Senior Human Resources Generalist

The position performs advanced professional human resources duties in the areas of benefits and leave of absence administration, compensation and classification, employee and labor relations, performance management, training and development, policy and procedures, talent acquisition, safety and wellness, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. The position involves significant discretion, judgement, and confidentiality to address complex personnel matters. Anticipated Hiring Range $96,688.80 - $102,577.28 per year. Starting salary and vacation accrual rate may be adjusted based on qualifications and approved prior related experience. Responsibilities Leave of Absence Management: Effectively interprets FMLA and ADA implications as they relate to leaves of absences/disabilities. Administers all leaves of absence, short-term disability, long-term disability, paid parental leave, etc. so that questions and issues are addressed accurately, and in a professional, confidential, timely and courteous manner. Coordinates and tracks employee leaves of absence ensuring pay and benefits are administered accurately. Manages the worker’s compensation and return to work program. Ensures that work related injuries are reported as required. Coordinates with the HR Specialist in regards to continuation of coverage and eligibility for benefits during leaves of absence. Serves as back‑up with regards to overall benefit and retirement administration. Compensation and Classification: Conducts compensation analysis/market studies. Participates in salary surveys; responsible for preparation of the pay equity report; assists the HR Manager in preparing the annual compensation plan review for non‑union regular and seasonal staff; conducts research and analysis for labor negotiations. Prepares position descriptions and position analysis questionnaires; conducts job evaluations as needed. Employee Relations: Handles employment‑related inquiries from applicants, employees, and supervisors, referring complex and/or sensitive matters to the HR Manager and participates in employee investigations and terminations. Assists with performance management, support training and employee development. Collective Bargaining: Advises managers on the administration of collective bargaining agreements and personnel policy so that personnel decisions are made within the context of appropriate guidelines; conducts research and analysis to support the development, implementation, and application of labor agreements. Policy Development and Administration: Assists with policy development by updating city policies as needed to reflect current laws, regulations, and city’s core values; conducts research, develops data metrics, analyzes data, and implements process improvements such as automating approval processes and workflow. Diversity and Inclusion: Partners with the HR Manager and the leadership team to set the direction, manage and coordinate the city’s diversity and inclusion strategies and initiatives to effectively embed these practices into every aspect of the employee experience. Safety and Wellness: Supports the city's safety and wellness program including development and implementation of AWAIR and Employee Right‑to‑Know policies. Works with the HR Manager and others as needed to develop annual safety and wellness program initiatives. Talent Acquisition: Assists in the development and implementation of strategic initiatives for recruiting diverse talent in a multi‑site and function organization. Assist with full cycle recruiting process to meet various staffing goals and facilitate the hiring of qualified job applicants for open positions. Collaborates with departmental managers to understand skills and competencies required for openings. HR Operations: Manages unemployment insurance claims by responding timely to claims responses and appeals. Maintains compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommended best practices; and, maintains knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law. Performs other duties consistent with the responsibilities of the position as apparent or assigned. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources or related field; and five years’ professional level Human Resources experience, or a combination thereof. Minimum of two years’ experience administering leaves of absence/FMLA. Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive working environment. Experience with employee relations and conducting employment investigations. Knowledge of employment laws including, but not limited to FMLA, ADA, and FLSA. Experience in unemployment claim processing. Experience interpreting personnel laws, rules, and collective bargaining agreements sufficient to ensure appropriate application of the language and advise on personnel matters. Strong analytical skills, ability to run reports utilizing HRIS technology, analyze and apply what‑if scenarios to the data. Ability to communicate professionally, positively, and in a timely manner both verbally and in writing to solve problems and address concerns. Excellent organizational skills and ability to handle multiple priorities and demands, meet deadlines, prioritize, and work independently to accomplish goals and objectives of HR department. Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality and build trust. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in Human Resources or related field. Professional Human Resources designation from IPMA, SHRM, or HRCI. Advanced knowledge of and ability to use the Microsoft suite of products: word, excel, and PowerPoint. Demonstrated experience managing HR projects (i.e. software/system implementation, onboarding programs, training and development programs, etc.) Previous experience in public sector. Relationships This Position Reports to Human Resources Manager. Internal and External Clientele and Purpose of Contact Personal contact with staff and prospective employees is an essential part of the position and requires the ability to be responsive in a timely and accurate manner, build trust and credibility, and communicate in a professional, helpful, and courteous manner. This is a highly visible position and each contact reflects the city’s image. The position handles highly confidential and private data. Problem Solving Work involves differing situations, requiring searching for solutions and identifying appropriate choices among a variety of defined options or within areas of learned things; incumbent must consider which among many procedures should be followed and in what sequence to achieve the required results. Problems typically involve employees’ livelihoods which present difficult and often emotional situations. It is important to identify the problem and resolve it promptly and tactfully. Problem solving and creativity in this position requires the ability to learn, understand, and interpret policy and contracts for all bargaining units in order to provide advice and assistance to managers and applicants. This position also requires the ability to perform and analyze complex calculations, quickly and effectively resolve data problems and to develop new and more efficient ways to accomplish a set of complex functions. Freedom to Act The incumbent conducts research, investigates and reviews materials as needed to respond to day‑to‑day Human Resource operational needs, answer questions, and make timely decisions with regard to the completion of a wide variety of critical personnel/payroll transaction tasks. Complex problems are discussed with the HR Manager. The incumbent takes initiative to ensure completion of all tasks and will adjust priorities to accommodate competing workload demands. Maintaining confidentiality of information is a critical success factor. Physical Requirements Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment that includes exposure to computer screens. Primary job functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Minnetonka, MN