Human Resources Generalist (38567)

Job Summary

The Human Resources Generalist supports the HR function within a mission-driven nonprofit organization that provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities. This role helps ensure a supportive, person-centered work environment by assisting with employee relations, compliance, benefits administration, and HR-related projects. The HR Generalist collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to strengthen the workforce that delivers high-quality services to the people we support.

Emmaus Core Values

Core Values: Customer Centered, Integrity, Initiative, and Collaboration.

All employees are expected to advocate for the best interest of Emmaus clients and demonstrate Emmaus’ Core Values in all aspects of their job. 

Key Responsibilities

Cross-functional collaboration

• Work closely with Client Services and other departments to ensure consistent HR practices across all service areas.
• Support managers in implementing HR policies and ensuring alignment with person-centered values and regulatory responsibilities.
• Participate in cross-departmental initiatives that enhance employee experience, workforce stability, and overall program quality.

Employee Relations

• Serve as a first point of contact for staff, including Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)—regarding questions, concerns, and workplace issues.
• Support timely, respectful internal investigations and assist in documenting findings and recommending resolutions.
• Provide guidance to supervisors and staff on performance expectations, communication strategies, and conflict resolutions aligned with CORE values and person-centered practices.
• Provide guidance on disciplinary procedures, performance improvement plans, and termination processes, ensuring compliance with employment laws.
• Develop and implement strategies to boost employee morale, engagement, and retention.
• Overseas the performance evaluation process and guide managers on performance improvement plans. Identifying training needs and implement development programs.

Compliance

• Manage compliance for workers’ compensation. Filing, investigating, and tracking employee injuries, coordinating with third party administrators. Ensuring adherence to state specific regulations, OSHA reporting, and managing intersection with FMLA/ADA.
• Collaborate with HR Specialist on FMLA, disability and other leaves of absence programs in accordance with company policy and legal requirements.
• Manage unemployment claims, provide information to the Division of Employment Security.  Monitor and process quarterly statement of benefits and ensure payment processing.

Benefit Administration

• Support day-to-day administration of benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and leave programs such as FMLA and ADA.
• Assist staff with open enrollment, claims questions, and benefit navigation, ensuring accessibility and equity.
• Assist employees with benefit enrollment, eligibility questions, and issue resolution.
• Provide benefit education tailored to a diverse workforce, including DSPs, administrative staff, and program teams.
• Oversee the processing of qualifying life events and change of status eligibility for benefits.

HR Projects and Process Improvements

• Participate in HR projects such as policy updates, employee engagement initiatives, HRIS improvements, and onboarding enhancements.
• Collaborate with HR leadership to implement new programs and organizational changes.
• Collect and analyze basic HR metrics to support data-driven decision-making.
• Participate in organizational projects such as employee engagement initiatives, HRIS optimization, onboarding improvements, and retention strategies for DSPs and other staff.
• Support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives via the IDEA team that strengthen representation and belonging across the organization
• Make recommendations to HR director regarding updates to company policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance with federal state and local regulations.

Standard - Demands of the Job

• Operate standard office equipment including but not limited to a laptop, cell phone, fax machine, printer, and copier.
• Work independently.
• Multiple and competing deadlines and priorities
• Appropriately and effectively assist individuals during crisis or emergency situations. 
• Perform detailed data collection, recording and reporting in handwriting and typing. 
• Complete required training as defined in the Emmaus Employee Training Curriculum, within the Emmaus timeline including but not limited to successful completion of annual Emmaus training or other job-related training.

Job Requirements/Desired Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field from an accredited university or college required. 
• Intermediate Skills with Microsoft Office Suite required.
• Experience managing people and processes preferred.   
• 3 years’ human resources experience in employee relations, benefits administration, compliance and leaves and accommodation required.
• Proven experience using AI tools for data analysis. 
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP preferred.