HR Generalist Job at Family Service and Guidance Center of To in Topeka

Department: Human Resources Job Status: Full-Time
Reports to: Director of Human Resources FLSA Status: Exempt
Amount of Travel Required: 10% or less Positions Supervised: None
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:30am-5:00pm, flexible schedule, hybrid

Seeking an experienced Employee Relations Specialist to manage complex workplace dynamics and support our organizational culture. The ideal candidate will conduct thorough investigations, administer leave policies, provide performance management guidance, and resolve sensitive employee relations issues with professionalism and strategic insight. You will be responsible for coordinating exit interviews, supporting disciplinary processes, and developing strategies to enhance workplace relationships and employee retention. While focused on Employee Relations, the role requires a comprehensive understanding of HR functions and the ability to navigate intricate employment regulations with empathy and precision.

This position is responsible for implementing comprehensive HR operations that align with organizational objectives, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, delivering strategic HR support across key functional areas and providing backup support for Talent Acquisition, including recruiting and onboarding tasks. The HR Generalist focuses on managing complex employee relations and workplace support, administering benefits and compensation programs, maintaining accurate employee records and HR systems, providing policy guidance and regulatory compliance, and developing partnerships that enhance organizational effectiveness. By bridging Employee Relations and Compensation & Benefits, the HR Generalist delivers value-added services that support both management and employee needs while advancing the agency’s strategic goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSCompliance and Legal Awareness

• Stay current with technical and legal developments, state and federal workplace laws
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws
• Maintain strict confidentiality in all HR matters
• Support and promote the organization's vision and mission

General HR Support

• Provide HR policy guidance and interpretation
• Collaborate on job description updates with Talent Acquisition
• Analyze HR trends and metrics to develop solutions, programs, and policies
• Manage HR communication channels (email inboxes, weekly updates)
• Attend and participate in critical HR meetings as needed

Talent Acquisition Support

• Provide backup support for recruiting and onboarding processes
• Assist with job posting, candidate screening, and interview coordination
• Conduct new hire orientations and complete onboarding documentation
• Maintain talent acquisition workflows during team member absences

Employee Relations Specialist

• Conduct thorough and objective employee investigations
• Manage and resolve complex employee relations issues
• Administer and manage leave requests and accommodations, providing policy guidance and interpretation (FMLA, ADA, PWFA, PUMP, etc.)
• Process Worker's Compensation and Unemployment claims, working with HR Director and legal counsel as necessary
• Provide day-to-day performance management guidance and support to management (coaching, counseling, career development, corrective action)
• Coordinate and conduct exit interviews
• Attend disciplinary meetings and terminations
• Develop strategies to improve workplace relationships
• Build employee morale and support retention efforts
• Handle sensitive employment-related inquiries

Compensation & Benefits Specialist

• Manage comprehensive benefits administration
• Process and administer new hire benefit enrollments, employee qualifying event changes and 401K participant eligibility tracking
• Conduct monthly benefits invoice reconciliation to ensure billing accuracy
• Verify employee benefit elections and deductions
• Support compensation strategy development
• Collaborate with HR Director on compensation planning
• Analyze market data and compensation trends
• Prepare quarterly required reports
• Support annual audit processes
• Compile and organize audit documentation

OTHER DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain flexibility to support cross-functional HR needs
• Participate in professional development
• Act as an ambassador of Family Service & Guidance Center in the community setting
• Support and actively promote the vision and mission of Family Service and Guidance Center
• Other projects and duties as assigned

Note: While roles have specific focus areas, both positions are expected to have working knowledge of each other's responsibilities to ensure comprehensive HR support.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONSEducation/Licensure:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, human resources or related field or equivalent experience, required
• PHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification, preferred
• Must successfully pass the KBI, DCF Central Registry and all background investigations
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, current auto insurance and reliable transportation

Experience:

• 2 years’ experience in compensation and employee benefit administration, preferred
• 2 years’ experience in resolving complex employee relation issues, preferred
• 2 years’ experience in HRIS, preferred
• Working knowledge of multiple human resources disciplines, including compensation practices, employee relations, diversity, performance management, wellness initiatives, and federal and state respective employment laws
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel and Outlook
• UKG Pro, Workforce Management/Dimensions experience a plus

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work effectively with various levels of professionals, both internally and externally.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to collaborate and establish relationships.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, and policies.
• Ability to acquire a thorough understanding of the organization’s hierarchy, jobs, qualifications, compensation practices, and the administrative practices related to those factors.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Demonstrated ability to invoke trust and maintain integrity with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to remain adaptable and flexible in an ever-changing and challenging work environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn other software programs as necessary.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but does serve as a coach and mentor for other positions in the department and organization.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Office-based working environment; requires flexible schedule; frequent interruptions occur; and potential risk of exposure to aggressive and/or acting out (verbal and physical) children and youth. Most interactions are with other agency staff, collaborative agencies, schools/universities or businesses in the community, auditors and regulatory agencies.