Valerie Martinez
Rio Rancho
Summary
Dynamic Human Resources Director with a proven track record at the Second Judicial District Attorney, excelling in HR strategy and employee relations. Spearheaded initiatives that enhanced retention and compliance, while leading a team to achieve operational excellence. Expert in PeopleSoft HRIS and conflict resolution, driving impactful change and fostering a collaborative workplace culture.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Human Resources Director
Second Judicial District Attorney
Albuquerque
01.2023 - Current
- Promoted to lead HR department and oversee all strategic and operational functions, resulting in improved compliance and streamlined agency-wide workflows.
- Supervise and mentor a team of 4 HR professionals, aligning departmental goals with agency objectives and implementing continuous improvement initiatives that increased team efficiency and collaboration.
- Provide strategic counsel on employee relations and compliance issues, conducting sensitive investigations and reducing workplace grievances by 20% through proactive mediation and policy enforcement.
- Serve as a key advisor to executive leadership, supporting data-driven decisions on staffing, retention, and legal compliance, which contributed to a 15% increase in retention across high-turnover roles.
- Oversee full-cycle talent acquisition, compensation, and performance management using PeopleSoft HRIS, resulting in a 25% improvement in hiring process speed and transparency.
- Spearheaded the revamp of onboarding, training, and employee engagement strategies, achieving a 30% faster ramp-up time for new hires and a measurable increase in employee satisfaction based on annual surveys.
- Ensure full compliance with FLSA, FMLA, ADA, PERA, and DFA regulations, maintaining a 100% audit success rate and minimizing organizational risk.
- Champion wellness and support programs by coordinating with EAP providers to expand employee access to mental health and crisis resources.
Human Resources Administrator
Second Judicial District Attorney
Albuquerque
04.2017 - 12.2022
- Processed bi-weekly payroll and managed benefits administration for 200+ employees using PeopleSoft, maintaining a 100% on-time and error-free payroll record.
- Led onboarding and new hire orientations, supporting over 150 new employees and ensuring full compliance with agency, state, and federal HR requirements.
- Served as liaison between employees and third-party providers (ERISA, PERA), resolving complex benefits inquiries and improving leave response time by 20%.
- Conducted internal investigations, prepared reports with actionable recommendations, and supported prompt resolution of HR-related disputes.
- Trained 3 HR Specialists on payroll and HRIS processes, enhancing department coverage and continuity during leadership absences.
- Coordinated full-cycle recruiting, onboarding, and exit interviews; tracked division metrics and trends to support hiring and retention strategies.
- Ensured legal and procedural compliance with FLSA, EPA, and the Age Discrimination Act, contributing to smooth audits and risk mitigation.
Financial Auditor / HR Assistant / Admin Assistant II
Office of the Attorney General, NM
Albuquerque
08.2016 - 04.2017
- Processed vendor payments, invoices, and purchase orders using the New Mexico SHARE financial system, maintaining accuracy and adherence to state procurement standards.
- Reconciled financial accounts and ensured vendor W-9 compliance, resolving discrepancies and supporting year-end audits.
- Assisted Human Resources with payroll issues, benefits guidance, and policy clarifications, contributing to improved staff compliance and satisfaction.
- Maintained accurate personnel records and coordinated complex scheduling for the Chief of Staff, ensuring operational efficiency and executive time management.
Reparation Officer Supervisor / Reparation Officer
NM Crime Victims Reparation Commission
Albuquerque
11.2006 - 08.2016
- Supervised a team of 9+ officers, ensuring adherence to agency policy and quality standards in victim claim investigations and case management.
- Conducted staff evaluations, addressed grievances, and improved performance consistency across high-volume caseloads.
- Designed and delivered comprehensive six-month training for new hires, enhancing onboarding efficiency and team preparedness.
- Authorized victim compensation benefits and coordinated referrals to medical, legal, and community resources to support long-term recovery.
- Independently managed 40+ high-profile and urgent cases, completing investigations within mandated 72-hour deadlines.
- Provided direct victim advocacy services for survivors of violent crimes, ensuring trauma-informed, compassionate support.
- Maintained productivity and quality standards while handling complex, fast-paced caseloads.
- Interviewed applicants and determined financial eligibility under federal and state guidelines.
- Resolved issues in referred cases through intake, investigation, and detailed case analysis to expedite assistance delivery.
Education
BA - Criminology
University of New Mexico
12.2006
Skills
- HR Strategy
- Employee Relations
- Talent Acquisition
- Payroll/Benefits
- Investigations
- Compliance (FMLA, ADA, PERA)
- PeopleSoft HRIS
- EAP Coordination
- Performance Management
- Onboarding & Training
- Records Management
- Audit Readiness
- Data analysis
- Team building
- Training development
- Employee engagement
- Employee relations
- Conflict resolution
- Payroll administration
Certification
New Mexico Certified Human Resource Professional, State Personnel Office
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Human Resources Director
Second Judicial District Attorney
01.2023 - Current
Human Resources Administrator
Second Judicial District Attorney
04.2017 - 12.2022
Financial Auditor / HR Assistant / Admin Assistant II
Office of the Attorney General, NM
08.2016 - 04.2017
Reparation Officer Supervisor / Reparation Officer
NM Crime Victims Reparation Commission
11.2006 - 08.2016
BA - Criminology
University of New Mexico
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