HR Generalist

Mission Statement

To lovingly address the needs of men, women and children experiencing homelessness by sharing the Good News of Salvation and providing a holistic approach to rehabilitation and recovery.

Position Summary

The HR Generalist (HRG) ensures that HR practices reflect SDRM’s Christ-centered values and comply with California labor law while fostering an environment of accountability, compassion, and excellence. This position supports program objectives, ensures operational integrity, and reflects our values in every interaction with clients, staff, and the public. The HRG serves as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to staff, exercising discretion and independent judgment in administering key HR functions that support the mission of SDRM. This role is responsible for employee relations, policy interpretation, recruitment strategy, compliance oversight, and support of organizational culture.

Key Responsibilities

The HR Generalist is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Human Resources department, ensuring that all aspects of the employee life cycle—from recruitment and onboarding to development, engagement, and separation—are carried out with excellence, compassion, and accountability in alignment with SDRM’s Christ-centered mission and values.

• Employee Relations & Advisory

• Assist HR Director in advising managers on corrective action, performance concerns, and conflict resolution.

• Assist with conducting confidential investigations and recommend outcomes that align with policy and risk mitigation.

• Policy Interpretation & Compliance

• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local employment laws (FMLA, CFRA, ADA, FEHA, PDL, AB2188, OSHA, etc.).

• Maintain confidential and compliant employee documentation.

• Leave Management & Benefits Support

• Administer protected leaves and accommodations, exercising judgment on eligibility and process.

• Educate employees on benefit programs and serve as a liaison for escalated questions.

• Track compliance and coordinate with payroll and leadership as needed.

• HRIS & Payroll Support

• Manage employee records, position changes, and data accuracy in Paycom.

• Review and recommend corrections or process improvements to enhance data integrity.

• Assist with payroll-related actions involving classification or status changes.

• Culture & Mission Integration

• Model SDRM’s commitment to a Christ-centered workplace in communication and conduct.

• Support prayer partnerships, ministry alignment, and values-based decision-making.

• Support and participate in ministry-wide activities and chapels as applicable.

Staff Expectations

As a representative of San Diego Rescue Mission, all employees are expected to:

• Adhere to the Statement of Faith, upholding biblical principles in all aspects of work and life.

• Be prepared to share the hope you have in Christ. As a representative of Christ, be ready to gently and respectfully share the Good News of Jesus Christ at all times.

• Live out the Mission, Vision, and Values of the SDRM by safeguarding the Mission, pursuing the Vision, and reflecting our core values—Faith, Compassion, Excellence, and Integrity—in both your personal and public life. Remain focused on serving, demonstrating a deep desire to see God transform the lives of those experiencing homelessness.

• Intentionally spend time in God’s Word, prayer, staying rooted in a biblical community (local church, ministry, small group) to deepen your relationship with Christ.

• Model servant leadership in all interactions, encourage and support SDRM staff in their walk with Christ, putting the needs of others before yourself.

• Foster a coachable, approachable, and humble spirit, remaining open to feedback, growth, and guidance.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or related field preferred, or a Human Resources Certificate through an accredited college or university (preferred but not required).

• PHR, SHRM-CP, or equivalent certification preferred.

Experience:

• 3+ years of professional-level HR experience with demonstrated decision-making responsibilities.

• Strong knowledge of California employment law and HR compliance.

• Nonprofit or ministry experience is a plus.

Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to function effectively in a dynamic, faith-based environment.

• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

• Strong communication and administrative skills are required.

• Capable of maintaining emotional resilience in challenging situations.

• Ability to exercise independent judgment and handle confidential matters.

• Ability to build trust and work collaboratively across departments.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.

• Proficiency in HRIS systems (Paycom preferred) and MS Office Suite.

• High attention to detail, follow-through, and organization.

• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate them when appropriate.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• This role may require walking, standing, lifting up to 25 lbs, and working irregular hours, including evenings or weekends.

• The environment includes residential program sites and client-facing spaces.

Travel/Transportation

• The employee must travel as the job requires to our locations (Warehouse, National City, North County).

• The employee must have reliable transportation.

• If the employee receives authorization to use a Mission vehicle to perform duties, the incumbent must present a current California driver’s license and good driving record to be placed on the Mission’s insurance policy.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

San Diego Rescue Mission is an equal opportunity employer and a faith-based organization. All employment decisions are made based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, age, disability, or any other status protected by federal or California law. As a religious organization, SDRM exercises its rights under the Civil Rights Act Section 702 and applicable California law to employ individuals who share its Christian beliefs and values.