Human Resources Generalist (City Government)

Responsibilities - Examples of Work Performed (Illustrative Only)

Not all functions are performed routinely, but could be required of the position at any time. Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned, and the job description may be subject to change.

1. Provides advice and assistance to assigned departments based on knowledge of City policies, procedures, labor agreements, Civil Service Rules, and Human Resources principles and practices. Receives guidance from senior staff on issues and problems, depending on complexity or sensitivity.
   

2. Oversees all phases of recruitment and new employee onboarding by developing effective recruitment plans, creating job-specific advertising, identifying qualified candidates, participating in candidate interviews and evaluations, conducting new employee orientations, and facilitating smooth transitions into City employment.
   

3. Facilitates new employee benefit enrollment, processes and assists with ongoing benefit changes, and conducts annual open enrollment; coordinates with the City’s service providers concerning routine administration of various benefit and leave programs.
   

4. When assigned by the HR manager, participates in employment-related investigations and assists department managers in developing and administering coaching, counseling, and discipline when appropriate.
   

5. Supports positive relationships with labor unions; facilitates routine labor/management meetings or discussions; supports labor negotiations by gathering and analyzing relevant labor market data.
   

6. Prepare HR reports and communicate information and services to other City departments, personnel, outside agencies,  vendors, and the general public.
   

7. Assists in administering salary programs to ensure equitable and competitive pay practices in compliance with the City’s compensation philosophy and policies.
   

8. Administers employee leave programs, including leave authorized under the FMLA, PFML, and all other applicable federal and state leave entitlements.
   

9. Generate official documents such as offer letters, appointment letters, salary slips, and warning letters.
   

10. Creating onboarding plans and educating newly hired employees on HR policies, internal procedures, and regulations.
    

11. Plans, coordinates, and facilitates City-wide training and development opportunities to promote professional development and to comply with federal, state, or other rules, regulations, and best practices.
    

12. File information in an accurate and timely manner, and maintain up-to-date records to ensure compliance with state and local requirements. 
    

13. Analyzes data from HRIS systems to support data-driven decision making and ensure accurate and timely maintenance of employee records and HR metrics.
    

14. Maintaining physical and digital files for employees and their documents, benefits, performance reviews, and attendance records.
    

15. Researches and recommends appropriate changes to City personnel policies in response to changing federal or state rules or regulations or business needs.
    

HR Generalists may perform a variety of other related duties as required.

Requirements

Knowledge

• Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
  

• An understanding of the organization, operation, and regulation of local government.
  

• Understanding of techniques and best practices in record keeping and file maintenance.
  

• Knowledge of legal, ethical, and professional rules of conduct for government employees.
  

• A complete understanding of the function of Human Resources and Risk Management for employers.
  

Performance appraisal, Collective bargaining, Union relations, Statutory compliance, HR Analytics, Employee relations, Employee onboarding, Employee communications, Performance management, Compensation and Benefits, Recruiting, Benefits administration, HRIS, Employment Law, Performance Appraisal, Talent Management, Training and Development, SHRM, Corporate Culture

Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  

• Interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
  

• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage large quantities of work, including documents and media, both physical and electronic.
  

• Ability to get and maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s License.
  

The preferred candidate will have the following:

Employment Standards

The City will give preference to candidates with a bachelor’s degree and candidates with a SHRM-SCP or HRCI-SPHR certification. This position requires an associate’s degree and at least two years of progressively responsible experience in human resources administration, or any combination of relevant education and experience sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties listed. 

Additionally, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Must pass a criminal background investigation.
  

• Must maintain a level of mental and physical fitness required to perform the essential functions of this classification.