Human Resources Generalist

Summary

The Human Resources Generalist plays a crucial role in supporting the overall human resources functions within the organization. This multifaceted proactive position involves a wide range of responsibilities, from employee & union relations, workers compensation, training, leave of absences, full cycle talent acquisition to benefits administration and employment law compliance. The primary goal is to contribute to the development and maintenance of a positive and productive inclusive workplace culture that aligns with the Horizon House values, ensuring the well-being and engagement of employees.

Essential Job Duties

• People Advocate: Provides an exceptional people advocacy-based customer service experience by greeting and welcoming staff, and providing an efficient, friendly, and streamlined HR advisory service that aligns with Horizon House Core Values.

• Talent Acquisition & Onboarding: Responsible for full cycle recruitment, including sourcing, job advertisements, scheduling, interviews, screening, reference/background checks, offer letters, onboarding, and new hire training. Delivers quality engagement experience for the candidate from application to onboarding.

• Employee & Labor Relations: Applies in-depth knowledge of company policies and procedures, union contract and city, WA state, and federal employment laws and other governing regulations, to support employee relations matters; provides employee relations support to staff in an effort to resolve workplace issues in a timely fashion, works closely with management on employee coaching, counseling and advising management on appropriate corrective action.

• Benefits/Total Rewards: Administers and maintains employee benefits/perks programs, group benefit databases, and employee records to capture benefits enrollments, COBRA notifications, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability claims, retirement rollovers/distributions/loans, and more. Serves as the primary point of contact for benefit matters, including employee education, benefit claims, open enrollment, etc.

• Leave Management: Responsible for the administration of all leave of absences, ensuring compliance with labor laws, and supports employees in requesting and managing various types of leave, including FMLA and WA Paid Family and Medical Leave: medical, military family, and personal leaves.

• ADA: Ensures compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by engaging in the interactive process with staff and managers to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities, which includes conducting interactive discussions, finding solutions, and facilitating accessibility requests in the workplace.

• Staff Programs and Events: Participates in the Employee Recognition Team committee to organize and coordinate staff events and activities to foster employee engagement, team building, and a positive workplace culture.

• Compliance: Ensures compliance with compulsory, legal, and regulatory requirements by reviewing, tracking, monitoring, and communicating requirements. Examples include training, HR records, licenses, credentialing, background checks, fingerprinting, and certifications.

• Performance Management: Supports the Human Resources department to implement and administer performance management programs.

• Safety & Workers Compensation: Under the direction of the Human Resources Manager, manages work injuries/illnesses and workers compensation claims, and participates in safety and wellness programs.

• Data and Management: Processes and maintains accurate employee files and records in electronic and paper form.

• Reporting: Conducts scheduled and ad hoc audits to ensure compliance; responsible for regulatory reports as assigned (e.g., Union Roster, ACA, EEO-1, OSHA 300 log)

Secondary Job Duties

• Serves as a backup to other positions in the Human Resources department.

• Completes other duties and projects as assigned by management.

Essential Experience/Knowledge/Education/Specialized Training

• Education: Bachelors degree from an accredited institution (degree in Human Resources or related degree preferred)

• Experience: 4 years progressive Human Resources experience, with 2 years direct experience in employee relations, benefits administration, and leave management.

• Certification: Active PHR, SPHR, or SHRM-CP Certification, or pursuing certification within one - two years (preferred)

• Language: Proficient in speaking Amharic, Tigrinya, Filipino, or Tagalog is a plus, but not required.

• Knowledge: Knowledge of local, state, and federal employment laws and practices; Proficient with Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Teams, OneDrive, etc.)

• Charisma: Fosters an inclusive, friendly and inviting environment that establishes trust and rapport with all staff.

• Collaboration: Achieves goals through teamwork and alliances in the broader community.

• Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; Self-driven problem solver with the ability to execute daily tasks with minimal supervision; Excellent organization and time management skills; Superior attention to detail; Strong ability to explain complicated processes and laws in an easy-to-understand manner. Ability to maintain confidentiality related to sensitive company and employee information

• Abilities: Ability to quickly and easily adapt to changing situations and priorities; Ability to quickly learn and navigate new electronic systems and programs; Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced work environment. Ability to remain calm while working under pressure in a busy environment

Confidentiality Requirements

Employee accesses, uses and/or discloses Protected Health Information, as defined by HIPAA, only to the extent minimally necessary to accomplish essential job functions. Employee practices appropriate safeguards to prevent unauthorized access, use and/or disclosure of PHR (paper, electronic and oral) within his/her work area.