Human Resources Generalist

Lake County; Waukegan (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Wellness and training program

Job summary

Lake County Government is seeking a Human Resources Generalist to support the HR Department’s daily operations, improve services, and collaborate with teams across the organization. The role involves responding to inquiries, handling onboarding, maintaining records, and ensuring accurate HRIS/Payroll data entry.

The position emphasizes recruitment, benefits administration, open enrollment, and employee relations, with a preference for Workday experience within a supportive, inclusive workplace

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in business administration, public administration, human resources or related field.
• 2–3 years of progressively responsible experience in development and delivery of HR services, or a combination of education and experience.
• Experience with Workday is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Respond courteously and efficiently to inquiries regarding policies, procedures, and benefits.
• Prepare and post recruitment materials; maintain confidential employee records.
• Coordinate onboarding documentation and support onboarding processes; enter employee information in the HRIS/Payroll system.
• Develop and implement recruitment and selection strategies to recruit and retain qualified staff.
• Assist with open enrollment processes and employee education on benefits.
• Conduct retirement meetings and advise on options and requirements.

Skills

Workday

HR policies

Data analysis

Communication

Onboarding

Benefits administration

Employee relations

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field

Tools

Payroll software

MS Excel

Job description

General Description

Seeking a challenging role in an organization that offers rewarding compensation, an excellent benefits package, and opportunities for career growth? Lake County Government could be your ideal destination! With nearly 3,000 employees, our mission is to serve the residents of Lake County with dedication and purpose. We take pride in our work and foster a collaborative environment that our employees respect and value.

The Human Resources Generalist provides key support to the Human Resources Department’s daily operations while contributing to the enhancement and effectiveness of its HR initiatives and services. Under general supervision, this position requires a collaborative professional who thrives in a team environment and is capable of performing a wide range of professional and technical HR functions across the department’s full scope of services.

Responsibilities include responding courteously and efficiently to internal and external inquiries regarding policies, procedures, and benefits; preparing and posting recruitment materials; maintaining accurate and confidential employee records; coordinating onboarding documentation and supporting the onboarding process; and ensuring the timely and precise entry of employee information within the HRIS/Payroll system.

Essential Functions

Depending on the assignment, the incumbent may perform a combination of some or all of the following duties, and perform related duties as assigned:

• Timely and professionally responds to inquiries from employees, retirees and applicants on a wide range of topics including but not limited to timekeeping or absence related questions, recruitment processes, IMRF/SLEP (retirement benefits), 457 Plans, Personnel Policies, medical, dental, life insurance and other employee benefit plan provisions.


• Acts as a Business Partner to the Departments and employees assigned to serve.


• Provides technical and professional assistance in the administration of Human Resources functions; develop program revisions and procedural changes when asked; participate on and facilitate committees to provide input and recommendations.


• Gathers, compiles and analyzes raw data from a variety of sources, provide recommendations when applicable.


• Successfully works with team members and supervisors to identify and successfully resolve Human Resources issues, including Employee Relations, professional development opportunities, and complex matters.


• Understand and interpret the terms of multiple collective bargaining agreements.


• Develops and maintains Human Resources related data in multiple information systems, databases, records and files. Including pension (IMRF/457), benefits administration systems, and parts of the payroll process.


• Implement recruitment and selection strategies; provide guidance and assistance to improve the recruitment processes to enable the County to recruit and retain the most highly qualified workforce.


• Responsible for completing pre-employment requirements and conducting new hire orientations.


• Manage the annual open enrollment processes, including providing employee education


• Consult with existing and separating employees regarding benefit changes and options


• Conduct retirement meetings to inform employees of requirements, options, benefits, etc. associated with retirement.


• Participate and develop employee appreciation events, such as benefit fairs, Employee 5k events, etc.


• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required

• Experience working within Workday is highly preferred


• Basic knowledge of federal, state and local laws, regulations and court decisions applicable to Human Resources.


• Knowledge of or the ability to learn the principles, practices and techniques of public human resources administration including recruitment, testing, selection, classification and compensation, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), employee relations, labor relations, employee development and performance planning and appraisal.


• Ability to learn Lake County Human Resources Policies and labor contract provisions.


• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and when necessary focus on detail and detailed oriented tasks.


• Knowledge of trends in Human Resources program development and the ability to implement new programs successfully.


• Knowledge of and the ability to apply research methods and data analysis techniques.


• Skill in change management, problem-solving and conflict resolution.


• Ability to exercise discretion and confidentially handle information, records and issues.


• Ability to accept and follow direction.


• Ability to successfully use Lake County-specific technology and general office software.


• Ability to communicate clearly, logically, and persuasively both verbally and in writing; ability to prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive reports, correspondence and documents.


• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers, colleagues within the team/department and throughout the organization, representatives of other governmental agencies, the public and others encountered in the course of work.


• Ability to collaborate with diverse groups of people, including constituencies which may have been underrepresented.


• Ability to facilitate inclusive participation in programs and activities; communicate cross-culturally

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, public administration, human resources or a related field is preferred;Between 2 – 3 years of progressively responsible experience in the development and delivery of human resources servicesOr any combination of education and experience that provides the candidates the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties prescribed to the position (above).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE POSITION

Requires mainly office work, involving standing or walking some of the time, exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular basis, and high dexterity in operating office equipment, including a keyboard, phone, copier, etc.

The position requires normal visual acuity and field of vision and the ability to hear and speak to understand, respond to and build relationships with a diverse clientele.

Supplemental Information

Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package. We also offer flexible working hours, and a comprehensive wellness and training program. Visit our Prospective Employee Page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County!

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening, drug testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam.

Lake County is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).