Human Resources Generalist

HR Generalist

This HR Generalist position includes a 90-day training and immersion period, after which it transitions to a hybrid schedule combining on-site and Spokane County area remote work. The position allocated to this class performs professional, technical, analytical and administrative human resources work in the areas of employee relations, classification/compensation, job analysis, EEO compliance, sexual harassment and discrimination investigations, and assists with labor relations activities and negotiations. This position is responsible for performing complex human resource management functions, including providing expert guidance and support to executives, Elected Officials/Department Heads, managers, supervisors and employees. Incumbents work with considerable independence, using discretion in applying human resource and labor relations principles to program activities. The Human Resources Generalist is distinguished from the Human Resources Specialist classification by the requirement of comprehensive knowledge and expertise in multiple human resource functional areas and the performance of a full range of complex, sensitive and critical human resource management services.

Essential Job Functions

• Serves as the Point of Contact (POC) for assigned departments.
• Provides professional consultation, technical assistance, support and guidance to all levels of the organization in addressing and resolving a wide range of complex human resource and labor relations issues.
• Serves as a subject matter expert on interpreting and explaining County personnel policies, practices, procedures and collective bargaining agreements.
• Participates in the resolution of employee complaints.
• Investigates complaints dealing with violations of law and/or County policy; analyzes and evaluates information to make recommendations on the resolution of each case.
• May testify in administrative and/or court proceedings regarding investigations conducted, disciplinary actions and/or interpretation/implementation of County policies, procedures and collective bargaining agreements
• Represents the County in labor/management committees, meetings and discussions; assists with labor/management issues including collective bargaining and labor negotiations.
• Assists in pre-disciplinary and pre-termination issues, and assists with grievances, arbitrations and Public Employee Relations Commission (PERC) hearings.
• Conducts confidential research for labor negotiations including salary and benefit surveys and trend analysis; gathers, compiles and analyzes statistical information; prepares recommendations, reports and potential solutions; participates as a member of the management team by developing proposals and strategies and participates in the negotiation of the County's collective bargaining agreements, including interest and non-interest arbitration groups.
• Develops and maintains job classification and compensation plans.
• Conducts classification studies of existing and new positions, including on-site analysis of duties and responsibilities, salary surveys, internal/external comparability analysis and writing of class specifications.
• Provides determinations regarding appropriate classification and salary allocation.
• Performs analytical studies in a variety of compensation areas, such as market analyses, competitive pay practices, incentive compensation, skill pay and emerging salary and benefit trends.
• Recommends associated policy and/or program changes.
• Consults with Elected Officials, Department Heads or their designee to provide guidance in reorganizing or restructuring classifications and personnel to achieve office/department efficiencies and objectives.
• Recommends organizational changes, classification of work needed and development of career ladders.
• Researches policies, practices and trends to develop new or more effective methods and procedures to better maintain human resource functions.
• Researches and recommends new programs, policies, procedures, training and strategic initiatives.
• Researches and maintains familiarity with and interprets relevant laws, statutes, rules, language and trends in the human resources management field.
• May develop and conduct training for supervisory and management employees on various human resource topics and issues.
• Consults with the Prosecuting Attorney's office on serious legal issues.
• Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from accredited college or university in human resources, public or business administration or related field.
• Four (4) years of experience performing professional human resources generalist work.
• HRCI or SHRM certification and experience in a union environment is preferred.
• Possession of a valid Driver's License at time of hire and for the duration of employment.
• In lieu of a bachelor's degree, an equivalent eight (8) years of relevant education, training and/or experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the laws, rules, principles, techniques and methods of human resources management processes including recruitment, selection, personnel evaluation and discipline, job analysis, wage and salary administration, training and investigations.
• Knowledge of the laws, rules, principles, techniques and practices of labor relations and collective bargaining including grievances and interest and non-interest arbitration processes, negotiations and contract administration.
• Knowledge of application and interpretation of federal, state and local rules, regulations, codes and ordinances.
• Knowledge of research methodologies, analysis and presentations.
• Knowledge of procedures for conducting internal investigations of highly sensitive issues.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of effective management including supervision.
• Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with Elected Officials, Department Heads, employees, co-workers, union representatives and the general public.
• Skilled in fact-finding, analysis, problem-solving and conflict resolution.
• Skilled in the use of a personal computer, internet and related software applications.
• Ability to research, analyze and resolve complex problems.
• Ability to gather, analyze, evaluate and prepare clear and concise reports and/or recommendations.
• Ability to apply judgment and discretion and maintain confidentiality in resolving various and complex human resources problems and in interpreting policies and regulations.
• Ability to conduct effective investigations and interviews.
• Ability to present matters clearly and persuasively before public bodies, hearing officers, arbitrators, management and employees.
• Ability to communicate detailed and often sensitive information effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to develop and conduct training.
• Ability to exercise professional leadership in promoting good personnel management.

Behavioral Standards

• Respect: Appreciating and valuing customers, other County employees and County leadership by showing courtesy, friendliness and fairness. Communicating in a productive and professional manner.
• Accountability: Honoring and delivering on commitments by taking responsibility for personal actions and results; being a responsible steward of public resources and the trust County residents have placed in each of us.
• Integrity: Modelling transparent and ethical behavior and demonstrating it with honest and trustworthy behaviors and actions; leading by example and performing work to the highest standards.
• Innovation: Striving for excellence by actively pursuing opportunities for new and improved methods, procedures or technologies; fostering an environment of engagement and empowerment and embracing continuous improvement.

Working Conditions

• The work environment is primarily inside, where the noise and temperature levels are moderate.
• Work is also performed outdoors; and requires occasional travel within the County, exposing the associate to weather extremes, various forms of precipitation and the hazards associated with travel on public roads.