Human Resources Generalist

City of Gaithersburg•Gaithersburg, MD

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Human Resources is seeking an experienced, customer-focused Human Resources Generalist to join our small collaborative HR team. The role performs routine to advanced administrative and technical work across multiple HR functional areas, supporting City employees, retirees, job applicants, supervisors/managers, senior leadership, elected officials, and the public. The position is ideal for someone who likes variety in their day, and enjoys being a trusted resource, solving problems, and driving HR initiatives that make a meaningful impact. With considerable independence, this position supports a wide range of HR operations and workforce management including recruiting, benefits administration, HRIS data management, payroll processing, leave and attendance tracking, onboarding/offboarding, performance management, training and development, employee relations, health and safety, classification/compensation, diversity, employee engagement, and regulatory compliance. Work involves substantial interaction with employees, retirees, and the public, providing assistance, responding to HR related inquiries, and explaining HR programs, processes, and policies. A primary focus of this position is to serve as a key administrator of the City's cloud-based human resources software suite designed specifically for the public sector (NEOGOV) that automates and supports the entire employee life cycle (recruiting, applicant tracking, onboarding/offboarding, performance management, and training and development) through one centralized platform. The successful candidate will provide assistance to applicants, candidates, and employees/managers to help ensure a positive user experience in all modules, coordinate the hiring/onboarding process to welcome new employees and help prepare them for their new positions, and ensure a seamless transition from "candidate" to "employee." We are looking for an individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced, team oriented, collaborative environment, likes to be challenged, excels at maintaining accuracy and confidentiality, possesses laser-focused attention to detail to ensure high-quality, error-free deliverables, and values the opportunity to do meaningful work that helps shape a positive employee experience. The position offers an opportunity to make a difference while learning, growing, and expanding the HR skill set in a wide variety of HR function areas. The ideal candidate will be genuine and approachable, possess an outstanding work ethic and positive attitude, and be flexible, creative, quick to learn, and able to anticipate needs of individuals and the organization. The successful candidate will be supremely organized and detail-oriented with excellent proactive instincts for how best to be of help in a rapidly changing environment with competing priorities. They must possess excellent time management skills, solid analytical and problem solving abilities, and be able to foster effective relationships with customers at all levels and develop work methods and procedures with initiative and good judgment. Fluency in English and Spanish is highly desirable. Starting salary for this position is negotiable within the anticipated target hiring range ($72,000 - $82,000) and will be offered at a level consistent with the relevant experience and qualifications of the candidate. The City provides comprehensive insurance benefits (medical, dental, vision, life), paid time off, generous retirement contributions, health and wellness programs, tools to assist with paying down student loan debt and managing student loans, training and professional growth and development opportunities, and excellent work/life balance.

Requirements

Relevant Associate's Degree and at least 3 years of HR-related professional experience, ideally in a generalist capacity.
Strong knowledge and experience in HR fundamentals, including compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations (e.g., FMLA, ADA, ACA, FLSA, EEO, COBRA, Maryland FAMLI).
Ability to stay organized, prioritize effectively, manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment, and meet firm deadlines.
Desire to take ownership of new and unfamiliar tasks and assignments.
Demonstrated superior written/verbal communication and customer service skills.
Strong computer skills (MS 365) including experience with HRIS system workflows and applicant tracking/HR management systems; previous experience with ADP Workforce Now and/or NEOGOV (Insight, Onboard, Perform, Learn) is a plus.
A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset and comfort working both independently and collaboratively.
The ability to respond to sensitive inquiries and/or complaints with professionalism and strict confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in English and Spanish highly desirable; eligible for a $2,080 annual multilingual stipend if approved.
Current professional HR certification such as PHR, SHRM-CP, or PSHRA-CP a plus.
Or any acceptable equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to satisfactorily perform job duties.

Responsibilities

Serve as a key administrator of the City's NEOGOV software suite; provide assistance, training, and/or support to candidates, employees and managers; develop and administer initiatives to streamline processes and more efficiently track data; generate statistical reports; troubleshoot system problems.
Support full-cycle recruitment efforts including assisting with executing recruitment strategies aimed at attracting a diverse applicant pool and hiring the most qualified candidates; assist departments with candidate review and the interview, selection, and hiring processes; participate on interview panels; maintain active candidate engagement throughout the hiring/onboarding process.
Enter HR transactions for payroll processing; ensure accurate HR data for bi-weekly payroll processing; conduct required follow-up on any payroll issues.
Serve as a welcoming, accessible point of contact for employees at all stages of their employment journey.
Partner with employees and managers to provide guidance on HR policies, processes, and best practices.
Respond to requests and inquiries; help resolve routine workplace questions, document concerns, and escalate issues appropriately.
Collaborate with the HR team to streamline workflows, improve processes, and support department-wide projects and initiatives.
Participate in personnel and department budget development and preparation.
Assist in the development and implementation of HR policies and procedures and their dissemination through various types of communication.
Maintain accurate HRIS data and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations.
Perform research, compile information, and prepare reports to provide information to HR and City departments.
Act as HR team representative in various meetings, trainings, and outreach efforts.
Work on special projects as assigned by the HR Director.
Provide outstanding service, pursue continuous improvement, and exceed expectations.