Senior Human Resources Generalist - Absence Management and Wellness

City of Chesapeake Virginia; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Chesapeake seeks a Senior Human Resources Generalist to oversee absence management services and supervise the Employee Wellness Program. This role manages FML and related processes, advises on complex cases, and ensures policy consistency across departments.

Preferred candidates hold SHRM or similar certifications and have 5+ years in HR, with strong leadership and customer-service focus for a public-sector workforce.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in human resources, management, public administration, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of five years of related, professional, full-time experience.
• Valid driver’s license and a driving record compliant with City Driving Standards.
• Emergency operations support work and work locations may be outside normal duties.
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, and/or SPHR designations are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise HR Coordinator and ensure timely completion of absence management tasks.
• Oversee FML, leaves of absence, and return-to-duty processes in line with laws.
• Advise employees, supervisors, and leadership on complex leave cases.
• Coordinate with Payroll, Benefits and departments on status, restrictions, and accommodations.
• Ensure confidential records and identify process improvements.
• Lead and coordinate the Employee Wellness Program.
• Partner with departments and vendors to deliver wellness resources.

Skills

Leadership

Policy interpretation

Communication

Discretion

Supervision

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in human resources, management, public administration, or a closely related field

SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, and/or SPHR designations preferred

Job description

Senior Human Resources Generalist - Absence Management and Wellness

Working Title of Vacant Position Senior Human Resources Generalist - Absence Management and Wellness

Job Type

Job Type Full Time

Posting Type

Posting Type Public

Number of Vacancies

Number of vacancies 1

Department

Department HUMAN RESOURCES

Division

Division HUMAN RESOURCES

Requisition Number

Requisition Number 2026498

Number of hours worked per week

Number of hours worked per week 40+

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday; 8 am to 5 pm; Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.

Work Site Location

Work Site Location Chesapeake, VA

Position Driving Requirement

Position Driving Requirement O - Occasional

Pay Grade

Pay Grade GE15

Pay Basis

Pay Basis Semi-Monthly

Advertised Salary

$68,040 – $90,153; Depending on qualifications and experience

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.
• 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.

Required Qualifications

VOCATIONAL / EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT : Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in human resources, management, public administration, or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT : In addition to satisfying the vocational/education standard, this job class requires a minimum of five years of related, professional, full-time equivalent experience.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES : Requires a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is in compliance with the City Driving Standards .

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS : Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Emergency operations support work and work locations may be outside of normal job duties.

Preferred Qualifications

SHRM -CP, SHRM - SCP , PHR , and/or SPHR designations are preferred.

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 10/20/2026

Job Close Date

Open Continuous Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Overall Physical Strength Demands

L=Light - Exerting up to 20 lbs. occasionally, 10 lbs. frequently, or negligible amounts constantly OR requires walking or standing to a significant degree.

Physical Demands

C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.N = Never- Never occurs.

Standing

Standing Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Sitting

Sitting Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Walking

Walking Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Lifting

Lifting Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Lifting Amount

Lifting Amount Exerting up to 10 lbs

Carrying

Carrying Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Carrying Weight

Carrying Weight Exerting up to 10 lbs

Pushing/Pulling

Pushing/Pulling Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Pushing/Pulling Weight

Pushing/Pulling Weight Exerting up to 10 lbs

Reaching

Reaching Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Handling

Handling Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Fine Dexterity

Fine Dexterity Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Kneeling

Kneeling Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Crouching

Crouching Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Bending

Bending Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Twisting

Twisting Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Climbing

Climbing Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Balancing

Balancing Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Vision

Vision Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Hearing

Hearing Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Talking

Talking Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Foot Controls

Foot Controls Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids Used

Protective Equipment Required

Health and Safety

D = DailyW = Several Times Per WeekM = Several Times Per MonthS = SeasonallyN = Never

Mechanical Hazards

Mechanical Hazards N = Never

Chemical Hazards

Chemical Hazards N = Never

Electrical Hazards

Electrical Hazards N = Never

Fire Hazards

Fire Hazards N = Never

Explosives

Explosives N = Never

Communicable Diseases

Communicable Diseases S = Seasonally

Physical Danger or Abuse

Physical Danger or Abuse N = Never

Other

If Other, Description

Dirt and Dust

Dirt and Dust N = Never

Extreme Temperatures

Extreme Temperatures N = Never

Noise and Vibration

Noise and Vibration N = Never

Fumes and Odors

Fumes and Odors N = Never

Wetness/Humidity

Wetness/Humidity N = Never

Darkness or Poor Lighting

Darkness or Poor Lighting N = Never

Primary Work Location

Non-Physical Demands

C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.N = Never- Never occurs.

Time Pressures

Time Pressures Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Emergency Situations

Emergency Situations Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Frequent Change of Tasks

Frequent Change of Tasks Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime

Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously

Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team

Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Tedious or Exacting Work

Tedious or Exacting Work Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Noisy/Distracting Environment

Noisy/Distracting Environment Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Other

If Other, Description

Can anyone assist the employee in performing the primary tasks assigned to this position? If yes, identify the eligible task(s)

No

Professional References

Please provide contact information for professional references.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you possess a valid driver's license and a driving record that is in compliance with the City's Driving Standards? Please review link in posting for details.
  • Yes
  • No