Human Resources Generalist

Intro/Program Description: Goddard Riverside Community Center is committed to building community and enhancing the lives of vulnerable New Yorkers by meeting essential human needs. With 26 programs across 21 sites, Goddard Riverside is an advocate for the interests of our community members, as well as a provider of a continuum of vital services, including food and shelter programs, assistance for homeless and mentally ill men and women, and comprehensive educational, cultural and recreational programs for adults and children.

Goddard Riverside promotes dignity and self-reliance across generations and works toward a fair and just society where all people can make choices that lead to better lives. Our core values are Integrity, Lifelong Learning, Community, Leadership, Partnership, Innovation, and Fiscal Responsibility and guide everything we do. 

Position Summary: As an HR team member, this position will embody the core values of the organization by supporting ethical practices, encouraging growth and learning, strengthening community through collaboration, leading with fairness, partnering with all levels of staff, innovating HR solutions, and being a responsible steward of organizational resources.

The HR Generalist will support HR operations in a nonprofit organization of approximately 1,000 employees. The incumbent will assist with performance management, employee relations, internal investigations, and general HR tasks in alignment with Goddard Riverside’s mission and values. This role reports to the Director of Employee Relations and Performance Management.

Schedule: Monday through Friday (9:00am-5:00pm)

Salary Range: $66,300-$70,000

Candidates must have the required qualifications to be considered for the position. The salary offer will be based on the candidate’s number of years experience in the exact or comparable position and additional preferred qualifications will be taken into account.

Roles, Responsibilities and Essential Duties

Performance Management and Employee/Labor Relations

• Support the Director of Employee Relations and Performance Management with administration and tracking of the organizational performance management process.
• Manage the completion of probationary and annual performance evaluations; review evaluations for completeness and compile status reports for senior management.
• Handle employment-related inquiries from applicants, employees, and supervisors, referring complex or sensitive matters to the appropriate HR staff member.
• Assist with drafting, tracking, and follow-up related to corrective action initiation and performance improvement plans.
• Support internal investigations (including complaints of misconduct or harassment) while ensuring confidentiality, fairness, and compliance with policy.
• Partner with the Director of Employee Relations and Performance Management to provide advice and coaching to leaders on handling people-related issues.
• Help develop and promote proactive employee relations across the organization.
• Support administration of all union collective bargaining agreements, including counseling managers on requirements, answering employee questions, supporting the grievance process, and providing follow-up on union-specific benefit issues.

Compliance

• Provide guidance to Program Directors and managers on HR policy interpretation, compliance, and best practices.
• Monitor labor law changes and communicate state and federal compliance requirements to line management.
• Document, track, and report departmental new hires, terminations, and other employment-related processes, including Fair Chance Act and Fair Credit Reporting Act compliance.
• Maintain an active external network and stay informed on HR trends and best practices (compensation, engagement, outreach, regulatory changes, HR technologies, talent management, and employment law) and communicate updates to line managers and employees.
• Monitor and report organizational compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws; support development and implementation of GRCC’s Affirmative Action and EEO plan.
• Support the Director of Training and Professional Development in tracking agency-wide training, professional development, and continuing education compliance.

Other

• Support general HR operations including onboarding, terminations, training, benefit administration, and maintaining HRIS data integrity.
• Contribute to organizational effectiveness initiatives including training programs, culture and engagement efforts, and process improvements.
• Participate in special projects and support innovations aligned with organizational values.
• Help foster a people-oriented, inclusive, and engaging culture; collaborate with management on diversity, equity, access, and inclusion efforts.
• Assist with facilitating professional development, engagement, and training opportunities.
• Participate on committees, special projects, and take on additional responsibilities as needed.
• Assist in designing and implementing employee recognition and satisfaction initiatives.

Qualifications/Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Organizational Psychology, or a related field.
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or equivalent HR certification required.
• At least 2 years of HR Generalist experience.
• At least 1 year of experience with employee relations and conducting workplace investigations.
• Exposure to labor or union relations in a nonprofit or mission-driven environment preferred.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws and HR best practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; sound judgment; ability to handle confidential matters with discretion.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently while managing competing priorities.
• Comfort using HRIS systems, reporting tools, and Microsoft Office.
• Commitment to supporting organizational values including integrity, community, lifelong learning, partnership, leadership, innovation, and fiscal responsibility.

Physical Requirements

• Heavy computer and phone use
• Ability to travel between multiple sites in Manhattan and Queens as needed
• Ability to navigate stairs when visiting program sites
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs 

Work Environment

• Office-based with flexibility for occasional remote work (as agreed)
• Some flexibility in daily hours; occasional evening or weekend work may be required depending on organizational events or project needs

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace community grounded in respect for differences. We support hiring a broadly diverse team of qualified individuals who will contribute to our organizations.

Goddard Riverside and Isaacs Center provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of duties and responsibilities that will be required of this position and title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be requested to perform job related task other than those specifically presented in this description. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.