Human Resources Generalist - Full Time - Petaluma Headquarters

Join Friedman’s, where our mission is to Deliver the Human Side of Home Improvement. Named a “Best Place to Work” and voted Sonoma County’s Best Home Improvement Store 14 years in a row, we’re built on a positive, team-oriented culture built on decades of trust and service.

We offer bundled benefits; eligibility for a discretionary bonus; 401(k). You’ll also enjoy a generous employee discount and tuition reimbursement to support your career path.  At Friedman’s, you’re not just starting a job, you’re joining a team that leads, grows, and builds something bigger together.

Summary: The Human Resources team at Friedman’s Home Improvement is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Generalist who thrives in a collaborate team environment.  This role serves as a key partner to Team Members and managers, focusing approximately 75% of their time ensuring a seamless and compliant experience related to medical leaves, disability, accommodation requests, workers’ compensation processes, along with benefits administration. This role will focus on managing Team Member leave of absence programs and workplace accommodations in compliance with California and federal employment laws, ensuring a legally compliant and consistent approach and process to requests, workers compensation and benefits administration.  The position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.  The experienced HR Generalist I joins a cross-functional HR team and brings their working knowledge and familiarity with all aspects of Human Resources to assist approximately 25% of their time with a variety of HR topics including but not limited to: Safety/Ergonomics, Wage & Hour, Payroll, Employee Relations, Performance Management, and Recruiting.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Administer end-to-end leave programs including FMLA, CFRA, PDL, ADA, CA state leaves, company-provided leaves and workers’ compensation

• Serve as the primary point of contact for Team Members regarding leave eligibility, rights, and responsibilities
• Determine Team Member eligibility and provide required notices and documentation
• Track and manage leave cases and use through HRIS system
• Work with payroll HR team regarding leave-related impacts
• Communicate regularly with Team Members and managers regarding leave status
• Manage the interactive process for accommodation requests in compliance with ADA and applicable laws
• Partner with Team Members and managers to identify reasonable accommodations
• Obtain and review medical documentation as needed while maintaining confidentiality
• Track and document accommodation requests and outcomes
• Provide guidance to managers on implementing accommodations effectively
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of leave and accommodation laws and regulations
• Assist in developing, updating, and communicating HR policies and procedures
• Ensure proper recordkeeping and audit readiness for all leave and accommodation cases
• Educate Team Members and managers on leave policies and accommodation processes
• Respond to inquiries with empathy, professionalism, and accuracy
• Support conflict resolution related to leave or accommodation concerns
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, efficiency, and Team Member experience.
• Support HR projects and initiatives as needed.
• Administer workers’ compensation claims, including reporting, tracking, and follow-up
• Serve as liaison between Team Members, managers, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators
• Coordinate return-to-work and modified duty programs
• Regularly collaborate with Safety & Loss Prevention Manager to review safety environment and workers’ compensation activity and claims
• Ensure compliance with OSHA and state reporting requirements
• Monitor claims for trends, costs, and resolution timelines  
• Responsible for benefits administration and yearly open enrollment process
• Daily monitoring and Team Member assistance through HR email and phones for all general related HR questions, in collaboration with the HR team
• Cross train in all aspects of HR functions to assist HR team as backup for absences
• All other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• 3 years' experience in Human Resources with direct California leave and accommodations management
• Previous HR Generalist role or equivalent experience with California based employer(s)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Expert knowledge of FMLA, CFRA, PDL, ADA, and other relevant federal and CA laws
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with a focus on analytical thinking and desire to problem solve
• Self-starter with strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Experience working with third-party leave administrators or insurance carriers
• Previous workers compensation experience, with safety focused knowledge preferred
• HRIS experience (e.g., Paycom, or similar systems) preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• DOT, Commercial Driver requirement knowledge is a plus

Work Environment:

• Work environment will be stationed at Headquarters, in Petaluma, CA
• Remote work is available one day a week (excluding Mondays and Fridays) with eligibility after successful completion of introductory period of employment 
• Travel to retail stores and DC location in Sonoma & Mendocino counties on a monthly rotating basis and as needed for Human Resources support

What’s in Friedman’s toolbox for Team Members:

• 401(k)
• Incentive Plan in accordance with sales
• Medical, Dental and Vision bundled benefit plan
• Team Member discount on all merchandise
• Tuition reimbursement to further career path

Friedman’s Home Improvement is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Friedman’s Home Improvement will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal convictions in a manner consistent with AB 1008.

Salary : $31 - $38