HR Generalist

CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time; exempt; 37.50 hours/week GRADE LEVEL: E FULL SALARY RANGE: $62,719 - 94,078 HIRING SALARY RANGE: $62,719 – 78,398 Our typical hiring practice is to hire candidates within the established hiring range; however, individual compensation decisions are based on factors such as experience, skills, education, internal equity, market conditions, and business needs. Position Summary Under the direction of the Human Resources Director, the Human Resources Generalist is responsible for administering the day-to-day human resources operations of the Library. The position provides centralized HR services for approximately 85 employees and manages recruitment, onboarding, payroll processing, benefits administration, FMLA administration, employee records, performance appraisal coordination, and HR compliance activities. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Recruitment and Onboarding Coordinate all recruitment activities from job posting through hiring. Screen applications and coordinate interviews. Conduct reference and background checks. Prepare employment offers and hiring documentation. Conduct employee onboarding and orientation programs. Maintain onboarding and employment records. Payroll Administration Process bi-weekly payroll and related payroll transactions. Maintain payroll records and employee data. Coordinate payroll changes, deductions, leave balances, and compensation adjustments. Collaborate with Finance to ensure payroll accuracy and compliance. Benefits and Leave Administration Administer employee benefit programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, IMRF, and retirement plans. Serve as the primary employee contact regarding benefits questions and enrollment. Administer FMLA and other leave programs. Maintain required leave and benefits documentation. Performance Management Coordinate and monitor the Library's performance appraisal process. Track evaluation schedules and completion rates. Maintain performance management records. Assist supervisors with performance documentation and improvement plans. Employee Relations and Compliance Respond to employee questions regarding policies and procedures. Assist with workplace investigations and employee relations matters. Support compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws. Maintain personnel files and HR records. Assist with employee corrective action processes as needed. Training and Employee Development Coordinate employee training programs and compliance training. Maintain training records and certifications. HR Systems and Records Management Maintain HRIS and personnel databases. Generate HR reports and workforce metrics. Ensure accurate and confidential recordkeeping practices. Minimum Qualifications Education Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible Human Resources experience. Certifications SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification required, or ability to obtain certification within two (2) years of hire. Experience Minimum five (5) years of progressive Human Resources experience. Experience in recruitment, onboarding, payroll processing, benefits administration, FMLA administration, and performance management. Experience interpreting and applying employment laws, policies, and procedures. Public sector, municipal, library, educational, or nonprofit experience preferred. Experience with HRIS and payroll systems preferred. Experience with IMRF administration preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of federal and Illinois employment laws and regulations. Knowledge of payroll processing, benefits administration, FMLA, ADA, COBRA, and workers' compensation practices. Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to handle confidential information with discretion. Strong attention to detail and customer service orientation. Physical Requirements and ADA Statement The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to communicate effectively, operate standard office equipment, and remain stationary for extended periods. The employee may occasionally need to move about the office, lift and carry materials weighing up to 25 pounds, and travel between meeting locations as needed. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Poplar Creek Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Location Poplar Creek Public Library District, Cook County #J-18808-Ljbffr