5 Key Updates & Why Milwaukee County Human Resources (DHR) is a Top Employer in 2025

5 Key Updates & Why Milwaukee County Human Resources (DHR) Is A Top Employer In 2025

5 Key Updates & Why Milwaukee County Human Resources (DHR) is a Top Employer in 2025

The Milwaukee County Department of Human Resources (DHR) is undergoing a significant transformation, positioning the county as a premier public service employer in the Midwest. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the DHR is prioritizing a comprehensive strategic plan focused on talent acquisition, employee engagement, and a deep-seated commitment to racial equity across its nearly 40 departments. This focus is crucial as the county, home to nearly one million residents, seeks to fill a broad array of public service roles from transit to health services.

This commitment is not just a mission statement; it is backed by tangible updates to employee compensation and benefits, ensuring that working for Milwaukee County remains a competitive and rewarding career path. The DHR’s central role is to cultivate a high-performing, engaged workforce that meets and exceeds the needs of the community, guided by specific, measurable goals outlined in their current strategic framework.

The 2023-2027 Strategic Plan: Leadership and Vision for Racial Equity

The Department of Human Resources is currently operating under a robust strategic plan spanning from 2023 to 2027, which clearly defines its role in advancing the county’s overall strategic priorities. The department’s vision is to realize a future where racial equity is achieved, making this a core pillar of its HR strategy.

The DHR directly supports key goals of the county’s plan, notably the objective to "Reflect the Community" in its workforce demographics. This means actively working to ensure the county’s employee base is as diverse as the residents it serves.

Meet the Leadership: DHR Director Genaro Baez

The strategic direction and operational integrity of the DHR are overseen by its leadership. The current Director of the Department of Human Resources is Genaro Baez. His role is pivotal in driving the DHR's mission to make Milwaukee County a leading employer. The Director is also the signatory for important programs, such as the Federal Student Aid Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), which is a major draw for public service professionals.

Key Strategic Initiatives for 2025

Moving into 2025, the DHR is focused on several key areas to enhance its workforce:

  • Comprehensive Training and Resource Investment: A significant focus for the 2025 budget is a comprehensive approach to training and resource investment for employees, aimed at boosting performance and engagement.
  • Talent Management and Recruitment: The department continues to innovate its talent management strategies to attract and retain top talent for its nearly 40 departments.
  • Advancing Racial Equity: The DHR Strategic Plan outlines specific focus areas and goals through 2027 dedicated to the support and advancement of Milwaukee County's racial equity priorities.
  • Annual Reporting: Performance and progress are tracked through formal documentation, such as the DHR 2024 Annual Report, which provides transparency on the department's operations and goal attainment.

Major Updates to Milwaukee County Employee Benefits for 2025

Milwaukee County offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support the well-being and financial future of its employees. The 2025 budget includes specific updates that directly impact employee compensation and retirement planning, making it a crucial time for prospective and current employees.

1. Pension Contribution Increase

One of the most significant financial updates for employees in 2025 is the change in pension contributions. General employee pension contributions are scheduled to increase to 5.2% in 2025. This adjustment is based on data provided by the pension actuary and reflects the county’s commitment to maintaining a robust retirement system.

2. Comprehensive Health and Wellness Offerings

The county maintains a full suite of fringe benefits that are essential to a strong employment package. These benefits are maintained in the 2025 budget and include:

  • Health and Dental Insurance: The county pays a significant portion of health insurance premiums.
  • Vision Services: Comprehensive vision services, including coverage for eyeglasses.
  • Life Insurance: A key component of the employee benefits package.
  • Deferred Compensation Plan: A crucial tool for long-term financial planning and retirement savings.

3. Work-Life Balance and Professional Development

Beyond core insurance and retirement, Milwaukee County supports its employees with benefits that foster a positive work-life balance and encourage professional growth:

  • Vacation and Sick Leave: Competitive allocations for paid time off.
  • Holidays: A generous schedule of paid holidays.
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Financial support for employees seeking to further their education and career development.

Navigating the Milwaukee County Careers and Civil Service System

Milwaukee County employs over 4,000 talented and diverse individuals across its numerous departments, offering career opportunities few other employers can match. The hiring and employment structure is governed by the established Civil Service System.

The Role of the Civil Service Commission

The Civil Service Commission is a foundational entity within Milwaukee County's employment structure. It is responsible for the promulgation of rules that govern the civil service system, ensuring fair and merit-based hiring, promotions, and classifications. These rules are established pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes 63.01 to 63.03 and the Milwaukee County General Ordinances Civil Service Rules.

The Commission’s oversight ensures that all personnel actions, including the job classification system and pay grade tables, adhere to transparent and legally defined standards. This structure provides a layer of stability and fairness for all county employees.

How to Apply for Milwaukee County Jobs

All current Milwaukee County career opportunities are posted on the official Milwaukee County Careers Page. The DHR encourages all interested candidates to visit this page to view openings across departments like the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) and the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS).

Key facts for applicants to remember:

  • Equal Opportunity Employer: Milwaukee County is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE), ensuring a fair process for all applicants.
  • Veterans Welcome: The county actively recruits and welcomes veterans, recognizing the value of their skills and experience in public service roles.
  • Application Process: Candidates are advised to carefully review all requirements before applying for positions. The application process may include a background checking process, with applicants being informed of the details at the appropriate time.

Working for the county is often framed as being a "Changemaker" and engaging in "Public Service" that is "More Than a Job," reflecting the deep impact these roles have on the lives of nearly one million residents in the area. The DHR acts as the gateway to these impactful careers, solidifying Milwaukee County's reputation as a government employer dedicated to its people and its mission.

5 Key Updates & Why Milwaukee County Human Resources (DHR) is a Top Employer in 2025
5 Key Updates & Why Milwaukee County Human Resources (DHR) is a Top Employer in 2025

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milwaukee county human resources
milwaukee county human resources

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milwaukee county human resources
milwaukee county human resources

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