POSITION SUMMARY:
The HR Generalist I supports a wide range of human resources functions to ensure compliance with employment regulations and non-profit audit requirements, while delivering consistent HR services across the organization. This role requires a detail-oriented professional with knowledge of HR practices and processes, advanced technology skills, and the ability to efficiently manage data and workflows using HRIS and other HR systems with minimal supervision. Key responsibilities include providing day-to-day HR support to employees and supervisors, supporting the HR service delivery, assisting with all stages of recruitment, serving as a backup for employee relations matters, and supporting HR initiatives such as job description development, training program coordination, benefits administration, unemployment processing, and policy updates. Success in this role requires strong interpersonal skills, the ability to connect with employees at all levels, build trust, and maintain confidentiality. This position reports to the Vice President of Human Resources.
PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provides day-to-day HR support to employees and supervisors by responding to inquiries, offering HR guidance, and directing individuals to appropriate resources as needed.
- Maintains accurate HR records, including processing employee status changes (hires, terminations, transfers, promotions) and updating HRIS data, ensuring all employee files and documentation are consistent, complete, and compliant with employment regulations.
- Ensures personnel files are organized, accurate, and audit-ready, complying with non-profit regulations, internal policies, and contract requirements. Tracks staff completion of required annual trainings and certifications to ensure timely compliance.
- Act as the primary backup for benefits administration programs, including billing reconciliation, facilitating benefits enrollment meetings, processing qualifying events, entering payroll deductions in Paycom, updating carriers on additions, terminations, and changes each month, coordinating FMLA and ADA leave requests, and responding to employee inquiries. As well, provide support during annual enrollment.
- Administer and track leave of absence programs, including FMLA, ADA, state leave, and company-sponsored leaves, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Coordinate the interactive process for ADA accommodations and work with employees, managers, and healthcare providers to determine appropriate accommodations.
- Processes Unemployment Compensation Claims, ensuring all submissions are completed accurately and submitted by the required deadlines.
- Assists the VP of Human Resources with reviewing and updating HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws and organizational practices, supports implementation of changes, and helps communicate updates to staff in a clear and consistent manner.
- Facilitates the performance management process by tracking evaluation timelines, gathering documentation, and guiding managers and employees to ensure timely and effective reviews.
- Develops and maintains job descriptions by proactively gathering information from managers and drafting accurate, up-to-date versions for final review and approval by the VP of Human Resources.
- Monitors staff completion of required annual trainings and certifications, proactively following up to ensure timely compliance and renewals.
- Conducts employment verifications for current and former employees, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and timely responses to requests.
- Generates, prepares, and distributes HR reports, metrics, and documentation as needed for KID and FCI.
- Prepares and compiles data for annual compliance reports, including Affirmative Action Plans (AAP) and EEO-1 reporting, partnering with third-party vendors to ensure accurate and timely submission.
- Works collaboratively with HR team members to ensure consistent HR service delivery and compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION:
- Recruits for the FCI location by processing staff request forms, posting positions, screening resumes, and conducting pre-screen interviews to assess qualifications and fit.
- Facilitates pre-employment onboarding by ensuring completion of required documentation and preparing new hires with the necessary equipment to begin work.
- Manages first-day onboarding by meeting with new employees to review required forms, create ID badges, complete E-Verify, and set up employees in Paycom timekeeping, ensuring a smooth start to their employment.
- Engages with staffing agencies to fill all temporary positions for KID and FCI, coordinates the onboarding of all temporary hires, and manages conversions of temporary employees to permanent status.
- Attends career fairs to assist the Talent Acquisition Specialist in promoting the organization's employer brand and engaging potential candidates.
EMPLOYEE RELATIONS SUPPORT:
- Assists the VP of Human Resources with employee relations matters, serving as a backup for handling sensitive issues.
- Collects, organizes, and maintains documentation related to employee concerns, complaints, or investigations, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
- Coordinates meetings, gathers statements, and supports the VP in conducting investigations and implementing resolutions.
- Provides guidance to managers and employees on policies, procedures, and compliance considerations, escalating complex matters as needed.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
- Proactive, independent, and able to take initiative in completing tasks and supporting HR operations.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and best practices applicable to HR, recruitment, onboarding, and employee relations.
- Proficient with, or able to quickly learn, HRIS systems, applicant-tracking software, and other HR technology tools.
- Ability to represent and promote the organization's values, culture, and work environment to attract and retain high-quality talent.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Human Resources Management, or a related field.
- 5+ years of HR experience in a generalist capacity, preferably in a nonprofit environment.
- SHRM certification (SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP) or PHR certification is required.
- Must be a commissioned Notary Public or able to obtain certification within 60 days of hire.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Advanced technology skills with the ability to efficiently use HR systems and Microsoft tools.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate across all levels of the organization.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
- Knowledge of applicant tracking systems (ATS) and HR analytics to support data-driven HR initiatives.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and related software.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. This role is primarily performed in an office setting and requires the ability to communicate effectively in person and by telephone, frequently use standard office equipment such as computers and telephones, and perform tasks that involve sitting, walking, and using hands and arms. Talking, listening, and visual focus for close-range work are important, and occasional light lifting may be required. The work environment is climate-controlled with generally moderate noise, though occasional louder conditions may occur. This position will require travel to other work-related location in Miami, off-site meetings, training sessions, and recruitment events.
Kids In Distress is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, a Drug Free Workplace and requires drug testing.
