Senior Human Resource Generalist

Senior Human Resources Generalist

Department: Human Resources
Reports to: Director of Human Resources
Status: Full-time, 35 hours per week, non-union
Annual salary: $75,000

Position Summary

The Senior Human Resources Generalist performs advanced professional work supporting the Town's employees and departments. Under the direction of the Human Resources Director, this position manages assigned HR processes, serves as the primary operational resource for ADP HR workflows. The position requires independent judgment, accuracy, confidentiality, and the ability to coordinate work across departments while applying Town policies and collective bargaining agreements.

Hands-on ADP experience is required. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency using ADP for HR administration, employee records, reporting, and payroll processing. Experience with another HRIS alone does not satisfy this requirement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

ADP Administration and Payroll Backup

• Manage day-to-day ADP HR processes, including recruiting and onboarding workflows, employee data changes, benefits updates, and separation transactions; verify accuracy and completion.
• Serve as the HR point of contact for ADP workflow issues. Coordinate troubleshooting with Payroll, Finance, IT, and ADP support; document procedures and train authorized users.
• Provide backup to the Payroll Benefit Coordinator and process payroll if needed, following established review and approval controls.

Recruitment Onboarding and Performance Reviews

• Coordinate recruitment from posting through reference checks and hiring documentation. Manage onboarding completion before the employee's start date and conduct new-hire orientation.
• Monitor the Town's new employee performance and development process, including New Employee Expectations Meetings and 30-, 60-, and 90-day new-hire evaluations. Ensure department heads and supervisors complete required reviews on time, maintain documentation, and address performance or development concerns promptly.
• Track annual performance evaluations and required acknowledgments; follow up with supervisors and report outstanding items to the HR Director.

Benefits Leave Retirement and Claims

• Administer assigned benefit processes, including enrollments, qualifying changes, open enrollment, employee communications, and reconciliation with Payroll and benefit providers.
• Coordinate FMLA and other leave requests, track documentation and deadlines, and maintain leave records. Support the ADA accommodation process and refer determinations to the HR Director.
• Enter and track workers' compensation claims with CIRMA; coordinate documentation, follow-up, and return-to-work information with departments and the HR Director.
• Assist with unemployment claims and prepare documentation and responses as necessary.
• Assist employees and retirees with Connecticut Municipal Employees Retirement System paperwork and retirement coordination.
• Manage assigned offboarding tasks and exit interviews.

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Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Employee Relations and Department Coordination

• Provide guidance on routine HR questions and contract provisions. Support employee relations, fact-finding, discipline, and grievance documentation under the HR Director's direction; escalate complex or sensitive matters.
• Work collaboratively with Finance, Payroll, department heads, insurance carriers, benefit providers, medical providers, legal counsel, ADP representatives, and other internal and external partners.
• Provide guidance and support to Human Resources staff and assist with coordinating department workflow, priorities, deadlines, and special projects.

Records Reporting and Process Improvement

• Maintain confidential personnel and medical records with appropriate access controls. Review assigned processes for consistency, identify gaps, and recommend improvements.
• Prepare HR reports on staffing, vacancies, turnover, leave, and other requested measures. Check data accuracy and support audits and records requests as directed.
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality and exercise sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive personnel, payroll, benefits, and organizational matters.

Training Engagement and Workforce Planning

• Coordinate safety meetings, employee training, wellness activities, and recognition programs; maintain schedules, attendance, and follow-up records. Support employee engagement, retention, and workplace culture initiatives.
• Assist with strategic Human Resources initiatives, workforce planning, employee development, succession planning, and continuous improvement of Human Resources programs and services.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Human Resources Director and Director of Finance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field and five years of progressively responsible HR experience, including independent responsibility for HR processes; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• ADP experience required. Demonstrated hands-on ADP experience in HR administration and payroll processing, including employee data maintenance, workflows, time and attendance review, and reporting. This requirement applies to all candidates, including those qualifying through equivalent education and experience.
• Working knowledge of benefits administration, leave coordination, personnel records, and applicable employment requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

Human Resource Generalist certificate; municipal or union environment experience; and experience with CTMERS and workers' compensation administration.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work independently, resolve routine issues, recognize matters requiring escalation, and protect confidential information.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, customer service, and written and verbal communication; proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Ability to interpret policies and collective bargaining provisions and build effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, and union representatives.

Benefits

Benefits include CTMERS pension participation; vacation, personal and sick leave; 12 full-day holidays and two half-day holidays; and medical, dental, vision, prescription, and life insurance benefits, subject to applicable plan terms and Town policies.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an office, with occasional travel to Town facilities and scheduling flexibility to meet payroll and operational deadlines. Essential duties may be performed with reasonable accommodation.