Human Resources Generalist

The City of Valparaiso is seeking a Human Resources Generalist. This position will play an essential role in all facets of Human Resource (HR) management, development, planning, and support ranging from assisting with strategic goals (e.g., workforce planning) to transactional functions (e.g., ensuring data integrity of all information maintained in the HRMS systems). The position is highly visible working under the direction of the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer (DCHRO) to ensure HR services are aligned with the City’s vision and mission.

Qualifications Include:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a related field and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One (1) to Three (3) years of demonstrated relevant professional HR experience. Governmental HR experience is strongly preferred.
• Certification as PHR and/or SHRM-CP preferred.
• Prior experience with an HCM solution.

Position Expectations Include:

• HR Trusted Business Partner: Under the direction of the CHRO, assist in the development and execution of HR strategies that support the City’s vision, mission, and long-term objectives while also improving employee engagement and enhancing the organization. Propose/develop initiatives to increase staff morale and productivity, strengthen organizational culture, and attract/retain staff.
• Talent Acquisition: Provide primary assistance with and oversight of the recruitment process, including workforce planning, candidate sourcing, interviewing, background and reference checks, and onboarding, to attract top talent. Consistently promote the City as an Employer of Choice, as well as the robust compensation/benefit package and career development opportunities it offers.
• Employee Data: Ensures the data integrity of all information entered and maintained for the entire employee life cycle in all appropriate forums (e.g., HRMS system, spreadsheets, files). This includes hiring, leaves (e.g., FML, Disability, Workers Compensation), job movement, disciplinary action, etc., Keep all HR employee and other files up-to-date and work with CHRO to move toward a paperless system (electronic files). Maintain complete confidentiality of all information.
• Leave Management: Assist in providing consultation for management and staff on available programs (e.g., employee benefits, FMLA, Disability, Workers’ Compensation, PERF, etc.). Review related paperwork for completion and eligibility (FML only) and ensures all cases are properly documented, coordinated, and communicated with the appropriate parties (e.g., IPEP for Workers’ Compensation). Ensure that all employee benefits-related information (e.g., enrollments, qualifying events, pension) is up-to-date and reported accordingly. Work with providers/vendors to resolve issues or problems. Serve as a Wellness Liaison to City staff. Assist in the organization and scheduling of wellness events (e.g., wellness testing). Provide guidance on time and attendance system, policies, and procedures.
• Policy Development: Assist in the development, review, revision, and implementation of policies, procedures, and guidelines that ensure the City’s compliance with relative legal regulations and that promote a positive work environment. This includes all local, state, and federal regulations such as Equal Employment Opportunity/ Affirmative Action (EEO/AA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Pregnancy Disability Act (PDA), and Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Provide formal and informal training as directed by the CHRO/DCHRO for management and staff, interpret policies and regulations, confirm completion of required forms, and respond to inquiries.
• Employee Development: Collaborate with HR team to identify and implement training and development programs and opportunities that enhance employee knowledge, skills, and career growth, as well as promote understanding of compliance matters (e.g., Workplace Harassment Prevention, Ethics, Prevention of Workplace Violence).
• Employee Relations: Under the leadership of the CHRO/DCHRO, assist with employee relations matters including development, discipline, performance improvement plans, and retraining needs. Address employee concerns, conflicts, and complaints, ensuring fair and consistent resolution processes. Respond to Unemployment claims and requests for information (e.g., from the Department of Workforce Development (DWD)). Ensure compliance with the Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol testing requirements and the City’s drug and alcohol testing policies, including but not limited to, planning, and implementing the testing program, ensuring compliance, and maintaining accurate and updated records.
• HR Data Analytics: Assist the CHRO/DCHRO in identifying key performance indicators (KPIs)/metrics to measure progress toward desired and intended results/goals. Utilize data, metrics, and analytics to tell the story and provide focus on strategic and operational improvement/enhancement, create an analytical basis for decision making, and maintain focus on defined targets.
• Legal Compliance: Stay updated on labor laws and regulations, ensuring the City’s HR policies and practices remain compliant (e.g., coordinate the interactive process as it correlates to accommodations under the ADA).
• Change Management: Assist in leading HR initiatives related to implementation of new policies and processes, restructuring, and any other area as directed by CHRO/DCHRO.
• Performance Management: Support the implementation of performance management principles and systems and provide guidance on performance improvement plans.

Benefits Include:

• Robust Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
• Health Savings Account (w/Generous Annual Employer Funding)
• Life Insurance (Employer paid and Supplemental Plans)
• Disability Insurance Plan
• Employer Paid Urgent Care Visits at Designated Immediate Care Clinic
• Paid Time Off and Holidays
• INPRS (PERF) Pension Program
• Employee Assistance and Employee Health Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement Programs
• Career Growth and Training Opportunities

Compensation:

The City of Valparaiso provides a competitive salary structure. Pay for this position will be +/- $65,000 dependent on the candidate’s education, experience, and qualifications.

The position is exempt commensurate with FLSA requirements and is scheduled for a minimum of 40 hours per week.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The City of Valparaiso is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruit, select, develop, and promote employees based on individual ability and job performance. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of employer-employee relations without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or veteran status.

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function of the position satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The City of Valparaiso provides reasonable accommodations to qualified employees and applicants with known disabilities who require accommodation to complete the application process or perform essential functions of the job unless those accommodations would present an undue hardship.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation in applying for this position, you can request assistance by contacting the Valparaiso Human Resources Department at vhr@valpo.us.

This job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Pay: From $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• professional HR: 1 year (Required)
• Governmental HR : 1 year (Preferred)
• HCM Solution: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Professional In Human Resources (Preferred)
• SHRM Certified Professional (Preferred)

Work Location: In person