Human Resources Generalist

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory • Chicago, IL

20d • $24 - $29

About The Position

The Human Resources Generalist supports the effective development, implementation, oversight, and evaluation of HR functions at The Salvation Army’s Harbor Light program. The role coordinates recruitment and onboarding, maintains employee records and compliance documentation, supports benefits and leave administration, and serves as the first point of contact for employee relations concerns. The position works closely with the Director of Business Operations and the divisional HR department, while maintaining confidentiality and complying with Salvation Army policies, program requirements, and applicable regulations.

The role also coordinates required training, tracks certifications and compliance, prepares HR records for audits, oversees annual motor vehicle record reviews, and assists with workers’ compensation claims. It promotes healthy employee relations through communication, feedback, recognition, and employee events. The position reports to the Director of Business Operations and is classified as non-exempt and RFT. The work is performed in a residential environment with low to moderate noise and involves light physical work and regular use of standard office equipment and a PC.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources management or another business-related field.
• A minimum of 3–5 years of human resources-related experience.
• Proficiency in PC-based work environments, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated ability to manage staff, projects, and priorities in a constantly changing environment.
• Understanding of human resources trends and best practices.
• Interpersonal style that builds effective relationships with staff, administration, and DHQ staff.
• Ability to manage confidential materials, exercise tact and discretion, and demonstrate sound judgment, fairness, and sensitivity.
• Strong organization, efficiency, attention to detail, communication, listening, and observational skills.
• Ability to interpret regulations and requirements, work effectively with diversity, and create systems as needed.
• Ability to perform light physical work and regularly use standard office equipment and a PC.

Nice To Haves

• PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SCP certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Monitor open positions and implement recruitment strategies; keep position descriptions current and coordinate recruitment with departments and hiring managers.
• Forward qualified applicants to hiring managers, coordinate interviews and follow-up, respond to candidates in a timely manner, and consult on candidate selection.
• Complete and forward references to divisional HR; maintain background-check procedures, obtain required approvals, and communicate clearances in a timely manner.
• Create and maintain complete, confidential employee files, accurately file post-hire documentation, and oversee secure archival storage of terminated employee files.
• Complete employee onboarding and ensure required online paperwork is collected and tracked.
• Communicate The Salvation Army and Harbor Light history and culture, policies, benefits, and program expectations to employees.
• Complete electronic I-9s and forward confirmation to divisional HR within required timeframes.
• Coordinate with divisional HR on hires, terminations, and status changes, including submitting information to TSAMM.
• Document, track, and monitor position requirements and training compliance; coordinate training opportunities, review requirements, and follow up on outstanding compliance.
• Maintain an audit schedule and ensure HR documents and data are complete and available for audits.
• Oversee the annual MVR review and confirm that employees driving Salvation Army or personal vehicles for official business are approved to drive.
• Liaise with divisional HR on benefit and insurance issues, maintain benefits documents, and follow up on problems for resolution.
• Report, process, and track workers’ compensation claims in a timely manner with divisional HR.
• Coordinate and track FMLA and PLOA leaves with supervisors and divisional HR, and communicate pertinent information to divisional HR.
• Serve as the first point of contact for employee issues and concerns; keep the Director of Business Operations informed and assist with investigations and timely resolution.
• Coordinate performance counseling with the Director of Business Operations and DHQ Human Resources in accordance with divisional standards.
• Support healthy employee relations through communication, employee feedback, events, and recognition; monitor morale and report concerns to the Director of Business Operations.
• Disseminate pertinent information to staff, including open enrollment information and employee handbook updates.
• Maintain knowledge of HR trends, best practices, regulatory changes, new technologies, talent management, and employment law.
• Assist with legal and program requirements for HR, including documentation, record maintenance, and reporting.
• Follow Salvation Army policies and procedures, commit only approved or allocated Army resources, and keep the Director of Business Operations informed of critical issues.
• Support a respectful, inclusive, and positive work atmosphere and uphold The Salvation Army’s mission.

Benefits

• Eligible employees may receive medical, dental, vision, hearing, disability, and life insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• 403(b) retirement accounts.
• Company-funded defined contribution pension plan.
• Generous time-off policies.

What This Job Offers

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