HUMAN RESOURCES GENERALIST

Highland Community College is accepting applications for a full-time Human Resources Generalist. This position provides complex administrative and technical support to the Human Resources function with particular emphasis on management of the recruitment process, employee benefit programs, employee medical leaves, workers’ compensation and unemployment claims. The HR Generalist represents HR as the front line resource for internal and external customers. The position is responsible for providing accurate, timely data reporting, general office support, and accurate file management.

The successful candidate will possess excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, understanding of basic employment laws, and the ability to explain these and HR processes to internal stakeholders. Attention to detail and strong organizational skills necessary. Ability in planning and implementing projects, managing changing priorities, and communicating professionally is essential. Must have experience using software programs and databases including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office and an HRIS. Ability to manage confidential and private information required. An Associate’s degree and two years’ experience in a human resources environment required.

To apply for the position, please visit our website at: www.highland.edu/employment. Application is not complete until the following materials are submitted: online application, cover letter, resume, transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable for the purpose of application). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For an alternate application method, please contact Human Resources at 815-599-3426.

Highland Community College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, and encourages applications from veterans, minorities, people with disabilities and other diverse groups.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES: Provides complex administrative and technical support in several human resources functions. Duties include: processing employment searches from posting to onboarding of new hires, managing benefits enrollment and supporting benefit related functions, compiling and maintaining data in human resources information systems and files, and producing reports. Completes special assignments and projects as required.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES: (essential functions)

• Processes employment searches, including drafting and placement of advertising and notices for open positions, effectively using social media in recruitment efforts, setting up positions within online applicant database, assisting applicants, meeting and working with assigned search committees and search committee chairs, reviewing all applicant materials, scheduling interviews, reviewing benefits and administering tests, conducting criminal background and reference checks, preparing draft Board action items, and ensuring new hire onboarding is successful.
• Assists in ensuring compliance of equal opportunity and nondiscrimination provisions throughout the search process. Compiles and prepares EEOC and other applicant reports from applicant database; provides detailed information as requested. Maintains EEO/AA Representative committee list.
• Manages workers’ compensation claims intake and reporting. Maintains appropriate OSHA information and other required reports. Works with carrier to appropriately handle claims.
• Manages unemployment claims. Maintains appropriate handling and required reporting.
• Handles processing of all appropriate benefits-related documents and communications as appropriate with the employee, insurance company, third party administrator and Director, Human Resources while abiding by HIPAA privacy laws.
• Responsible for Affordable Care Act (ACA) IRS reporting (1094-C/1095-C); serves as point of contact for ACA matters, rules and regulations.
• Manages and reconciles weekly and monthly benefit invoices and reports.
• Manages open enrollments for benefit programs, including medical, dental, Flexible Spending Accounts, long-term disability and life insurances and assists with claims when needed. Prepares insurance paperwork for exiting employees. Responds to questions regarding benefits and SURS short-term disability.
• Serves as a point of contract for SURS matters, rules and regulations.
• Manages the SURS Annuitant process. Runs bi-weekly and monthly reports for SURS compliancy.
• Administers FMLA and other employee medical leaves.
• Manages service award recognition.
• Creates and maintains personnel files.
• Maintains mandatory labor law posters and job descriptions.
• Updates, communicates and maintains primary and backup Nursing Mothers’ Act room assignments in campus facilities.
• Updates the College’s Call-Em-All staff list and the Emergency Inclement Weather Telephone lists.
• Answers the telephone, responds to requests for information, prepares and distributes memos, correspondence, meeting minutes and other documents; opens and processes incoming mail, orders office supplies and other materials; processes invoices and maintains budget accounts, oversees department calendar.
• Maintains and updates various employee lists, retiree lists, seniority lists, mailing lists, staff portal, and directories. May make updates to HRIS system as needed.
• Assists with special projects, which may include attending committee meetings, assisting at job fairs, etc. Participates on committees such as Support Staff, Wellness Committee and EEO/AA Representative Committee.
• Provides back up to department, including Payroll.
• Handles and maintains highly confidential information on employees as well as candidates for positions.
• Identifies process improvement opportunities and takes initiative as needed.
• Provides excellent customer service to external and internal individuals.
• Communicates professionally in the workplace.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Knowledge of College personnel policies and procedures, including benefits offered by the College.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws regarding hiring, selection and employment of employees.
• Knowledge and understanding of HIPAA.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of office administration.
• Knowledge of office equipment and computer hardware and software applications.
• Knowledge of utilizing data to make informed decisions.
• Knowledge of report preparation and formatting.
• Skill in maintaining confidential information.
• Skill in planning and coordinating complex administrative office duties.
• Skill in effectively using organization and planning skills, including the use of attention to detail, meeting deadlines, and follow through.
• Skill in project management, including establishing and implementing plans.
• Skill in communicating effectively orally and in writing.
• Skill in operating a computer and related software applications.
• Skill in effectively working with databases, including HRIS.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective relationships with a diverse population of co-workers and others.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ACTIVITIES: The physical requirements of this position are sedentary in nature, exerting up to 10 lbs of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Associate’s degree, and two (2) years previous work experience in benefits administration, talent acquisition, or human resources and HRIS OR an equivalent combination of education and experience that provide the required knowledge and skills. Demonstration of job-related certification (e.g. SHRM-CP, PHR, SPHR, CEBS, etc.) may be considered as part of this requirement.

REQUIRED LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: None

SECURITY SENSITIVE POSITION: Requires a criminal background check.

REPORTS TO: Director, Human Resources