HR Generalist

OLV Human Services • Buffalo, NY

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Human Resources (HR) Generalist is responsible for supporting a wide range of HR functions, including employee relations, benefits administration, leave management, recruitment, onboarding, compliance, payroll support, training, and HRIS administration. This role serves as a trusted resource for employees and supervisors while ensuring compliance with federal, state, local, and organizational policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong relationship-building, negotiation, conflict resolution, and employee relations skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and consistently meet deadlines.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to identify issues, develop solutions, and implement effective strategies.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and handle sensitive information with professionalism and integrity.
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws, regulations, and HR best practices.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• Experience using Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), applicant tracking systems (ATS), timekeeping, and benefits administration platforms, or the ability to quickly learn new systems.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as a collaborative member of the Human Resources team.
• Strong customer service orientation with a commitment to providing responsive support to employees, supervisors, and leadership.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field is required.
• Minimum of 1 year experience working in various HR functions is required.
• NYS Driver’s License is required

Nice To Haves

• SHRM-CP or PHR certification is preferred

Responsibilities

• Administer employee benefit programs, including new hire enrollments, qualifying life event changes, terminations, COBRA administration, and annual Open Enrollment.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource regarding employee benefit plans, leave policies, and procedures.
• Administer employee leaves of absence, including FMLA, disability, New York Paid Family Leave, Workers' Compensation, and ADA accommodations.
• Maintain and monitor leave tracking systems, ensuring required documentation is received and employee timecards accurately reflect leave benefits.
• Communicate with employees, supervisors, and third-party administrators throughout the leave process to ensure compliance and facilitate successful return-to-work.
• Coordinate the Transitional Duty Program for employees returning to work with temporary work restrictions.
• Process termination paperwork to ensure timely and accurate final pay and benefit administration.
• Ensure New York State termination notices are mailed within required timeframes.
• Calculate employee PTO balances.
• Audit employee timekeeping records, identify and correct discrepancies, and collaborate with supervisors to maintain accurate payroll records.
• Recommend improvements to timekeeping and HRIS processes.
• Participate in employee investigations, disciplinary meetings, and termination processes as needed.
• Assist with tracking employee performance and disciplinary actions.
• Serve as a liaison between employees and management to address questions regarding company policies, practices, and procedures.
• Support collective bargaining activities, including contract negotiations and labor-management meetings.
• Recruit, interview, and coordinate the hiring process for open positions.
• Partner with department managers to identify staffing needs and required qualifications.
• Monitor vacancy reports and identify critical staffing needs.
• Coordinate recruiting initiatives, including job fairs, advertising, and other sourcing strategies.
• Conduct background checks, employment eligibility verification, and pre-employment screenings.
• Prepare salary offers for selected candidates.
• Coordinate onboarding activities and ensure all pre-employment requirements are completed prior to start dates.
• Conduct new hire orientation and employee benefits orientation.
• Track required employee training, certifications, licensure, continuing education, and compliance requirements.
• Coordinate and facilitate employee training programs, including new employee orientation, supervisor development, safety training, and regulatory compliance training.
• Assist in developing and delivering ongoing supervisor and employee education programs.
• Guide employees and supervisors on accessing organizational policies, procedures, and resources.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Assist with the development, implementation, and maintenance of HR policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate employee records and HR documentation.
• Enter and maintain employee data within the HRIS, benefits systems, background screening platforms, and other HR technology systems.
• Generate HR reports and retrieve data from the HRIS using standard and business intelligence reporting tools.
• Reconcile invoices related to employee benefits, workers' compensation, recruitment, and pre-employment services.
• Collect and analyze HR data and prepare recommendations for process improvements and management decision-making.
• Assist with the development, implementation, and administration of employee recognition and reward programs.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the Supervisor, Director, or Executive Leadership Team.

Benefits

• Qualifying Non-For-Profit for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• Dental & Outpatient Mental Health services
• Up to $180 annual gym reimbursement
• Employee referral program
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Health, dental & vision insurance options
• Paid employer sponsored life insurance
• Supplemental insurance programs for additional life insurance, short-term disability, accident & cancer insurance
• Up to $600 every year for completing biometric health screenings on a single health insurance plan & up to $1,200 if a spouse completes too!

What This Job Offers

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