Human Resources Generalist

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Additional duties of a similar nature and level may also be assigned. The City may make reasonable accommodations to enable a qualified individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Coordinates the day-to-day administration of assigned Human Resources functions; advises City management by providing confidential consultation and professional advice for effective management of employees and business operations within functional area; assists with coordinating and administering functional Human Resources areas outside of regular assignment in the absence of team members as assigned.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of records, reports and files related to specific projects and assignments; develops, prepares, and presents human resource metrics and related analysis.
• Administers various human resource plans and procedures for all City personnel; assists in the development and implementation of personnel policies and procedures; assists with updates to Chapter 2.28 Personnel Plan of the RMC and the Compensation Plan for Unaffiliated Employees, consistent with the expectations and authority of the City Manager; prepares and maintains policies and procedures; maintains compliance with federal and state regulations concerning human resources.
• Functional assignments to include two or more of the following:
  • Makes recommendations for changes to the compensation plan and performance award program; executes changes upon approval.
  • Assists the Human Resources Director with benefits administration, including retirement and deferred compensation programs, open enrollment, claims resolution, change reporting, approving invoices for payment and communicating benefit information to employees; works directly with broker and vendors to ensure efficient processes, effective service delivery and cost-effective benefit programs by using contracts to fullest extent; participates in and coordinates strategic benefit planning.
  • Administers workers' compensation and other occupational medicine programs; administers leave programs such as FMLA, Washington State leaves, non-occupational, disability, return-to-work, and ADA-related requests.
  • Develops and maintains equal employment opportunity data and programs; files EEO-4 report annually; maintains other records, reports and logs to conform to EEO regulations.
  • Administers the drug free workplace and safety sensitive drug and alcohol-free programs for the City.
  • Conducts new-employee on-boarding and employee off-boarding;  participates in developing related processes and programs in accordance with best-practices.
  • Assists departments in recruitment and selection efforts, including civil service; conducts staffing and recruitment program activities such as: prepares and reviews job descriptions, job postings, advertisements and announcements; screens applications, schedules interviews, works with hiring managers to develop skills testing and interview questions; develops and conducts in-house promotional exams; coordinates and communicates with applicants/candidates throughout the recruitment and hiring process lifecycle.
  • Provides employee and labor relations consulting/counseling to employees, supervisors, management and other leadership; participates in and/or leads employment-related fact-findings/investigations and facilitates the resolution of supervisor or employee issues, concerns and conflicts; assists management in disciplinary meetings and processes, issuing discipline, or creating development plans.
  • Works with supervisors as needed regarding performance management issues and to correct deficiencies in employee performance; assists with drafting corrective action, discipline, grievance and other documents to help ensure city-wide consistency and application; assists with preparing materials for arbitration when needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.

Knowledge of:

• Applicable Federal, State and local laws, rules, codes and regulations related to assigned activities.
• Principles and practices of public human resources administration, to include employee and labor relations, compensation, benefits, and leave administration.
• Research methods, data collection, sampling techniques and statistical analysis.
• Operation of a computer, HRIS and other specialized software and data entry techniques; technology practices to enable efficiency and transparency in HR operations and provision of services to customers and the public.
• PC software including word processing, spreadsheets, database, desktop publishing and audio-visual equipment.
• Modern office practices, methods, procedures and equipment.
• Record-keeping principles, procedures, and techniques.
• Public speaking and facilitation techniques.

Skills and abilities to:

• Establish, maintain and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Read, learn, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, contract requirements, policies and procedures.
• Understand the business of the City and its various operations, departments and divisions to provide perspective in service approaches and customer needs.
• Encourage and facilitate a diverse and inclusive approach to all aspects of human resources and in consultation with City leaders at all levels.
• Understand and facilitate the principles of an ethical approach to all aspects of human resources and in consultation with City leaders at all levels.
• Assist with the development, implementation and day to day administration of human resources policies, programs, projects and automated systems.
• Consult, develop options and advise department and division leadership concerning a variety of human resources matters, including employee relations consulting and labor issues.
• Provide technical information and assistance.
• Lead, plan and organize work for other staff when assigned.
• Work confidentially with discretion, including within the Public Information act/Privacy Acts and HIPAA rules and regulations.
• Collect, compile, analyze and tabulate statistical data.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action; conduct internal fact-finding investigations using appropriate processes.
• Maintain technical records and prepare detailed and statistical reports.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; comprehend and use English effectively including producing all forms of communications in a clear, concise and understandable manner to intended audiences.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; work independently with little or no direction, set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, and Excel, with a working knowledge of Access.
• Operate a variety of modern office equipment and personal computers using standard or customized software application programs appropriate to assigned activities.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
• Provide continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.

Foundational

• Use Technical/Functional Expertise: Displays an appropriate depth of knowledge and skills as required for the position and commensurate with the time in class. Uses technology as appropriate for the position. Seeks additional knowledge and information to continually enhance knowledge in areas of specialty.
• Be Accountable for Performance: Actively shows responsibility, reliability, and trustworthiness. Ensures work and information are complete and accurate. Admits mistakes and looks for ways to improve. Models self as dependable and reliable. Follows up with others to ensure agreements and commitments have been fulfilled. Values the importance of team and organizational success. Independently takes action to influence events, to improve own or organizational performance and to promote the goals of the organization.
• Provide Excellent Customer Service: Anticipates, assesses, and responds effectively to the needs of diverse customers, both internal and external, providing consistently excellent service that is timely, accurate, courteous, and respectful.
• Communicate Effectively: Uses verbal and written skills effectively to ensure that information is successfully shared throughout the organization. Relates well to a range of people. Shows sensitivity to the needs of others. Demonstrates ability to build rapport and facilitates mutual understanding.
• Work Safely: Knowledge and application of relevant safety requirements that apply to the specific work being done. Recognizes and mitigates safety hazards on the job. Observes rules and regulations to comply with personal and workplace safety standards. Works to create a hazard-free, accident-free environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
This work requires regular and punctual attendance at the office or other assigned locations; work constantly requires using hands to finger, handle or feel, repetitive motions, sitting, reaching with hands and arms, speaking and hearing; work occasionally requires standing, walking, and pushing or pulling; work seldom requires exertion of up to 30 pounds of lifting and force, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; work has standard vision requirements, vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).