Payroll & Benefits HR Generalist

Job Title: Payroll & Benefits HR Generalist

Job Overview: The payroll & benefits HR Generalist will manage day-to-day payroll processing, benefits administration, leave management, and workers' compensation programs. This role ensures high data accuracy, compliance with Maryland state labor laws, and seamless communication across departments. The ideal candidate has strong experience with ADP systems, timeclock management, and the upcoming Maryland Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI) regulations. An ideal applicant is a professional, self-motivated and detail-oriented individual who is capable of multi-tasking and assisting with a variety of human resources tasks that focuses on accurate payroll processing, benefits administration, and labor compliance.

Job Responsibilities:

Payroll & Time Attendance Management

• Audit timecard data daily by identifying missing or incorrect punches in the time clock; update entries and communicate discrepancies to appropriate members of management and collectively rectify issues
• Process and record all approved Safe and Sick Leave (SSL) and Paid Time Off (PTO) requests for payout each cycle
• Supports the performance review process by communicating with leadership and employees regarding the completion and results of annual performance reviews
• Assist with review and verification of hourly rates, bonuses, wage garnishments, and deductions
• Maintains accurate records, monitors discrepancies and inconsistencies, tracks and verifies overtime, collaborates with the payroll administrator to ensure all time and attendance data is accurate before payroll is processed

Benefits & Health Administration

• Review weekly benefit enrollment and separation reports to update profiles directly in ADP
• Manage insurance eligibility communications for all new hires and rehires
• Report and maintain COBRA compliance and enrollment details upon employee separation
• Scan and file all insurance, benefits, and communication documents securely into Electronic Health Record (EHR) and HR systems
• Support annually with Health Benefits Open Enrollment preparation, material distribution, and employee elections
• Assist with guiding new hires and existing staff through life status changes, and benefits education

Leaves of Absence (LOA) & Compliance

• Serves as a point of contact for guidance and support to employees regarding questions related to payroll, benefits, FMLA, FMLI, ADA, and other short-term disability
• Oversee Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requests and prepare for the implementation of the new Maryland Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI) program.
• Assist employees with Short-Term Disability (STD) claims and general Leave of Absence (LOA) inquiries.
• Monitor the Maryland DLLR (Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation) unemployment website weekly for new claims.
• Manage unemployment responses and attend administrative appeal hearings when necessary.
• Assist with year-end operational details, including W-2 auditing and verification.

Workers’ Compensation Management

• Generate and file all workers' compensation injury claims
• Complete Workers' Comp Take-out forms; coordinate care and updates directly with Occupational Health and the impacted employee.
• Follow up regularly with claims adjusters on open and closed workers' compensation cases to facilitate early return-to-work protocols.

HR Generalist Tasks

• Responds to employee inquiries regarding HR concerns in a timely manner while recognizing when to escalate complex HR matters to the HR Director
• Preserves accurate physical and digital files for all employees and their documents, benefits and attendance records in HR Systems
• Prepares HR reports and analytics to support audits and HR metrics
• Performs simple office tasks such as filing, scanning, answering telephone calls, and basic data entry
• Maintains strict confidentiality and ensures compliance with all company policies and HR procedures

Minimum Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
• Experience: 3–5 years of dedicated experience handling payroll, benefits, and workers' compensation processing
• Software Proficiency: Hands-on experience with ADP and electronic timekeeping systems is highly preferred.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of FMLA, COBRA, and Maryland labor regulations (DLLR, SSL, and upcoming FMLI)
• Skills: High attention to detail, exceptional organizational skills, strong communication skills and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding employee data

Pay & Benefits:

• 401(k) Plan
• Dental Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)