HR Generalist I

The purpose of this position is to analyze and plan effective and efficient HR programs for the County.  This class works within policy and organizational guidelines and performs advanced professional HR work within the County’s Human Resources Department by contributing recommendations for the design, delivery, and maintenance of HRD programs. Key responsibilities in the following areas:  Classification and Compensation. Performs analysis, generates comprehensive reports, and provides recommendations for changes in HRD policies, guidelines, and procedures. Proactively monitors federal and state laws, county policies, and guidelines aimed to maintain compliance.  Serves as technical point of contact for assigned functions. This job works to increase strategic technology, digitalization, in the delivery of services to the customers of HRD.  This job also includes proactive compliance and audits to protect the liability of HRD.

The Human Resource Generalist will run the daily functions of the Human Resource (HR) department including hiring and interviewing staff, administering pay, benefits, and leave, and enforcing company policies and practices.

ESSENTIAL TASKS

The tasks listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class.  Management may assign additional tasks related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Primary contact for assigned departments.
• Conducts or acquires background checks and employee eligibility verifications.
• Implements new hire orientation and employee recognition programs.
• Performs routine tasks required to administer and execute human resource programs including but not limited to compensation, benefits, and leave; disciplinary matters; disputes and investigations; performance and talent management; productivity, recognition, and morale; occupational health and safety; and training and development.
• Handles employment-related inquiries from applicants, employees, and supervisors, referring complex and/or sensitive matters to the appropriate staff.
• Attends and participates in employee disciplinary meetings, terminations, and investigations.
• Maintains compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommended best practices; reviews policies and practices to maintain compliance.
• Maintains knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law.
• Provide personnel policy and procedure guidance to employees and management.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal and state employment law and compliance requirements.
• Coordinate open enrollments, changes, and training for employee benefits programs.
• Respond to human resources-related inquiries.
• Assist with payroll processing.
• Create and distribute internal communications regarding status changes, benefits, or company policies.
• Administer new employee on-boarding and orientation.
• Develop and maintain talent management processes.
• Monitor employee morale and company culture.
• Collaborate with the Human Resources team to develop effective recruitment strategies.
• Identify future staffing needs.
• Process complaints regarding sexual harassment, discrimination, or other instances of workplace harassment and assist in any necessary investigations and disciplinary actions.
• Maintain employee personnel records.
• Conduct reference and background checks
• Responsible for maintaining accurate employee records, including staff files, HRIS data, and other HR documentation.
• Administer leave programs, keeping on top of paperwork, and complying with all government regulations
• Handle queries and administration tasks related to employee benefits and perks, including healthcare, pensions, retirement plans, and vacation time.
• An HR Generalist must possess strong communication skills, empathy, and emotional intelligence to effectively develop and manage employee relations.
• Arrange seminars, workshops, additional HR training, and conferences based on each department’s needs.
• Conduct and analyze exit interviews and make actionable recommendations based on data.

VOCATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION:

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Administration, business administration or closely related field.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

Must possess a valid state driver’s license.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of four (4) years of professional-level HR experience with emphasis in functional area. 
• A Master’s degree in Human Resources Administration, business administration, or a closely related field may be substituted for two (2) years of experience.
• Must have at least four (4) years of experience in word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and integrated business software packages. Advanced knowledge in Microsoft Office products with emphasis in Word, Excel and PowerPoint useful.  
• Applicable HR Professional Certification preferred.