HR Generalist I

LifeWorks of Austin, TX is looking for a HR Generalist I to join our Human Resources team!

The Human Resources Generalist supports the day-to-day operations of the Human Resources department with an emphasis on employee benefits, leave administration, employee wellbeing and engagement, HR systems and records, and responsive employee support. This position serves as a knowledgeable and accessible resource to employees navigating benefits, leaves of absence, workplace accommodations, and other HR programs and processes. The HR Generalist supports the administration of employee benefit programs and related activities, including open enrollment, employee education and communications, and coordination with benefit partners, vendors, and finance. The position also supports leave and accommodation processes and maintains working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local requirements, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other applicable employment regulations. The HR Generalist will organize and support initiatives that strengthen employee wellbeing, engagement, recognition, and the overall employee experience while providing timely, professional, compassionate, and confidential HR support.

This full time, exempt position earns a competitive rate ranging from $57,643 - $81,389 depending upon experience. Benefits are also included, which consist of 24 PTO days per year (accrued); 11 paid holidays per year; a premium-free employee medical plan with $100 per month HSA contribution (plus other affordable employee or family medical, dental, and vision options!); a retirement savings plan with 50% match on the first 6% of contributions, and much more!

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as a primary resource for employees with routine questions regarding benefits, leaves of absence, HR policies, employee programs, HR systems, and other HR services, providing timely, professional, compassionate, and confidential support.
• Supports the administration of employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, and other employer-sponsored benefits; assists employees with understanding benefit options, eligibility, enrollment processes, and available resources.
• Maintains working knowledge of applicable benefits laws, regulations, plan requirements, and internal procedures and partners with HR leadership, finance, benefit brokers, carriers, and other vendors to support accurate and compliant benefits administration.
• Coordinates and supports annual and mid-year benefit enrollment activities, including Open Enrollment communications, employee information sessions, benefit fairs and events, enrollment support, employee questions, HRIS processes, and coordination with finance, benefit partners and vendors.
• Supports the administration and coordination of employee leaves of absence, with particular emphasis on the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), including employee communication, documentation, tracking, required notices, return-to-work processes, and coordination with benefits and other applicable leave programs.
• Supports workplace accommodation processes under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws and regulations, including coordinating documentation, supporting the interactive process, maintaining appropriate confidentiality, and partnering with HR leadership to ensure consistent administration.
• Maintains current knowledge of FMLA, ADA, benefits-related requirements, and other employment laws and regulations applicable to assigned HR responsibilities; identifies potential compliance concerns and elevates complex matters to HR leadership as appropriate.
• Coordinates employee wellbeing initiatives designed to support the physical, emotional, financial, and overall wellbeing of employees, including wellness events, educational opportunities, employee resources, and partnerships with benefit providers and community organizations.
• Supports employee engagement and recognition initiatives, staff events, and other programs designed to strengthen connection, belonging, and the employee experience.
• Processes employee changes and transitions, HRIS updates, benefit-related changes, and other employee lifecycle transactions, ensuring accurate and timely documentation.
• Maintains accurate employee records within the human resources information system and applicable personnel files and supports HR audits, reporting, and documentation requirements.
• Completes employment verifications and other routine employee record requests in accordance with organizational practices and applicable confidentiality requirements.
• Develops and supports employee communications, educational resources, presentations, and events related to benefits, wellbeing, leaves, HR programs, policies, and other employee experience initiatives.
• Assists with HR training and employee education activities, including HR systems, policies, benefits, wellbeing resources, and other HR-related topics.
• Collaborates closely with HR colleagues and organizational leaders to identify opportunities to improve HR processes, employee resources, service delivery, and the overall employee experience.
• Maintains appropriate confidentiality and exercises sound judgment when handling sensitive employee, medical, benefits, and personnel information.
• Keeps abreast of employment laws, regulations, and emerging HR practices relevant to assigned responsibilities.
• Supports other HR duties, projects, and initiatives as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Management or a related field preferred.
• Requires a minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible Human Resources experience.
• Experience supporting employee benefits administration, leave of absence processes, employee engagement, or related HR functions is required.
• Working knowledge of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other federal and state employment laws and regulations affecting benefits, leaves, and workplace accommodations.
• Experience supporting Open Enrollment, benefit education, wellness initiatives, employee events, or benefit vendor relationships preferred.
• Experience working with an HRIS and maintaining confidential employee information.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite; intermediate Excel skills preferred.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

• Client Focus - Builds transformational relationships with clients and delivers mission-centered solutions.
• Collaborates and Adapts - Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives and fulfill our mission; adapts one’s approach and demeanor to meet the shifting demands of different situations.
• Honors Differences - Embraces different perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds by being open to others’ opinions, ideas, and experiences; develops an inclusive culture that creates solutions to meet the needs of our clients.
• Nimble Learning - Actively learns from successes, failures, and others’ experiences, and shows a willingness to pivot and try new things.
• Builds Trust - Gains the confidence and trust of others through integrity, dependability, and authenticity.
• Action Oriented - Takes initiative, shows resourcefulness, and directs focus and energy on mission-critical opportunities, challenges, and changes.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Preferred HR Certified (including one of the following: PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP)

ABOUT LIFEWORKS
With more than 50 years of experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, youth aging out of foster care, young adults, and young parents, LifeWorks is committed to solving youth homelessness through housing, mental health, education, and workforce services. Our vision is a Central Texas where every young person has a place to call home, a sense of belonging, and the support to pursue a life they love.

We provide a full range of support services for vulnerable youth, ensuring that every young person has access to a safe home, the chance to heal, and opportunities to learn and work. Through innovative problem-solving, shared accountability, and evidence-based solutions, we are relentless in achieving real, sustainable, and measurable results for the clients we serve.

A career at LifeWorks offers opportunities to grow professionally while making an immediate, lasting impact on the lives of youth and families in our community. Join us in building a future where every young person has the stability and support to thrive.