Senior Human Resources Generalist - Absence Management and Wellness

City of Chesapeake; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Chesapeake is seeking a knowledgeable Senior Human Resources Generalist to oversee absence management services and supervise the Employee Wellness Program. This role supports FML and related processes, interprets policies, and advises on complex cases to maintain lawful, compassionate practices.

The ideal candidate has staff supervision experience in public sector HR, strong leadership, and a commitment to employee health and well-being.

Qualifications

• Experience with leave administration, return-to-work, and absence management.
• Experience coordinating employee wellness programs and implementing health initiatives.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret policies, handle sensitive matters, and communicate requirements clearly.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and support the HR Coordinator, providing direction and ensuring timely absence management tasks.
• Oversee FML, leaves of absence, and return-to-duty processes in compliance with laws and City policies.
• Serve as a resource for complex leave cases, advising employees, supervisors, and leadership.
• Collaborate with HR staff, Payroll, Benefits, and departments on leave status, work restrictions, accommodations, and related matters.
• Oversee the Employee Wellness Program, coordinating activities, sessions, screenings, and engagement initiatives.
• Promote wellness resources through departments, vendors, and community organizations and evaluate participation feedback.
• Develop resources and provide training on absence management and wellness programs.

Skills

Leave administration

Absence management

Wellness programming

Leadership

Policy interpretation

Customer service

Job description

Support the people who serve our community!

The City of Chesapeake is seeking a knowledgeable and compassionate Senior Human Resources Generalist to oversee absence management services and supervise and coordinate the Employee Wellness Program. This position provides support and oversight for Family and Medical Leave (FML) and other absence management processes, offers guidance on complex cases, ensures consistent application of policies, and advances initiatives that support employee health and well being.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supervise and support the HR Coordinator, providing direction, reviewing work, and ensuring timely and accurate completion of absence management responsibilities.
• Oversee FML, leaves of absence, and return to duty (RTD) processes for consistency with applicable laws and City policies.
• Serve as a resource for complex leave cases and provide guidance to employees, supervisors, and department leadership.
• Collaborate with HR staff, Payroll, Benefits, and departments on leave status, work restrictions, accommodations, and related matters.
• Ensure confidential records are maintained appropriately and identify opportunities to improve procedures and employee support.
• Supervise and coordinate the Employee Wellness Program, including activities, educational sessions, screenings, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Partner with departments, vendors, and community organizations to deliver and promote wellness resources.
• Evaluate program participation and employee feedback to recommend improvements.
• Develop employee resources and provide training on absence management and wellness programs.

Our ideal candidate brings:

• Knowledge of leave administration, return to work processes, and employee wellness programming.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem solving skills.
• The ability to interpret policies, manage sensitive matters, and communicate requirements clearly.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and a commitment to responsive customer service.

Experience in staff supervision, absence management, wellness program coordination, and public sector human resources is preferred.

Join the City of Chesapeake and help create a healthy, supportive workplace for our employees.

The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits. Please browse our Benefits Brochure, for a full list of benefits and employee perks.