Human Resources Generalist

County of Lancaster; Lancaster (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Lancaster seeks an Human Resources Generalist to provide county-wide HR support across Human Services departments, including BHDS, Children and Youth, and Office of Aging.

The role requires independent judgment, discretion, and strict confidentiality while handling employee relations, ADA accommodations, recruitment, onboarding, training, and HR systems operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in employee relations, ADA and medical accommodations, recruitment, training and HR compliance.
• Strong communication skills and ability to handle sensitive information confidentially.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and county HR software systems.

Responsibilities

• Serve as first point of contact for employee relations within Human Services departments.
• Guide staff on personnel policies and procedures; support ADA process and accommodations.
• Assist with recruitment and retention initiatives and candidate selection recommendations.
• Oversee onboarding; ensure clearances and documents are completed before start dates.
• Provide general HR support across payroll, benefits, examinations, and reporting.
• Travel to meetings and trainings; perform other HR duties as assigned.

Skills

HR policies

ADA compliance

Employee relations

Recruitment

Data analysis

Communication

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

High School Diploma with 5 years experience

Tools

Workday

MS Office

PTG

Publisher

HR software systems

Job description

Starting Compensation:
$57,388.50/Annually

Find job security and stability alongside a growing community and a team that supports you. Level up your career through a large network and specialty training.

If you're passionate about making a difference, apply today to join us in serving the community!

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY

• - The Human Resources Generalist provides County-wide HR support with direct responsibility for Human Services departments, including Lancaster County Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (BHDS), Children and Youth Agency, and Office of Aging.
• - The role requires considerable independent judgment, initiative, discretion, and strict confidentiality.
• - Work involves performing duties across multiple HR functional areas, including employee relations, ADA and medical accommodations, recruitment, performance, employee training, HR compliance, and HR systems operations.
• - This position interacts regularly with employees and job applicants; requiring strong communication skills and the ability to analyze varied data in order to formulate appropriate recommendations within prescribed guidelines.
• - The job requires a broad understanding of agency and County operations and organizational structure, labor laws, personnel policies, HR compliance requirements, and excellent customer service skills.
• - Competency in Microsoft Office, and thorough knowledge of County HR software systems is required.
• - This position requires primarily in office work, but upon request may be granted occasional ability to telework.
• - Primary work location HR office, with frequent travel to BHDS Eden Road location.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• - Reports to the Field Human Resources Manager

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

*Employee Relations and ADA (Newly Expanded)

• - Serves as the first point of contact for employee relations concerns within Human Services Departments; triages issues, gathers information, and partners with County HR leadership on recommendations and next steps.
• - Provides guidance to employees and supervisors on personnel policies, procedures, and HR best practices.
• - Supports the ADA interactive process, including intake, documentation review, coordination of medical information, arranging meetings, preparing accommodation recommendations, and ensuring compliance with ADA, FMLA, and other applicable laws.
• - Assist the Field HR Manager with workplace investigations by gathering facts, documenting statements, and preparing summaries for HR leadership.
• - Advises on corrective action procedures, Performance Improvement Plans, and collaborates with HR management on disciplinary recommendations. Maintains strict confidentiality in handling sensitive employee information.
• - Clearance compliance (Human Services Focus) Tracks FBI, State Police, and Childline clearances.
• - Notifies staff when clearances are due and coordinates processing.

Recruitment and Retention

• - Participates in Agency and County recruitment and retention committees.
• - Supports recruitment initiatives including job postings, advertising strategies, interview preparation, and candidate selection recommendations.

Onboarding

• - Ensures all clearances and documents are completed prior to start dates.
• - Provides guidance to staff on proper completion of personnel forms, benefit paperwork, and timesheets.

*General HR Support

• - Advises Agency management on job descriptions, interviews, candidate selection, performance evaluations, and disciplinary matters.
• - Researches and responds to inquiries regarding payroll, personnel policies, benefits, and examinations; evaluates information and provides recommendations.
• - Prepares organizational charts and personnel reports with recommendations to management.
• - Travels to meetings, trainings, and job-related appointments.
• - Performs other HR duties as assigned.

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS

• - Distributes and reviews reporting to senior leadership monthly.
• - Assists in identifying trends and strategic action.
• - Completes special projects as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• - Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources or related field; or
• - High School Diploma with a minimum of 5 years experience in the areas listed above; or any equivalent training, knowledge, and experience.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• - Knowledge of basic human resources management practices in a government setting including basic understanding of bargaining unit agreements, nuances of County, Court and Merit Hire departments.
• - Knowledge of laws, regulations and principles relating to employee relations, ability to make sound judgments based on facts; excellent verbal and written communication skills and presentation skills.
• - Ability to deal effectively and positively with people, agencies, and organizations; ability to handle sensitive information and situations in a confidential manner, knowledge of various computer applications such as Workday, PTG, MS Office, Publisher (required).
• - Must have own transportation to travel to other County offices, seminars, etc.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• - Pennsylvania Childline Child Abuse History Clearance
• - Acceptable-PA State Police Criminal Record Clearance
• - Acceptable FBI fingerprint clearance
• - Acceptable Drug screening
• - PA Driver's License and Acceptable driving history

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• - Work is primarily sedentary in nature, no special demands are required.

The County of Lancaster offers comprehensive benefits to our employees. Read more about our benefits here .

Lancaster County Government provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all persons regardless of race, religion, age, sex, national origin, genetic information or disability. The County also observes all applicable laws regarding Veterans status. The County reflects this action in all areas of employment and compensation practices and policies. Employment with the County is based upon the ability to perform the job as well as dependability and reliability once an individual is hired.