Human Resources Generalist

Human Resources Generalist

Reporting to the Executive Director of Management Services in the Department of Safety and Security (DSS), the Human Resources Generalist will be the main point of contact for all HR related matters for all units within the Department of Safety and Security (DSS). The HR Generalist will work closely with assigned units to ensure successful customer service and HR practices for all staff they support. The HR Generalist assumes responsibility for the oversight and coordination of many and diverse administrative tasks requiring extensive confidentiality and excellent judgement.

Responsibilities include:

• Serving as the first point of contact for departmental administrators and supervisors to troubleshoot HR-related issues, including: job descriptions, hiring employees, onboarding, terminations, employee labor relations issues, and performance issues.
• Working efficiently and effectively to resolve employment and payment related issues in consultation with appropriate offices such as Shared Services, Payroll, Student Employment communicating directly with all stakeholders to ensure issues are successfully resolved.
• Providing confidential guidance and support for employees, and directing the employees to the right University resources including but not limited to the Benefits, Leave Administration, Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, Employee-Labor Relations.
• Managing staff hiring processes, including developing job descriptions with Unit Leaders and Supervisors, educating and assisting recruiting screeners, phone screening, interviewing, initiating background checks, and conducting reference checks.
• Serving as a key resource to staff, hiring managers and departmental administrators on all relevant federal, state, local and University human resource regulations, and policies.
• Prioritizing customer service to ensure all new members of the Department of Safety and Security complete all of the required elements to be onboarded and receive their pay in a timely manner.
• Working to troubleshoot issues by using University and DSS resources and HR best practices.
• Reviewing and monitoring payroll reports, I-9 reports and other compliance verification reports, and following up to improve individual compliance.
• Assisting the Executive Director with the development and implementation of policies, procedures and training opportunities.
• Collaborating with the University Central Human Resources team on information management, process improvement, and absence management.
• Maintaining knowledge of University Human Resource policies and procedures as well as federal, state and local employment and labor laws staying abreast of changes and implementing the changes into the day-to-day workflow.
• Effectively communicating deadlines, requirements, and responses to routine questions.
• Supporting staff hiring processes, including the extensive University of Chicago Police Department (UCPD) hiring processes: screening applicants for basic qualifications, scheduling applicants for physical agility testing, scheduling applicants for written exam, scheduling applicants for panel interviews, scheduling applicants for final interviews. Additionally, onboarding successful applicants and assisting in the UCPD background process: scheduling medical screenings, scheduling psychological screenings, scheduling drug screenings, handling employment offers, and conducting orientation. Drafts templates and routine offer letters.
• Working closely with the UCPD Recruitment Unit to ensure compliance with University policies.
• Maintaining appropriate human resources data and records, solving a range of straightforward problems using standard procedures.
• Counseling employees on benefits and compensation. Coordinating with managers and senior colleagues to determine employee compensation. Analyzing data and preparing charts, graphs, and trend lines for management review with a moderate level of guidance.
• Providing professional support to a unit's employee/labor relations efforts, including handling grievances, disciplinary warnings, and employee complaints.
• Performing other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications include:

• Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications include:

• Education: Master's degree.
• Experience: Working with Workday or other human resources information systems. Background working in a University environment.
• Technical Skills or Knowledge: Strong and broad software knowledge and usage including word processing, database, spreadsheet, e-mail, and web, as well as a strong knowledge of Microsoft 365. Knowledge of Workday or similar human resources information systems.

Preferred Competencies include:

• Strong customer service skills to interact with and serve a diverse population with tact, courtesy, clarity, and diplomacy.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Juggle competing deadlines and prioritize.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Handle sensitive and confidential situations and information with absolute discretion.
• Take initiative and organize and complete projects with minimal supervision.
• Attention to detail.
• Write and edit standard documents such as job descriptions, training materials, or offer letters with minimal oversight.

Application Documents include:

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• References Contact Information (3)(preferred)

Job Family: Human Resources

Role Impact: Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Pay Rate Type: Salary

​FLSA Status: Exempt

​Pay Range: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00

Benefits Eligible: Yes