HR Generalist

ROME GROUP; St. Charles (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

ROME GROUP in St. Charles, Illinois, is seeking a Human Resources Generalist to support HR functions within a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing services for individuals with developmental disabilities. The role ensures a supportive work environment through employee relations, compliance, and benefits administration.

The ideal candidate will collaborate closely with various departments to strengthen team dynamics and enhance the quality of services provided. Responsibilities include overseeing compliance, managing benefits, and participating in HR projects focused on improvement and employee engagement.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in HR roles, particularly in employee relations.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Support employee relations and provide guidance on workplace issues.
• Assist in compliance with regulations related to HR operations.
• Manage benefits administration and assist staff with inquiries.

Skills

Employee relations

Compliance management

Benefits administration

Conflict resolution

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field

Tools

HR Information Systems (HRIS)

Job description

Job Summary

The Human Resources Generalist supports the HR function within a mission-driven nonprofit organization that provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities. This role helps ensure a supportive, person-centered work environment by assisting with employee relations, compliance, benefits administration, and HR-related projects. The HR Generalist collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to strengthen the workforce that delivers high-quality services to the people we support.

Key Responsibilities

Cross-functional collaboration

• Work closely with Client Services and other departments to ensure consistent HR practices across all service areas.
• Support managers in implementing HR policies and ensuring alignment with person-centered values and regulatory responsibilities.
• Participate in cross-departmental initiatives that enhance employee experience, workforce stability, and overall program quality.

Employee Relations

• Serve as a first point of contact for staff, including Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)—regarding questions, concerns, and workplace issues.
• Support timely, respectful internal investigations and assist in documenting findings and recommending resolutions.
• Provide guidance to supervisors and staff on performance expectations, communication strategies, and conflict resolutions aligned with CORE values and person-centered practices.
• Provide guidance on disciplinary procedures, performance improvement plans, and termination processes, ensuring compliance with employment laws.
• Develop and implement strategies to boost employee morale, engagement, and retention.
• Overseas the performance evaluation process and guide managers on performance improvement plans. Identifying training needs and implement development programs.

Compliance

• Manage compliance for workers’ compensation. Filing, investigating, and tracking employee injuries, coordinating with third party administrators. Ensuring adherence to state specific regulations, OSHA reporting, and managing intersection with FMLA/ADA.
• Collaborate with HR Specialist on FMLA, disability and other leaves of absence programs in accordance with company policy and legal requirements.
• Manage unemployment claims, provide information to the Division of Employment Security. Monitor and process quarterly statement of benefits and ensure payment processing.

Benefit Administration

• Support day-to-day administration of benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and leave programs such as FMLA and ADA.
• Assist staff with open enrollment, claims questions, and benefit navigation, ensuring accessibility and equity.
• Assist employees with benefit enrollment, eligibility questions, and issue resolution.
• Provide benefit education tailored to a diverse workforce, including DSPs, administrative staff, and program teams.
  Oversee the processing of qualifying life events and change of status eligibility for benefits.

HR Projects and Process Improvements

• Participate in HR projects such as policy updates, employee engagement initiatives, HRIS improvements, and onboarding enhancements.
• Collaborate with HR leadership to implement new programs and organizational changes.
• Collect and analyze basic HR metrics to support data-driven decision-making.
• Participate in organizational projects such as employee engagement initiatives, HRIS optimization, onboarding improvements, and retention strategies for DSPs and other staff.
• Support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives via the IDEA team that strengthen representation and belonging across the organization.
• Make recommendations to HR director regarding updates to company policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance with federal state and local regulations.