HR Consultant in San Diego

About C.J. Westrick, SPHR ...
your HR Jungle guide

I have been involved in human resources management and consulting since 1990, most recently as an HR consultant in San Diego. My experience is very hands-on, so any suggestions or opinions offered on this website or in anything I write is based on practical experience and use. I have built HR departments from nothing and improved processes in other companies.

Having worked inside both mid-size (1,750 employees) and small companies (25+ employees), I can honestly say that I have experience in all aspects of human resources. My preference, though, is for smaller companies because I enjoy a more in-depth understanding of the company as a whole. This typically allows me to make better recommendations because every company has its own unique culture and HR needs to be able to work in or around it.

Nearly every company that has employed me, regardless of company size, has had a nationwide sales force. In my earliest days of HR management, working with employees nationwide exposed me to a wider array of HR issues than commonly experienced in regional small companies.

Human resources is a field that requires constant education and the ability to manage change. Every year more state and Federal employment laws are introduced. Human resources professionals must understand, implement, and explain these laws to ensure compliance. Networking with other professionals, being an active member of HR associations, and professional certification are methods I’ve used to keep my knowledge up-to-date.

My SPHR certification (Senior Professional in Human Resources) is an example of my professional dedication. People often wonder what the SPHR means and I tell them it's kind of the HR equivalent of an accountant's CPA. I needed to have at least eight years of HR management experience to even qualify to take this nationwide HR test. Then I had to pass a test that proved my HR “body of knowledge.” Even though I passed the test and obtained certification, 60 relevant continuing education units are required every three years to maintain my certification. If you want to learn more, check out the interesting statistical information in this article about HR certifications.

I currently work as an HR consultant in San Diego and beyond. I started this website in an effort to help all those smaller California companies out there that don’t have or need one-on-one HR. Although I won’t know specifics about your particular company, I do know the needs and limitations of small companies and can provide you valuable information. As soon as you hire your first employee you become responsible for legal compliance of certain employment laws and the laws multiply as your company grows. I can help you understand which laws affect you and help you set up your processes so everything runs smoothly and effectively.

Professional Activities and Affiliations

Smarter Small Business's Smarter Network member
Better Business Bureau Member
California Chamber of Commerce member
San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce Member, including Business Alliance Group Member
Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) Certification
Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, with honors
National Human Resources Association (NHRA) Member, including the following offices on the Board of Directors: Past President of the San Diego Affiliate, President of the San Diego Affiliate (twice), President-Elect and Vice President of Membership of the San Diego Affiliate, and Vice President of Publicity of the San Diego Affiliate
Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) Member
University of California, San Diego’s HR Leadership Program participant
Professionals in Human Resources Association (PIHRA) Member
Marin Human Resources Forum Member, including Vice President on the Board of Directors
Marin County Child Care Commission Business Task Force Member
Northern California Human Resources Council (NCHRC) Member

How to Contact Me

Email: cj@HRjungle.com
Phone: 800.921.7703 or 858.344.9015
Mail:     C.J. Westrick
            HR Jungle
            P.O. Box 17301
            San Diego CA 92177-0301