Human Resources - HR Generalist (on-site)

Human Resources Generalist

We are an FQHC community health center dedicated to embodying the values central to American Indian cultures. This includes respect for our patients, acknowledgement of the whole person, and a focus on working together to ensure health for the individual, and therefore the community. We invite persons of all tribes, ethnic backgrounds and walks of life to experience the comprehensive care we deliver and to contribute to the services we provide for children, youth, families, adults, and elders.

Summary

The Human Resources Generalist supports the day-to-day operations of the Human Resources department, including recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, leave management, workers' compensation, training compliance, and policy implementation. The role actively supports and performs hands-on HR functions under the direction of the Human Resources Director, collaborates with other HR staff members on special projects, and partners cross-functionally with leaders and departments across the organization, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws while contributing to a positive, compliant, and mission-driven workplace culture. This position exercises independent judgment and discretion in carrying out assigned responsibilities under established policies and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Primary Functions:

• Actively supports and performs hands-on HR functions under the direction of the Human Resources Director.
• Collaborates with applicant screening and interview coordination; does not independently determine candidate selection.
• Facilitates onboarding and offboarding processes, ensuring completion of required employment, compliance, and system documentation.
• Maintains data accuracy and supports internal controls related to HRIS access, data entry, and reporting.
• Ensures compliance with employment eligibility requirements, including completion and internal auditing of USCIS Form I-9.
• Coordinates background checks, Live Scan (as applicable), reference checks, and employment verifications.
• Tracks and documents mandatory training, licensure, certifications, CPR/BLS, immunizations, and other compliance requirements.
• Collaborates with Benefits processes related to benefits enrollment, leaves of absence, and employee status changes, under established policies and procedures.
• Responds to employee and management inquiries regarding HR policies and procedures; escalate complex, sensitive, or policy-impacting matters to Human Resources Director.
• Does not make final determinations regarding employee discipline, termination, compensation, or policy exceptions; such decisions are reserved for the Human Resources Director and executive leadership.

Primary Functions: continue

• Assists with performance evaluation processes by coordinating documentation and timelines; does not independently evaluate employee performance.
• Supports compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations; assists with policy implementation and updates.
• Prepares routine HR reports and maintains HR data systems to ensure accuracy and confidentiality.
• Supports audit preparation and compliance reviews, including internal audits and external regulatory reviews.
• Participates in HR projects, process improvements, and special assignments as directed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred or equivalent experience.
• 3 years of progressive experience working in the Human Resources field.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and HR compliance requirements.
• Experience supporting recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, benefits administration, and leave management.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with HR information systems (HRIS) and Microsoft Office applications.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• At least 1 year of human resource management experience preferred.

Special Conditions of Employment

• Successful background and life scan clearance.
• Has a clean driving record and insurance as required by the state.
• CPR/BLS certification: Maintain a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA), the American Red Cross, or an equivalent organization. Certification must include an in-person, hands-on skills assessment. Online-only certifications are not accepted.
• Annual background checks: Consent to annual background checks as a condition of continuous employment, to ensure compliance with organizational standards and eligibility requirements.
• For-Cause Drug Screening: Comply with drug screening requirements when initiated by the organization for cause, to support a safe, compliant, and drug-free workplace.
• Ongoing Compliance Requirements: Maintain up-to-date compliance with all required annual renewals including professional licenses, certifications, physical examinations. TB testing, and mandatory regulatory trainings as assigned by the San Diego American Indian Health Center (SDAIHC).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective working relationships and navigate sensitive or challenging conversations with professionalism.
• Highly organized with strong record-keeping skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Effective time-management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize workload and manage tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or similar business software.
• Experience with, or the ability to quickly learn, HRIS and talent management systems.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, or move up to 20 pounds, and move throughout the work environment as required.
• Ability to stand, bend, reach, and sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations; organize, prioritize, and manage workload effectively.
• Ability to work efficiently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain focus in a fast-paced or high-pressure environment.
• Ability to multitask and follow written and verbal instructions with attention to detail.

Customer Service

• Actively supports, promotes, and upholds the Mission, Vision, and Core Values of San Diego American Indian Health Center (SDAIHC).
• Consistently provides high-quality internal and external customer service to employees, applicants, and partners.
• Demonstrates SDAIHC's Standards of Customer Service Behavior, including Compassion, Attitude, Communication, Appearance, Sense of Ownership, and Teamwork.
• Participates in ongoing customer service and professional development training as required.
• In all interactions and responsibilities, it contributes to promoting SDAIHC as a high-quality, service-oriented organization.

Quality Management

• Contributes to organizational success by actively participating in quality improvement and performance improvement activities.
• Complies with all SDAIHC policies and procedures and proactively supports the implementation of new initiatives and process improvements.
• Participates in continuous quality improvement processes as directed by leadership.

Safety

• Complies with regulatory requirements and organizational policies related to workplace safety and safe work practices.
• Supports infection prevention and control practices through appropriate use of required safety and infection control measures.
• Adheres to regulatory requirements related to maintaining safe physical spaces, equipment, and supplies.
• Use appropriate equipment, tools, and personal protective equipment to ensure a safe work environment.
• Promptly reports unsafe working conditions, incidents, or hazards in accordance with organizational procedures.

Privacy/Compliance

• Maintains the privacy and security of all patients, employee, and volunteer information, accessing such information only on a need-to-know basis for legitimate business purposes.
• Complies with all applicable privacy, security, and corporate integrity regulations, and promptly reports any suspected unethical, fraudulent, or unlawful conduct in accordance with organizational policies.
• Upholds the highest ethical standards