Human Resources Generalist

County of Lancaster; United States; Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Lancaster is seeking an HR Generalist to provide county-wide HR support, focusing on Human Services departments including BHDS, Children and Youth, and Office of Aging. The role requires discretion, strong communication, and the ability to analyze data to make recommendations within guidelines.

The position involves employee relations, ADA and accommodations, recruitment, onboarding, training, HR compliance, and HR systems.

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.
• Knowledge of HR policies, ADA/FMLA, recruitment, onboarding, and HR systems.
• Experience with government HR operations and confidentiality standards.

Responsibilities

• Serve as first point of contact for employee relations within Human Services; triage issues and coordinate with HR leadership.
• Support recruitment, job postings, interviewing, and candidate selection.
• Coordinate onboarding, clearances, benefits, and timesheets.
• Advise management on job descriptions, performance evaluations, and disciplinary matters; respond to payroll and policy inquiries.
• Travel to meetings and trainings; perform other HR duties as assigned.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Discretion/confidentiality

Analytical data skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Workday knowledge

Education

Bachelor's Degree in HR or related field

Tools

Workday

PTG

MS Office

Publisher

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.

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. 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 Acceptable
• 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.

Employment with the County is based upon the ability to perform the job as well as dependability and reliability once an individual is hired.

About Us

Working for Lancaster County offers not just a job, but a chance to thrive both professionally and personally.

The benefits package for full-time employees, including paid time off, health insurance and flexible healthcare plans, ensures that you feel valued and supported in your role.

With employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement and more, you'll have the resources you need to provide excellent service to the 550,000 residents of Lancaster County.

With 1,600 full-time employees and 300 part-time employees spread across 40 departments, there are plenty of opportunities for growth and development within the county.

Whether you're interested in human services, public safety, administration, or any other field, there's a place for you to make a difference and advance your career.

Lancaster County itself is a vibrant and diverse community, offering something for everyone.

From the peaceful farmland to the bustling city and towns, there's always something new to discover.

Whether it's exploring farmers markets, enjoying local cuisine, or immersing yourself in the rich history of the area, Lancaster County has endless opportunities for you and your family to learn, explore, and enjoy.

Joining the team at Lancaster County means becoming part of a community dedicated to maintaining and improving this wonderful place we call home.