

The Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) Human Resources Administration Certificate (HRAC) Program includes five classes specifically designed to provide city elected officials and appointed staff with the tools necessary to successfully recruit, train, and retain talent to provide services to their communities. The program also addresses the expanded need from the previous service of HR Express which offered online webinars, training and access to Personnel Law attorneys. The HRAC Program will be delivered in locations throughout the state for easy accessibility and online as well.  Upon completion of the five classes, participants should:

  • Understand all relevant employment laws;
  • Understand the importance of recruiting, onboarding, and professional development to attract and retain the right people for the right job;
  • Understand how to compensate and provide benefits to your employees;
  • Understand how to develop personnel policies; and
  • Understand how to address employee performance and workplace culture.

Certificate Program

The HRAC Program is targeted for City Clerks, Department Heads, Mayor and Councilmembers who must address Human Resources administration.  The curriculum may be modified as needed and additional courses may be added for current laws and trends.

Completion of Program

Upon completion of the required courses a Human Resources Administration Certificate will be presented by GMA and a press release will be issued to the city to send to the local media publication.

GIRMA members can apply for reimbursement of 50% for the cost of the HRAC training classes on their safety grant.

Visit our calendar for more information and to register for upcoming HRAC events.

Required Classes

Compensation and Benefits
6 Credit Hours
This course will provide information on managing pay plans and job descriptions; understanding workers compensation, claims administration, payroll administration, overtime requirements as well as the administration of cafeteria plans. Participants will explore different types of employee benefits, retirement plans and other benefits to recruit and retain employees.

Performance Management
6 Credit Hours
This course will focus on how to develop personnel policies that are straightforward, easy to administer, and provide protection to employees and to the City. Participants will discuss and examine commonly used personnel policies that are easy for all parties to understand and which balance the needs and expectations of the employee and City.

Personnel Law
6 Credit Hours
This course will cover basic employment laws and their applicability to cities. Cities need to know the basics of Personnel Law and weave through the “mine fields” of potential litigation. This class will provide participants with a good foundation on laws such as FLSA, FMLA, HIPPA, EEOC, Title VII, Open Records, maintaining personnel files and other pertinent laws and regulations. Participants will gain an understanding of HR records management and a better understanding of the requirements and regulations of employment laws.

Personnel Policies
6 Credit Hours
This course will focus on how to develop personnel policies that are straightforward, easy to administer, and provide protection to employees and to the City. Participants will discuss and examine commonly used personnel policies that are easy for all parties to understand and which balance the needs and expectations of the employee and City.

Talent Management
6 Credit Hours
This course will provide guidance on ways to help all members of the workforce better understand the city’s mission, objectives and the importance of professional growth through training and development. Participants will dive into the Talent Management Process, gain a better understanding of Workforce Planning, identify essential components of Talent Acquisition, create an effective Onboarding & Engagement Program, learn how to develop an Employee Training and Professional Development Program, gain a better understanding of Performance Manager Program, and explore how an effective Succession Planning program improves employee retention.