Human Resources Generalist

Behavioral Health Network, Inc.; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

403(b) retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Employee assistance programs

Job summary

Behavioral Health Network in Worcester, MA seeks an experienced Human Resources Generalist to support employees and managers across employee relations, onboarding, benefits, payroll, HRIS, compliance, and union-related matters. This on-site role requires travel to BHN locations and a strong foundation in HR law and practices.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field, five years of HR Generalist experience, and proficiency with UKG HRIS.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in HR, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Five years of experience in HR Generalist or comparable hands-on HR role.
• At least two years of experience in a union environment with collective bargaining agreement provisions.
• Working knowledge of employment laws, HR best practices, EEO/ADA/FMLA/PFML, investigations, performance management, and policy interpretation.
• Hands-on experience with HRIS (preferably UKG) and proficiency with MS Office or Google Workspace.
• PHR or SHRM-CP certification highly desirable.
• On-site work in Worcester with travel to BHN locations across Massachusetts.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a responsive first point of contact for employees and managers on HR, payroll, benefits, policies, and workplace questions.
• Coordinate with recruitment, benefits, payroll, leave administration, HRIS, training, and employee relations colleagues to provide timely, well-organized support.
• Assist with health, welfare, and retirement benefits, payroll inquiries, leaves of absence, and open enrollment activities.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records in the HRIS, including personnel changes and leave tracking.
• Guide new employees through onboarding and orientation and ensure a welcoming start.
• Partner with HR Director and union representatives to investigate, mediate, and resolve grievances professionally.
• Support collective bargaining preparation by compiling data and maintaining negotiation documents.
• Ensure consistent application of collective bargaining provisions related to seniority, job bidding, wage progression, and discipline.
• Assist managers with performance reviews, goal setting, and employee development.
• Support organizational changes, transfers, promotions, restructures, and other transactions with HR and leadership.
• Promote compliance with employment laws and HR policies; maintain confidential personnel documentation.
• Compile and monitor HR metrics like headcount and turnover to inform workforce decisions.

Skills

HR Generalist experience

Union experience

HRIS experience

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Conflict resolution

Customer service

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field

Tools

UKG HRIS

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Behavioral Health Network (BHN) is a leading statewide provider of behavioral health services and a Certified Great Place to Work. Since 1938, BHN has been dedicated to helping individuals, families, and communities thrive through compassionate, high-quality care and support services. With deep roots in Western Massachusetts and a growing presence across the Commonwealth, we are currently seeking a Human Resources Generalist to support our Worcester operations and expanding Central Massachusetts presence. Based on-site in Worcester, with occasional travel, this role will provide responsive, hands-on HR support to employees and managers across employee relations, onboarding, benefits, payroll, HRIS, compliance, and union-related matters.

What We Offer:

• Purpose-Driven Work – Support the employees and leaders who provide essential behavioral health services throughout Massachusetts.
• Employee Experience Impact – Help employees receive timely, accurate, and compassionate HR support throughout their employment journey.
• Opportunity to Shape Growth – Strengthen HR service delivery while supporting BHN’s continued expansion into Central Massachusetts.
• Broad HR Exposure – Build experience across employee relations, labor relations, onboarding, benefits, payroll, HRIS, compliance, and workforce analytics.
• Professional Growth – Access ongoing training, mentorship, career development, and advancement opportunities across one of the Commonwealth’s largest behavioral health organizations.
• Supportive Team Culture – Join a collaborative workplace guided by our HEART values: Humanity, Empowerment, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork.
• Comprehensive Benefits – Generous PTO, 403(b), tuition reimbursement, medical, dental, vision, employee assistance programs, and more.
• Certified Great Place to Work – Work for an organization recognized for creating a positive and engaging employee experience.

What You Will Do:

• Serve as a responsive first point of contact for employees and managers seeking assistance with general HR, payroll, benefits, policies, and workplace questions.
• Coordinate with recruitment, benefits, payroll, leave administration, HRIS, training, and employee relations colleagues to provide timely, well-organized support.
• Assist with health, welfare, and retirement benefits, payroll inquiries, leaves of absence, and open enrollment activities.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records in the HRIS, including personnel changes, job changes, and leave tracking.
• Guide new employees through onboarding and orientation and help ensure a welcoming, organized start.
• Partner with the HR Director and union representatives to investigate, mediate, and resolve grievances fairly and professionally.
• Support collective bargaining preparation by compiling data, researching relevant information, and maintaining negotiation documentation.
• Help ensure consistent application of collective bargaining agreement provisions related to seniority, job bidding, wage progression, and disciplinary processes.
• Support managers with performance reviews, goal setting, employee development, supervision documentation, and performance-management processes.
• Support organizational changes, transfers, promotions, restructures, and other employee transactions in partnership with HR and program leadership.
• Promote compliance with employment laws, HR policies, and best practices while maintaining accurate, confidential personnel documentation.
• Compile and monitor HR metrics, including headcount and turnover, to help leaders identify trends and make informed workforce decisions.

Who You Are:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Five years of experience in an HR Generalist or comparable hands-on HR role.
• At least two years of experience working in a union environment and interpreting or applying collective bargaining agreement provisions strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of employment laws, HR best practices, EEO requirements, ADA, FMLA, PFML, workplace investigations, performance management, and policy interpretation.
• Hands-on experience with an HRIS, preferably UKG, and proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.
• Strong verbal and written communication, conflict-resolution, emotional-intelligence, organizational, and customer-service skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and employee requests while maintaining accuracy, confidentiality, integrity, and timely follow-through.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with managers, employees, union representatives, and HR colleagues and recognize when sensitive matters require escalation.
• PHR or SHRM-CP certification highly desirable.
• Ability to work on-site in Worcester and travel frequently to BHN locations across Massachusetts.

We Hire for HEART!

Since 1938, BHN has delivered high-quality, culturally responsive behavioral health care to individuals, families, and communities throughout Massachusetts. Our core values — Humanity, Empowerment, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork — guide how we lead, how we serve, and how we support one another. If you’re ready to make a meaningful difference as part of a mission-driven organization, we’d love to hear from you.

Salary Range: $60,000-$75,000

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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