Human Resources Generalist

Goodwill Southern Los Angeles County; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodwill Southern Los Angeles County is seeking an HR Generalist to serve as a strategic partner across the employee lifecycle within a multi-site organization. You will collaborate with leaders to ensure employment law compliance, effective HR operations, and exceptional employee service.

The role supports payroll, benefits inquiries, onboarding, investigations, and performance guidance while handling confidential information with integrity and discretion.

Qualifications

• College degree or 4+ years of diverse HR experience.
• Experience in corporate HR with multiple sites and 500+ employees.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws.

Responsibilities

• Support full employee lifecycle including onboarding, performance, and separations.
• Provide guidance on HR policies and employment practices to employees and managers.
• Assist with compliance, audits, and reporting requirements.
• Coordinate leave management and benefits administration.
• Contribute to employee engagement initiatives and HR projects.

Skills

Employment law knowledge

HR policies & procedures

Employee relations

Confidentiality

Communication & advisory

Multitasking & adaptability

Performance coaching

Executive partner collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR

4+ years HR experience

Tools

Ceridian Dayforce (HRIS)

Payroll software

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Human Resources Generalist serves as a strategic partner and trusted resource, supporting the full spectrum of Human Resources functions throughout the employee lifecycle. This position collaborates with organizational leaders and Human Resources to ensure compliance with employment laws, promote employee engagement, strengthen organizational effectiveness, and deliver exceptional customer service. The Human Resources Generalist performs complex, confidential, and compliance-driven responsibilities while supporting HR operations, employee relations, talent acquisition, learning and development, and workforce initiatives. This position reports directly to the Human Resources Manager.

Exemplary Duties / Responsibilities

Operations & Administration

• Maintain the integrity, confidentiality, and security of all personnel, medical, and legal records in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws.
• Administer employee personnel files and ensure compliance with document retention standards and audit requirements.
• Process and maintain employee transactions, including new hires, promotions, transfers, status changes, and separations.
• Review and audit Human Resources documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain accurate employee records within the Human Resources Information System (HRIS) and generate reports to support operational and business needs.
• Coordinate employment verifications, personnel documentation, and other administrative Human Resources functions.
• Support payroll administration by reviewing pay-related transactions, coordinating final pay requirements, and assisting with payroll compliance activities.
• Maintain departmental operations through inventory management, supply procurement, and administrative support functions.
• Provide front office coverage and serve as a professional representative of the Human Resources Department when needed.

Employee Relations & Compliance

• Serve as a resource to employees and leaders by providing guidance regarding Human Resources policies, procedures, employment practices, and organizational expectations.
• Conduct or assist with workplace investigations, employee relations matters, corrective action processes, conflict resolution, and grievance management under the direction of Human Resources leadership.
• Partner with management to provide consistent guidance regarding performance management, disciplinary actions, policy interpretation, and employment-related decisions.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including but not limited to FMLA, CFRA, ADA, FEHA, Workers' Compensation, Wage and Hour requirements, EEO/AA regulations, and recordkeeping standards.
• Coordinate leave of absence administration and support interactive process documentation as appropriate.
• Manage unemployment claims, wage garnishments, regulatory reporting, and other compliance-related activities.
• Assist with internal and external audits, legal documentation, and compliance initiatives while identifying opportunities to strengthen organizational practices.
• Prepare and process employment documentation while ensuring compliance with organizational hiring standards.
• Assist with new hire onboarding experiences and manage employee identification badges and related onboarding materials.
• Manages employee separation documentation and offboarding processes.
• Support employee benefit administration by assisting with employee inquiries and program communications.
• Coordinate employee engagement initiatives, recognition programs, and organizational events.
• Prepare and submit required regulatory reports while ensuring data accuracy and compliance.
• Participate in departmental projects and strategic Human Resources initiatives.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned in support of departmental and organizational objectives.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education/Experience

A college degree or 4+ years of diverse human resources experience and/or any combination of education and experience providing the required skills and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying.

Knowledge & Skills

• Working knowledge of employment law and regulations and wage and hour and their application in the day-to-day HR working environment
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws regulating Human Resources
• Professional public/employee relations skills, problem-solving, analysis, and decision-making ability
• Previous experience working in all areas related to human resources in a corporate setting
• Experience working for a company with multiple sites and an employee size of 500+
• Strong working knowledge and experience with an HRIS and payroll software.
• Ability to partner with employees and executives.
• Utmost ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to multitask and be flexible.
• Ability to give consistent counsel to supervisors and managers

Software(s) & System(s)

• Experience with HRIS system administration, preferably Ceridian/Dayforce or similar systems
• Experience with Payroll systems, preferably Ceridian/Dayforce or similar systems
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Qualifications

• PHR/SHRM Human Resources Certification
• Knowledge of Ceridan, Dayforce HRIS system
• Association for Talent Development Certification

Core Competencies

To perform the job successfully an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Confidentiality and Ethics - Maintains complete confidentiality of all divisions and employee records/files and employee verifications, reviewing the quarterly. Ensure personnel and legal files are compliant with document retention policies and HR standards. Decision making is based on fair, firm, and consistent processes and procedures.
• Compliance - Responds to inquiries regarding policies and procedures, including the HR Business Pillar functionalities. (EDD, Worker’s Comp, employee relations, etc.) Ensure personnel files are compliant with document retention policies and HR standards. Workers’ compensation files are filed and secured. Maintains complete confidentiality of all divisions and employee records/files and employee verifications, reviewing the files annually. Gathering and coordinating all legal files. Assist with documentation of the Goodwill SOLAC termination process for all management team members. In addition, monitor termination documentation and processing of termination checks via ADP. Safety/ De-escalation - Safety of the HR area and the evacuation process. Minimize Safety Incidents.
• Training & Talent Development - Trains, coaches, and mentors interdepartmental and external departments on processes, policies, and procedures. Develops training standard operating procedures to improve effectiveness. Ensures alignment between HR/ Learning and Development Compliance and all departments
• Interpersonal Skills - Must be able to work courteously and professionally with all employees and customers/visitors. The first point of contact for all employee relations concerns inquiries and guidance. Uphold professional appearance and composure as the initial point of contact for all employees and the H.R. department. Must be able to work courteously and professionally with all employees and customers/visitors. Ensures high standards of service and professionalism. Collaborates with all new employees/ students and maintains photo files for name and replacement badges for identification purposes. Assist with documentation of the Goodwill SOLAC termination process for all management team members. In addition, monitor termination documentation and processing of termination checks.
• Customer Service/ Team Collaboration - Maintain professional, courteous communication and teamwork. Develops training programs to improve team effectiveness. Ensures alignment between corporate goals and Human Resources Business Operations execution. Communicates with other departments regarding events, policies, collaborations, and grievances.
• Performance Metrics & Accountability - Utilize KPIs for compliance and process efficiency. Uses data to drive decision-making and hold teams accountable. Continuously monitors progress and adjusts strategies as needed.

Licenses:

• Must possess a valid California motor vehicle operating license and must have reliable transportation or be willing to use their personal vehicle in the course of employment.

This job specification should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standard of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required by their supervisor.