Human Resources Generalist - AD295

Native American Rehabilitation Assoc. of the NW; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 40,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with match

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Health insurance

Life Insurance

Job summary

NARA Northwest is seeking a Human Resources Generalist to provide employee relations support and general HR functions in a full-time, in-person role at RiverHouse in Portland, OR. The position emphasizes investigations, policy guidance, and collaboration with managers to maintain compliant, respectful workplaces.

The role requires a minimum of five years of HR experience, a broad knowledge of HR functions, and the ability to manage sensitive issues with confidentiality.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional HR experience with direct employee relations responsibility.
• Experience conducting workplace investigations and documenting findings.
• Broad HR knowledge: recruitment, onboarding, performance management, compensation, benefits, leave, HRIS.

Responsibilities

• Serve as resource on workplace concerns for employees and managers.
• Manage employee relations matters from intake to resolution with documentation.
• Conduct fair investigations and escalate high-risk matters to HR leadership.
• Coach supervisors on communication, performance expectations, and disciplinary actions.
• Support HR policies implementation and maintain confidential records.

Skills

Employee relations

Workplace investigations

Policy administration

Communication

Confidentiality

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR

PHR/SPHR/SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

HRIS

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: River House - Portland, OR 97214, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: 4 Year Degree, Salary Range: $29.00 - $39.00 Hourly, Job Shift: Day, Title: Human Resources Generalist

Location: RiverHouse - 211 SE Caruthers St., Portland, OR 97214

Schedule: This is an in person position, Monday through Friday, approximately 8:30am - 5:00pm.

Wage Range: $29.00 – $39.00 hourly, non-exempt

If you are a motivated and dedicated Human Resources Generalist looking for an opportunity to contribute to an organization making a positive impact, we want to hear from you!

At NARA Northwest, you’ll find a supportive work environment where every team member is valued and respected. Whether you’re passionate about healthcare, behavioral health, education, or social services, there’s a place for you to make a meaningful difference.

Company Mission:

The mission of NARA NW is to provide education, physical, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment that is culturally appropriate to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and anyone in need.

About the Company:

At NARA NW, we deliver services and support to Native American and Alaska Native communities, helping individuals lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

With over 450 employees across a variety of programs—including medical and dental care, addiction treatment, housing assistance, and enrichment initiatives NARA NW offers numerous opportunities for growth and advancement, all while making a tangible, positive impact on the lives of others.

Position Overview:

The Human Resources Generalist is an experienced, well-rounded HR professional whose primary responsibility is employee relations. This position responds to workplace concerns, conducts and documents fact-finding and investigations, coaches managers, and supports fair, consistent application of organizational policies and employment practices. The Generalist must also have a practical working understanding of the full range of HR functions and know when to coordinate with the appropriate HR specialist or leader. All work is performed with discretion, sound judgment, and respect for NARA NW’s mission and the communities it serves.

What you will do:

Employee Relations

• Serve as a resource for employees and managers on workplace concerns, performance issues, policy questions, and appropriate next steps.
• Manage assigned employee relations matters from intake through resolution, including assessment, interviews, evidence review, clear case notes, written summaries, follow-up, and secure recordkeeping.
• Conduct fair, objective workplace investigations involving alleged misconduct, policy violations, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other employee concerns; elevate complex or high-risk matters to HR leadership and appropriate partners.
• Coach supervisors on employee communication, performance expectations, documentation, corrective action, performance improvement plans, and consistent treatment of employees.
• Support conflict resolution, employee meetings, and personnel actions, including disciplinary and separation processes, in consultation with HR leadership.
• Identify recurring employee relations concerns and recommend practical improvements to management practices, training, and HR processes.

General HR Support

• Provide general guidance across the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, employee development, performance management, compensation, benefits, leave and accommodation processes, and offboarding.
• Understand key HR compliance requirements and recognize when an issue requires referral to the HR team member responsible for leave, benefits, payroll, recruitment, or another specialty.
• Help implement and communicate HR policies and procedures; maintain accurate, timely, and confidential employee records and case documentation in approved systems.
• Partner with HR colleagues and department leaders on employee training, HR initiatives, process improvements, and timely resolution of HR questions.
• Review employee relations trends and relevant HR information to help identify risks, improve consistency, and support a respectful workplace.

Qualifications:

• At least five (5) years of professional human resources experience, including meaningful, direct responsibility for employee relations matters.
• Demonstrated experience conducting workplace investigations, interviewing involved parties, assessing information objectively, and preparing clear, accurate documentation and findings.
• Broad working knowledge of core HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, compensation, benefits, leave and accommodations, HR systems, and employee separations.
• Working knowledge of applicable federal and Oregon employment laws, including anti-discrimination and retaliation protections, wage and hour requirements, FMLA, OFLA, Paid Leave Oregon, and ADA obligations.
• Strong judgment, written and verbal communication, conflict‑resolution skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage sensitive issues with confidentiality and impartiality.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize a varied caseload, follow through on commitments, and collaborate with managers and HR colleagues.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience using an HR information system (HRIS).
• Must pass a pre‑employment or for cause drug tests.
• Must pass criminal background and DMV check

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field.
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM‑CP, or SHRM‑SCP certification.
• Experience in a healthcare, nonprofit, or Native American/Alaska Native‑serving organization.
• Experience using culturally responsive and trauma‑informed communication in sensitive workplace situations.

What’s in it for you?

15 Paid Holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Battle of Little Big Horn, Independence Day, Labor Day, Native American Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, day after Thanksgiving, December 25th and your birthday!

Benefits:

• Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance through Kaiser Permanente
• 15 Paid Holidays (Listed Above)
• 13 Paid Days of Sick Time
• 13 Paid Days of PTO (Vacation accruals increase with years of service to a maximum of 26 days)
• $50,000 Life Insurance & AD&D
• Short Term and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Spending Account
• 401(k) with 4% Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Inclement Weather Days (Snow Days)
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness -NARA NW is a local 501(c)3 nonprofit, FQHC

NARA NW Mission:

Our mission is to provide education, physical and mental health services and substance abuse treatment that is culturally appropriate to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and everyone in need.

NARA NW is fully committed to supporting sobriety. To support NARA NW in its mission, all employees agree to refrain from illicit drug use, marijuana use, and prescription drug abuse, both on and off the job. In addition, all employees agree to model alcohol sobriety. Modeling alcohol sobriety means not consuming, discussing, or promoting the use of alcohol, on the job, on social media and when in the community where the employee would be likely to be seen by NARA NW clients or community. If in recovery, employees must have been sober/clean for a length of time sufficient to demonstrate that they will be able to remain sober.

Consistent with NARA NW’s sobriety policy, all employees, volunteers, interns, and contractors, as applicable, are required to sign a “Drug-Free/Alcohol-Free Workplace Certification Form” and NARA NW “Modeling Sobriety Policy Form” as a condition of employment to confirm that they are aware of this policy and that they agree to comply with it. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. This policy is subject to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and its state counterpart

Preference in hiring is given to qualified Native Americans in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, US Code, Sections 472 and 473). NARA Northwest is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Within the scope of Indian Preference, all candidates will receive equal consideration. Experience working with Native American/ Alaska Native community is considered a plus.

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position’s activities and requirements, the agency reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties, as necessary.