HR Generalist I

Richland County Government • Columbia, SC

12d

About The Position

The Human Resources Generalist handles the daily functions of the Human Resources department, including hiring and interviewing, onboarding and offboarding, employee relations investigations, benefits and leave administration, and enforcement of County policies and practices. The position serves as the primary HR contact for assigned departments and provides guidance to employees and management on personnel policies and procedures. It also supports recruitment, payroll, talent management, employee records, compliance, training, and workplace culture initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• At least four years of professional-level HR experience, with emphasis in a functional area.
• At least four years of experience with word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and integrated business software packages.
• Valid driver's license.
• Strong communication skills, empathy, and emotional intelligence to develop and manage employee relations.

Nice To Haves

• A master's degree in Human Resources Administration, business administration, or a closely related field may substitute for two years of experience.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Applicable HR professional certification.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact for assigned departments.
• Conduct or obtain background checks and verify employee eligibility; conduct reference checks.
• Implement new-hire orientation and employee recognition programs.
• Administer HR programs and processes related to compensation, benefits, leave, discipline, disputes, investigations, performance and talent management, productivity, morale, occupational health and safety, and training and development.
• Respond to employment-related inquiries from applicants, employees, and supervisors, referring complex or sensitive matters to appropriate staff.
• Participate in employee disciplinary meetings, terminations, and investigations.
• Maintain compliance with applicable employment laws, regulations, and best practices, and review policies and practices for compliance.
• Keep current on HR trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and technologies, including employment law and compliance requirements.
• Provide guidance on personnel policies and procedures to employees and management.
• Coordinate benefits open enrollment, changes, and training.
• Assist with payroll processing.
• Create and distribute internal communications concerning status changes, benefits, and policies.
• Administer employee onboarding and orientation.
• Develop and maintain talent management processes.
• Monitor employee morale and company culture.
• Collaborate with the HR team on recruitment strategies and identify future staffing needs.
• Process complaints involving sexual harassment, discrimination, or other workplace harassment, and assist with investigations and disciplinary actions.
• Maintain employee personnel records, staff files, HRIS data, and other HR documentation accurately.
• Administer leave programs, maintain required paperwork, and comply with government regulations.
• Handle employee benefits and perks administration and inquiries, including healthcare, pensions, retirement plans, and vacation time.
• Arrange seminars, workshops, HR training, and conferences based on departmental needs.
• Conduct and analyze exit interviews and make data-informed recommendations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level