HR Generalist (Part-Time)

POSITION SUMMARY                                                                   

The Human Resources (HR) Generalist serves as the on-site HR leader for our Lorain, Ohio facility. The HR generalist provides full-scope HR guidance for day-to-day employee needs, ensuring timely, accurate, and professional support across employee relations, onboarding, coaching, policy interpretation, and site-level compliance. This position works closely with management and employees to foster a positive work environment, ensuring that HR programs and policies are effectively implemented to support the company’s goals. 

While this role manages all general HR inquiries at the facility, many specialized HR functions (benefits, talent acquisition, payroll, HRIS, leave management, etc.) are administered through our corporate HR team in Orlando, FL. The HR Generalist acts as the key liaison between the facility and the Orlando HR team—coordinating requests, ensuring smooth handoffs, and maintaining strong communication so employees receive seamless HR support.

The HR Generalist is expected to maintain a consistent, visible presence throughout the facility. This includes regularly walking the floor, engaging with employees, and building strong relationships with supervisors and managers. The role requires proactively identifying and addressing employee concerns, operational challenges, and engagement opportunities—rather than waiting for issues to surface.

This position is part-time, specific hours to be determined and set based on Acorn’s needs and considering the HR Generalist’s availability and preference.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Serve as the site HR point of contact for employee concerns, addressing them confidentially and professionally.
• Promote positive company culture through communication, engagement, and conflict resolution.
• Investigate and resolve employee complaints in accordance with company policies.
• Facilitate new employee onboarding, integrating company culture, policies, and procedures.
• Assist with benefits inquiries, open enrollment, and benefits provider issues.
• Support performance improvement plans and employee coaching in collaboration with managers.
• Ensure HR practices comply with federal, state, and local laws.
• Maintain knowledge of labor laws (FMLA, ADA, OSHA) and assist with policy development and enforcement.
• Coordinate employee training and development programs to enhance skills and career growth.
• Support leadership and employee development initiatives and assist with organizational changes.
• Assist with employee inquiries, maintain HR data, and process employee changes (e.g., terminations, new hires).
• Manage wellness communications and assist with the wellness program.
• Assist with processing disability, workers' compensation, and FMLA/ADA-related paperwork.
• Respond to 401(k) and benefits inquiries and assist with annual open enrollment.
• Employee may perform other related duties as needed to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.   

SKILLS

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with employees at all levels.
• Knowledge of labor laws and HR best practices.
• High level of organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with HRIS or other HR software.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.

ATTRIBUTES

• Capacity for listening, dealing with confrontation, and overcoming objections.
• Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Inspires respect and trust; Displays passion and optimism.
• Customer-centric mentality; Manages difficult or emotional situations; Responds promptly to employee needs; Responds to requests for service and assistance.
• Strong team player; contributes to positive team environment and welcomes feedback.
• Accepts and adapts to frequent change. Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure.
• Works with integrity and ethically; supports organization’s culture, goals, and values.
• Adheres to work schedule.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma and three to four years of HR experience preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Strongly preferred: experience serving as the primary or sole HR representative at a facility, with responsibility for independently managing day-to-day HR needs and partnering remotely with centralized HR teams.
• Experience with ADP or similar HRIS preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

NOTE:  This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive.