Human Resources Generalist

Invitation to Compete #36-24: Human Resources Generalist 

Central Library, Human Resources Division

Regular, FLSA non-exempt, full time (40 hours per week)

Salary range: $41.98 - $51.05 per hour

This recruitment is open to the public and to The Seattle Public Library's employees. Please read the How to Apply section of this bulletin for more information. Please submit your application, cover letter and resume in NEOGOV by 5:00 p.m. on November 23, 2024,be considered.

Overview

The Seattle Public Library's mission is to bring people, information, and ideas together to enrich lives and build community. We view Seattle as a city where imagination and opportunity continue to thrive.

The Library works every day to foster and support a healthy city and a healthy democracy. We do this work guided by the principles of intellectual freedom, literacy and the love of learning, racial equity, privacy and confidentiality, respect for the community, strong partnerships, and innovation. We are an active and committed partner in the City of Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative.

Library employees are highly regarded by the public for their knowledge, quality of service and caring. As a workplace, we value respectful and transparent communication, partnership, and engagement. We are enriched individually and organizationally because of our diversity and growth mindset. We take time to recognize and celebrate the achievements of others.

If you share these values and meet the qualifications listed below, the Library invites you to apply for the Human Resources Generalist position.

The Human Resources Division is one of four divisions that reports to the Chief Librarian and is responsible for:

• Compensation and Payroll
• Employee and Labor Relations
• Employee Benefits and Leaves
• Human Resources Data Management and Analytics
• Learning and Development
• Occupational Safety and Health
• Performance Management
• Talent Acquisition and Employment
• Volunteer Services and Internships
• Workforce Development

The Human Resources Generalist reports to the Employee and Labor Relations Manager. The primary focus of this position is on administering reasonable accommodations, General Leave of Absence, file management, and reporting. This position also provides backup support for the processing of Benefits, Leaves, and Workers' Compensation. Benefits and Leaves Specialist. The position also serves as a liaison between the Benefits Unit and City Leaves Administrator in the Seattle Department of Human Resources.

The responsibilities of the position are performed within a variety of deadlines and cycles, many of which are externally imposed and inflexible. Work must be planned and organized accordingly. An important characteristic of the work is that the information that the position deals with is highly confidential and sensitive. The core functions of this position may be updated based on operational need.

The ideal candidate will be an individual with the professional-level skills and abilities needed to effectively administer the ADA and reasonable accommodation, leaves, reporting, and file management. Knowledge of Workers' Compensation is preferred. This position requires a well-organized, detail-oriented and self-directed individual who is also committed to working collaboratively in an open space and team environment. 

The Human Resources team members work a hybrid schedule, with a combination of in-office and remote, telework days. The current minimum in-office requirement is 2 days per week, with additional days as operationally necessary. In-office requirements are subject to change. Accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. The Human Resources Generalist will work from a home location at the Central Branch but is expected to travel to all 27 branch locations on an as-needed basis.

• Accommodation Request Management: Serve as the first point of contact for employees seeking reasonable accommodations. Review accommodation requests and initiate the interactive process with employees and their supervisors or division leadership to identify potential accommodations.

• Assess Accommodation and General Leave of Absence (GLOA) Needs: Evaluate accommodation requests, considering the nature of the disability, job requirements, and potential solutions. Collaborate with medical professionals, when necessary, to ensure appropriate accommodations are identified. Process GLOA requests.

• Documentation and Compliance: Maintain accurate records of all accommodation and GLOA requests, discussions, and decisions in compliance with privacy laws and Library policies. Ensure all accommodations are documented in a manner that complies with ADA and other relevant regulations.

• Guidance and Support: Provide guidance to employees, supervisors, and managers regarding ADA requirements, reasonable accommodations, and best practices for creating an inclusive and accessible workplace.

• HR File Management: Under the direction of the HR Managers, assist with organization and upkeep of filing structure according to applicable policies and file retention schedules.

• Reporting: Prepare various queries and reports, as needed, to assist in the administration of the HR initiatives. Provide information to Library employees and administrators on benefits, leaves and/or medical accommodations, as coordinated with other Human Resources staff.

• Training & Awareness: Assist with the development and delivery of training materials and workshops to educate employees and managers on the accommodation process and their rights and responsibilities under the ADA.

• Collaboration: Work closely with HR colleagues, division leadership, and external resources (such as healthcare providers and vocational experts) to address complex accommodation needs and ensure smooth and effective solutions.

• Continuous Improvement: Monitor and assess the effectiveness of accommodations, seeking opportunities for continuous improvement in the accommodation process and workplace accessibility. Participate in the revision of Human Resources policies, procedures and forms, as assigned.

• General HR Support: Track and monitor all probationary employee reviews. Back-up to the Leaves and Benefits Specialist; process leave requests, provide council for leaves and benefits inquiries, compose approval/denial letters, communicate status updates to employees, managers, and division leadership. Manage HR projects as assigned, such as assisting in the development and implementation of new human resources programs, designing and recommending new Human Resources work processes and systems. Provide general HR support as needed and assigned by HR Manager and HR Director. 

Application materials should demonstrate that a candidate possesses the following experience and qualifications:

• Commitment to Advancing Racial Equity and Social Justice Principles: Basic understanding of the City's Race and Social Justice Initiative. More information can be found through the City's webpages for RSJI and the Office of Civil Rights - seattle.gov/rsji and seattle.gov/civil-rights

• Education:A high school diploma or a Graduate Equivalency Degree (GED) is required. A baccalaureate degree in business or public administration, education, human resources, liberal arts or social sciences is preferred.

• Experience:  Three years of professional level work experience in the human resources field, with an emphasis in reasonable accommodations, benefits, and leave administration functions. Experience with Workday is desired. 

• Ability to prioritize and manage daily tasks: Must be organized, efficient, proactive with a strong attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to track and accurately maintain documentation for a ADA case load. Ability to timely and accurately communicate status updates. The successful candidate must be able to recognize and adjust what work needs to be done to support the successful operation of the Human Resources office. This may include completing other duties as assigned.

• Commitment to The Seattle Public Library's Mission and Core Values: A demonstrated commitment to the Library's mission and organizational values of respect, partnership, engagement, diversity and inclusion, transparency and recognition, and intellectual freedom. 

• Communications:  Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, including ability to communicate sensitive and technical information to Library employees in a respectful and caring manner, to develop detailed and technical written materials, to provide presentations and participate in training. Ability to work cooperatively with a wide variety of groups and individuals.

• Tact, Diplomacy and Confidentiality:   Ability to exercise discretion, tact and diplomacy in the handling of sensitive and confidential employee medical information. Ability to maintain strict confidence in performing job duties. Excellent and responsive customer service.

• Analytical and Organizational Skills:  Ability to identify information needs and develop effective strategies to produce necessary reports. Skilled in gathering and analyzing data from a wide variety of sources, use various analytical methods and interpret information for others. Emphasis is on analytical skills in areas of ADA accommodations, City of Seattle and State leave programs, benefits, and Workers' Compensation. Ability to track and accurately maintain documentation and organized filing structure. Ability to accurately communicate status updates.  

Skill Requirements:

• Strong knowledge of disability rights and accommodations in the workplace.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to provide clear, sensitive guidance to employees at all levels.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple requests and maintain accurate, detailed records.
• Must have the ability to prioritize competing priorities in a fast-paced environment to ensure effective action and follow-through.
• Self-starter with the ability to consistently meet deadlines and respond to inquiries and requests in a timely manner.
• Problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities, with the capacity to find creative, practical solutions.
• High level of confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive employee information.
• Work independently and as part of a team. Proven ability to work with limited supervision.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). 

How to Apply 

Candidates who meet the qualifications are asked to submit the following items in NEOGOV by 5:00 p.m. on November 23, 2024 to be considered for this position.

• Online application
• A cover letter that describes how your experience and skills align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications. Please let us know why you are interested in this/these position(s).
• Current resume that summarizes relevant education, professional experience, training and skills.

Applications that do not include a cover letter, resume, and complete online application will not be considered.

Applicants will be screened for competitiveness, completeness, and written communication skills. Initial screening will be based on a review of application materials. The employment history detailed in your application materials MUST validate/support your responses to the supplemental questions. If your responses cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next steps of the review/selection process. The most competitive candidates will be invited to participate in a series of one or more interviews.

Benefits and Salary Information

The full salary range for this position is $41.98 - $51.05 per hour.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Information about retirement plans can be found at: https://www.seattle.gov/retirement

Additional Information

If you have questions regarding this bulletin or employment at The Seattle Public Library, please send an email to job.applications@spl.org. The Library promotes diversity and inclusion in employment. If accommodations are needed during the selection process, please contact us.

Please keep in mind that job offers are contingent on a review of criminal history as well as verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process.