HR GENERALIST-BENEFITS

Washington County; West Bend (WI); On-site; USD 69,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington County in West Bend, Wisconsin is seeking an HR Generalist-Benefits to oversee benefits administration, recruitment, employee relations, and compliance. You will support county employees across HR functions, with focus on benefit enrollment, vendor coordination, and wellness initiatives.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in HR or related field and at least two years of HR admin experience, plus a valid Wisconsin driver's license.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR management, business administration, or related field.
• At least two years of HR administration experience.
• Valid Wisconsin driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Oversee benefit administration, enrollment, COBRA, and monthly billing.
• Coordinate recruitment activities with departments and managers.
• Support employee relations and performance management.
• Deliver employee training and onboarding programs.
• Ensure HR compliance and maintain records.
• Respond to HR inquiries and manage benefit invoices.
• Assist with wellness initiatives and department goals.

Skills

HR administration

Recruitment

Employee relations

Benefits administration

HRIS

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR management / business administration

Tools

HRIS software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

HR GENERALIST-BENEFITS

Washington County, located in West Bend, has an excellent opportunity as a Human Resources Generalist. In this position you are in a key front line HR position with a focus on benefit administration, recruitment, employee relations, performance management, employee training, and HR compliance. Responsible for providing support to all County employees in all HR functional areas.

Qualified candidates must possess:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources management, business administration, or closely related field
• At least two years of Human Resource administration work experience.
• Must possess a valid Wisconsin driver's license.

Pay based on experience.

Washington County offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes: Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance; Short-term and Long-term Disability; Medical and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts; Health Savings Accounts, Wisconsin Retirement System and Wisconsin Deferred Compensation (IRS 457); Holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO); tuition and fitness center reimbursement.

Washington County is recognized for our commitment to providing quality services to the citizens of our community. Our team members embrace the challenge of meeting goals and expectations. Every day we work to creatively problem solve, innovate and collaborate as a team to meet customer needs and deliver solutions.

Our Mission:

We create an environment for residents and businesses to enjoy our authentic quality of life through a well governed and administered county dedicated to safe and secure communities; economic growth and vitality; effective mobility and reliable infrastructure; and access to basic needs.

Our Vision:

Washington County strives to cultivate its rich heritage, vibrant economy and attractive communities through the distinct values that define us.

Our Values:

Respect, Optimism, Integrity, Innovation, Compassion, and Collaboration.

Duties/Responsibilities:

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Benefit Administration: Oversees all aspects of employee benefits, including enrollment, terminations, claims support, HRIS system updates, and monthly billing reconciliation. Provides benefit education and COBRA communications to employees and former employees. Manages benefit deductions in the HRIS system to ensure accuracy and acts as the main contact with benefit vendors. Supports efforts related to renewals and carrier changes. Handles the daily operational and daily tasks for open enrollment - setting up systems, validating and correcting enrollment data, and ensuring accurate benefit elections and deductions.
• Employee Wellness: Develop employee wellness initiatives. Identifies employee health promotion needs and implements approved health and wellness activities. Serves as point of contact for employee program participants and wellness promotion. Coordinates the annual Wellness Fair for County employees.
• Recruitment: Oversight recruitment activity for various Washington County departments. Coordinate staffing requirements with Department Heads, Supervisors, and Managers and develop effective recruitment strategies; Conduct New Hire Orientation for employees.
• Employee Engagement: Support and strengthen the County's employee experience through intentional engagement activities. Assist with employee engagement initiatives, workplace communications, and HR programs such as lunch-and-learns.
• Employee Relations: Provides clear, timely guidance and support to supervisors on everyday employee relations matters. Helps supervisors and managers understand and follow County policies and procedure; ensure County practices comply with state and federal employment laws. Handles internal workplace investigations and recommends appropriate next steps; examines complaints involving possible violations of harassment or discrimination policies or relevant state and federal laws. Provides clear guidance to County leadership to help them resolve work related concerns and operational issues.
• Performance Management: Assists supervisors with performance management and advise on employee corrective actions and terminations. Provides coaching to assist supervisors in providing positive motivation where possible.
• Employee Training: Assists with employee and management training related to various HR topics. Assists with creating training presentations requested by departments.
• Compliance: Assists with maintenance of HR compliance records.
• Administration: Answer general HR questions via email, phone, and in-person. Prepare the various benefit invoices for payment.
• Participates in developing department goals, objectives, and systems.
• Performs other related duties as assigned, including responding to an emergency event.

Work Direction Received:

Works under the general direction of the Manager of Human Resources.

Supervision Exercised:

None

Decision Making:

Decisions concerning recruitment activity, disciplinary action including termination, answering inquiries from other departments or the public, and daily work prioritization are made independently.

Interaction:

There is significant interaction with County Departments, employees, benefit providers, brokers, consultants, and the public.

Essential Knowledge and Abilities:

Knowledge of HRIS software applications and ability to quickly master HRIS systems. Sound knowledge of regulations governing employment; knowledge of federal and state labor and employment laws and regulations. Knowledge of Human Resources as a discipline including experience with benefits administration, new hire processing, and record keeping; knowledge of insurance regulations and requirements and basic safety practices. Demonstrated organizational and verbal and written communication skills. Ability to interact effectively with County employees, management, and others. Accuracy, confidentiality and responsive customer service are essential in this role. Demonstrated ability to assume responsibility and succeed within a team environment; ability to recognize issues, problems and opportunities, and take appropriate action. Proficiency in core Microsoft Office products. Able to fulfill physical demands of job, sensory demands (seeing and hearing), and cognitive demands (concentration, conceptualization, memorization). Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

Washington County is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of background or identity.

SALARY RANGE: $69,117.00-$91,905.00