Human Resources Generalist

HR Generalist 

Location/Department: El Cajon, CA, People Operations

Reports to: Director of People Operations

Pay Range: $25.00 - $30.00

Schedule: Full-time

FLSA Status/CBA: Full-time, Non-Exempt, Non-Union

Benefits Eligible

Position Summary

The HR Generalist is a key member of the Human Resources team, supporting our mission to provide person-centered care and a supportive workplace that reflects the HGH ICARE values of Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Empathy.

This role sits at the intersection of Employee Relations, Recruitment, Payroll, and Benefits. While each of these areas has dedicated teams, the HR Generalist partners closely with them, maintaining working knowledge across functions to provide seamless support for staff and managers.

Designed for an HR professional in the developing phase of their career. The HR Generalist will develop cross-functional expertise, champion compliance and employee engagement, and shape people first strategies that develop leaders, strengthen our mission, and expand our nonprofit’s impact across Southern California.

What You'll Be Doing: 

Employee Relations & Engagement

• Serve as the first point of contact for employee inquiries, concerns, and policy guidance.
• Support investigations, documentation, and resolution of workplace issues in compliance with CA labor law.
• Partner with managers to address performance, provide coaching, and foster inclusive, respectful workplaces.
• Promote an employee experience that reflects HGH’s ICARE values and person-centered culture.

Recruitment, Onboarding & Offboarding

• Partner with Recruitment on candidate screening, interviews, and onboarding.
• Support full-cycle recruiting, including postings, screenings, background checks, and pre-employment requirements.
• Conduct New Hire Orientation, both in person and virtual.
• Support new hires after onboarding to provide guidance in understanding policies, timekeeping, and residential program requirements.
• Collaborate with Payroll/Finance to ensure timely, accurate final pay upon separation.

Collaboration with Payroll & Benefits

• Partner with Payroll and Benefits teams to ensure accurate timekeeping and compliance with CA wage/hour laws.
• Provide front-line support on payroll, benefits enrollment, leave of absence, and return-to-work processes.
• Maintain knowledge of wage/hour laws and benefits processes to ensure seamless coordination.

Compliance & HR Operations

• Support the maintenance of personnel files, I-9s, licensing, and regulatory documentation in compliance with CCL, CDSS, DDS, and other requirements.
• Support internal and external audits, licensing reviews, and reporting needs.
• Generate and analyze HR metrics (turnover, training completion, demographics, compliance).
• Assist with HR projects, events, and cross-departmental initiatives.

Training & Development

• Track and support completion of mandatory training and certifications.
• Partner with leadership to strengthen employee engagement and development.
• Provide coaching and resources to supervisors on HR best practices.
• Partner with department executives to support workforce development and succession planning.

General Duties

• Participate in the coordination of employee events and wellness activities.
• Support recognition awards and referral programs.
• Oter duties and responsibilities as assigned including but not limited to:
  • Attend team meetings, phone conferences, and trainings.
  • Travel to Imperial Valley office when needed.

What You'll Bring to the Role: Qualifications 

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or related field (or equivalent HR experience).
• 3–5 years of progressive HR experience, ideally in nonprofit, healthcare, or residential care.
• Familiarity with California labor and wage/hour laws, with eagerness to deepen expertise.
• Knowledge of HRIS systems (Paycom, UKG, or similar).
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to actively listen, problem-solve, and document accurately.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel locally to residential facilities and Imperial Valley.

Preferred

• HR certification (PHR/SPHR, SHRM-CP/SCP, or in progress).
• Experience with Community Care Licensing (CCL), DDS, or union environments.
• Bilingual skills (Spanish preferred).

Core Competencies:

• Growth Mindset: Eagerness to learn, adapt, and step into future leadership opportunities.
• Solutions-Oriented: Ability to problem-solve while balancing compliance with empathy.
• Collaboration: Builds strong relationships across teams and functions.
• Accountability: Delivers on commitments with integrity and transparency.
• Respect & Empathy: Promotes inclusiveness and supports person-centered values in decision-making.
• Strategic Thinking: Balances daily operations with long-term workforce development goals.

Our Values

Innovation – We encourage creativity and innovation because we believe that by striving for more efficient and effective ways of doing things, we can achieve exceptional results. Our drive for success is shared by all.  Our organization focuses on solutions and refuses to maintain the status quo. We challenge our team to be ahead of industry trends as we strive to lead and not follow.

Collaboration – We believe that working together collaboratively is the foundation of a culture that values teamwork, communication, and cooperation. This belief is central to every part of our business, both internally and externally, and strengthens our community.

Accountability – We take responsibility for our actions and for delivering on our commitments. We believe that by being transparent and accountable, we build trust and maintain the respect of our stakeholders.

Respect – We treat everyone with respect and dignity. We value inclusivity and believe that by upholding a culture of respect, we can foster a positive and supportive work environment. We treat others as we would want to be treated.

Empathy – We value empathy and understanding in all our interactions. We seek to understand the perspectives and needs of our colleagues, clients, and stakeholders to meet them with kindness and compassion.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

This job operates in an office environment.  While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to use a PC and phone for prolonged periods. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit, kneel, stoop, reach, pull, and lift objects up to 30 pounds.  The employee may frequently move to interact with fellow employees and/or clients. Specific abilities required by this job include the ability to perform repetitive hand activities with close reach such as handwriting, utilizing a keyboard and mouse, and file management.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Home of Guiding Hands is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression), age, marital status, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.

About HGH

Home of Guiding Hands is a non-profit organization that was established in 1967 by a small group of dedicated and ambitious community members. The Mission of HGH is "to improve the lives of those we serve". We support children and adults in San Diego and Imperial Counties with intellectual and developmental disabilities, such as Down syndrome, epilepsy, autism, and cerebral palsy. We provide a full continuum of care including residential care in specialized group homes, independent living support, respite care, and adult foster home services.  Additionally, we provide early childhood assessments and services, tailored day support, Life Planning workshops, county-wide transportation services, and on-site activities at our resource center.

To see all our available career opportunities please visit: https://www.guidinghands.org/careers/