Human Resources Generalist

City-of-Valdosta; Valdosta (GA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Valdosta seeks an HR Generalist to support recruitment, payroll, benefits, leave management, and compliance across departments. You will partner with the HR Director and city teams to ensure timely, confidential handling of sensitive information and employee relations.

Successful candidate will manage benefits administration, Open Enrollment, and training programs while upholding federal, state, and local laws and city policies. This role is onsite in Valdosta, GA.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of HR principles, practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local employment laws.
• Knowledge of benefits management.
• Knowledge of retirement processes.
• Experience with payroll, benefits administration, onboarding and training.
• Strong problem solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate recruitment and onboarding processes.
• Administer payroll, benefits, and leave management.
• Oversee workers' compensation, ADA accommodations, and safety programs.
• Maintain confidential HR records and ensure legal compliance.
• Provide employee relations guidance and training development.
• Assist with HR budgeting and reporting.

Skills

HR principles

Benefits management

Payroll administration

Onboarding

Training and development

Interpersonal relations

Oral and written communication

Legal compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Description

The Human Resources Generalist performs a broad range of professional human resources functions in support of the City's mission to recruit, develop, engage, and retain a highly qualified workforce. This position is responsible for administering employment processes, payroll and benefits administration, leave management, workers' compensation, risk management coordination, employee relations, training and development, and HR compliance. The Human Resources Generalist serves as a trusted resource to employees, supervisors, retirees, department leaders, and external partners while ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, City policies, and best practices.

This position reports to the Human Resources Director and exercises independent judgment in carrying out assigned responsibilities while maintaining the highest level of confidentiality and professionalism.

Major duties are dependent upon functional assignment and may include:

• Coordinate and administer the City's recruitment and selection process from job posting through onboarding.
• Prepare and advertise job announcements using appropriate recruitment platforms.
• Screen applications, coordinate interviews, conduct reference checks, and communicate with candidates throughout the hiring process.
• Prepare employment offers and new hire documentation.
• Coordinate pre-employment requirements including drug screening, physical examinations, background investigations, and employment eligibility verification.
• Conduct new employee orientation and facilitate the onboarding process to ensure a successful transition into City employment.
• Maintain applicant tracking records and recruitment metrics.
• Administer employee health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, voluntary, and wellness benefit programs.
• Coordinate benefit information with insurance carriers, retirement systems, brokers, and third-party administrators.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee and retiree benefit questions.
• Coordinate and manage the annual Open Enrollment process, ensuring employee participation and timely processing of benefit elections.
• Process qualifying life event changes and maintain benefit records.
• Prepare and submit life insurance and other benefit claims.
• Coordinate COBRA, retiree benefits, and other continuation coverage programs as applicable.
• Reconcile benefit invoices and assist with benefit audits.
• Administer payroll-related changes, including: direct deposits, insurance deductions, garnishments promotions and demotions, salary adjustments, and position changes.
• Work closely with Finance and Payroll staff to resolve payroll discrepancies.
• Maintain payroll records in accordance with applicable laws and City policies.
• Administer the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) program.
• Provide guidance to employees and supervisors regarding leave eligibility and requirements.
• Review medical certifications for completeness. Monitor and track FMLA usage and available leave balances. Coordinate return-to-work documentation.
• Assist with administration of ADA reasonable accommodations in coordination with supervisors and legal counsel when appropriate.
• Maintain confidential medical records in compliance with applicable regulations.
• Administer the City's Workers' Compensation Program.
• Coordinate medical authorizations and treatment plans.
• Maintain communication with injured employees, supervisors, healthcare providers, insurance adjusters, and third-party administrators.
• Coordinate return-to-work and transitional duty assignments.
• Maintain workers' compensation records and required reporting.
• Coordinate liability and property claims between City departments, insurance carriers, legal counsel, and third-party administrators.
• Assist with accident investigations and recommend corrective actions to reduce future risk.
• Track claims activity and prepare reports for management.
• Assist employees and supervisors with interpretation of personnel policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidential employee personnel files and HR records.
• Process employee status changes and personnel actions.
• Coordinate employee separation processes, including exit interviews, separation notices, benefit continuation information, and final paperwork.
• Conduct exit interviews and identify organizational trends.
• Assist with employee recognition and engagement initiatives.
• Respond to employee questions regarding HR policies, benefits, payroll, and employment matters.
• Coordinate the City's random drug and alcohol testing program. Notify departments of selected employees. Track testing completion and maintain confidential records. Coordinate reasonable suspicion, post-accident, return-to-duty, and follow-up testing as required.
• Develop, coordinate, and facilitate employee training programs.
• Conduct training on topics including: Harassment Prevention, Workplace Respect, Leadership Development, Customer Service, Ethics, Safety Awareness, etc. Partner with departments to identify operational training needs.
• Coordinate Lunch and Learn programs and employee development opportunities.
• Maintain employee training records and compliance documentation.
• Assist with administering the Performance Management program. Reviewing evaluations and ensuring departments conduct timely evaluations with employees each year.
• Conduct salary and compensation surveys. Assist with market analysis and classification studies.
• Compile workforce statistics, census reports, and organizational metrics.
• Prepare reports related to staffing, turnover, benefits, workers' compensation, leave utilization, and training.
• Assist with budget preparation for personnel and benefit expenditures.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Assist with audits, records management, and required governmental reporting.
• Maintain HR policies, procedures, and employee handbook updates.
• Coordinate employee appreciation and wellness initiatives.
• Organize Human Resources events and recognition programs.
• Assist with employee communication initiatives.
• Participate in committees and cross-functional teams.
• Support departmental strategic initiatives and organizational improvement efforts.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge of human resources principles, practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of applicable, federal, state and local laws.
• Knowledge of benefits management principles.
• Knowledge of retirement processes.
• Knowledge of the structure, functions and operations of city departments.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Knowledge of city budgeting policies and procedures.
• Skill in problem solving.
• Skill in prioritizing and planning.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.
• One to three years’ experience in payroll, benefits administration, onboarding and training is highly preferred. At least one year’s experience in either onboarding or training required. Special consideration given to experience in a governmental agency.
• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the work of subordinate positions to be able to answer questions and resolve problems, usually associated with one to three years’ experience or service.