Human Resources Generalist

About the Department

This exciting opportunity represents a strategic shift in the Human Resources Department service model toward embedded HR, providing specialized support to a high-stakes public safety environment. By sitting directly within the Fire Department, the HR Generalist gains "boots on the ground" insight into the unique cultural and operational needs of first responders. The Human Resources Generalist will be trained in the daily functions of the Human Resources (HR) department, including talent management and recruitment, employee relations, classification and compensation, benefits, policy development, employee development, HRIS, and enforcing city policies and practices. The reporting structure of this position is a solid line to HR under the general supervision of the HR Deputy Director and a dotted line to the Fire Department.

Position Duties

• Performs routine tasks required to administer and execute human resources programs, including but not limited to compensation, benefits, and leave; disciplinary matters; disputes and investigations; performance and talent management; productivity, recognition, and morale; and training and development.
• Manages, monitors, tracks, and/or collaborates on processes for FMLA, ADA, light duty, workplace injuries, fit-for-duty testing, military leave, and workers' compensation matters.
• Ensures compliance with city and departmental policies and procedures.
• Recruits, interviews, and assists in facilitating the hiring and testing process of qualified job applicants for open positions; collaborates with departmental leadership staff to understand skills and competencies required for openings. Collaborates in the development of recruitment and marketing strategies.
• May conduct labor market research on classification and compensation.
• Manages employment-related inquiries from applicants, employees, and supervisors, referring complex and/or sensitive matters to the appropriate staff.
• Assists with promotional test development and administration, accreditation tasks, and reviews transfers and promotions.
• Attends and participates in employee disciplinary meetings, terminations, investigations, grievance hearings, and Civil Service Board meetings.
• Maintains compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommended best practices; reviews policies and practices to maintain compliance.
• Initiates HRIS workflows and actions and ensures accuracy for personnel actions.
• Works with Employee Medical and Risk Management injuries, exposures, and return-to-work matters as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, organizational development, communications, business administration, or related field.
• At least two or more years of related human resources experience or equivalency.
• At least one (1) industry-recognized certification preferred but not required (SPHR/PHR, SHRM-SCP/CP, PSHRA-SCP/CP)
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Fundamental Knowledge of Human Resources Practices including:
  1. Benefits Administration
  2. Talent Management
  3. Employee Relations
  4. Classification and Compensation
  5. Employee Training and Development

Physical Requirements: This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling, reaching with hands and arms and pushing or pulling; work has standard vision requirements: vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; 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 operating motor vehicles or equipment; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g., business office, light traffic).

Other Qualifications

Valid North Carolina Driver’s License Required.