HR Generalist

Job Summary: 

The Human Resource Generalist will run the daily functions of the Human Resource (HR) department including hiring and interviewing staff, administering pay, benefits, and leave, and enforcing company policies and practices. As the benefits administrator position is responsible for directing and planning the day-to-day operations of group benefits programs (group health, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, worker's compensation, life insurance, travel and accident plan, flexible spending plan, retirement plans, etc.).

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• None

Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Reviews, tracks, and documents compliance with mandatory and non-mandatory training, continuing education, and work assessments. This may include safety training, anti-harassment training, professional licensure, and aptitude exams and certifications. 
• Recruits, interviews, and facilitates the hiring of qualified job applicants for open positions; collaborates with departmental managers to understand skills and competencies required for openings. 
• Conducts or acquires background checks and employee eligibility verifications. 
• Implements new hire orientation and employee recognition programs. 
• Performs routine tasks required to administer and execute human resource programs including but not limited to compensation, benefits, and leave; disciplinary matters; disputes and investigations; performance and talent management; productivity, recognition, and morale; occupational health and safety; and training and development. 
• Handles employment-related inquiries from applicants, employees, and supervisors, referring complex and/or sensitive matters to the appropriate staff. 
• Attends and participates in employee disciplinary meetings, terminations, and investigations. 
• Maintains compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommended best practices; reviews policies and practices to maintain compliance. 
• Maintains knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law. 
• Coordinate daily benefits processing. Handle enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, accident and death claims, rollovers, QDROs, QMCSOs, distributions, loans, hardships and compliance testing.
• Oversee maintenance of employee benefits files, maintain group benefits database and update employee payroll records.
• Audit the accuracy and performance of functions performed by benefits staff.
• Analyze current benefits, evaluating the use, services, coverage, effectiveness, cost, plan experience and competitive trends in benefits programs, and identify the company's stance.
• Perform plan audits. Prepare, collect and organize data for actuarial assessments. Review data in conjunction with actuarial evaluation task forces.
• Negotiate with vendors and administrators for best plans, options and rates.
• Serve as primary contact for plan vendors and third-party administrators.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Required Skills/Abilities:  

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.  
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills. 
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. 
  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality. 
• Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations. 
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software. 
• Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn the organization’s HRIS and talent management systems. 
  
• Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements, both adopted and pending, affecting employee benefits programs, including the ACA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, workers' compensation, Medicare, OBRA, and Social Security and DOL requirements.

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor's degree in human resource management or related field, and three to five years of related benefits or employee benefits administration experience.
• SHRM-CP or PHR certification. 
• CEBs certification a plus. 

Physical Requirements:  

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.