Human Resource Generalist

JOB DESCRIPTION

(403 – I) Human Resource Generalist I

Goodwill employees are expected to represent the highest standards of behavior and job performance by:

1. acting with honesty and integrity;
2. ensuring that all business activities are transparent and ethical; and
3. achieving goals in alignment with Goodwill’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

MISSION:  Goodwill’s mission is to provide work opportunities and skills development to people with barriers to employment.

VISION:  Every person in Kern, Kings, and southern Tulare counties has the opportunity to achieve his/her fullest potential through the power of work.

VALUES:  Accountability ~ Integrity ~ Dignity ~ Diversity & Inclusion ~ Ingenuity ~ Opportunity

DEPARTMENT:  Human Resources

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:   Vice President of Human Resources and Safety

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:   Human Resources Coordinator

CLASSIFICATION:  Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Performs professional-level human resources duties with primary responsibility for employee relations, workplace investigations, compliance with state and federal employment laws, and administration of leaves of absence and workplace accommodations.

This position provides oversight and guidance to the Human Resources Coordinator in the areas of recruitment and onboarding, ensuring hiring and orientation processes are executed in alignment with organizational policies, compliance requirements, and HR best practices.

This role requires strong critical thinking, investigative ability, and interpersonal skills, with a solid understanding of HR information system (HRIS) workflows, configuration, and data integrity.

Additionally, this position must demonstrate knowledge of retail, warehouse, or operational environments to effectively support workforce needs across business units.

Standards of Performance and Conduct (each is an essential function):

1. Ensure actions are consistent with Goodwill ethics, policies, procedures, goals, and mission.
2. Work collaboratively with management and staff to achieve organizational goals.
3. Maintain regular attendance consistent with business needs and approved leave policies.
4. Promote a team-oriented environment aligned with Goodwill’s values.
5. Maintain strict confidentiality in all HR matters.
6. Work in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and generally accepted HR practices.
7. Promote a positive organizational image when interacting with employees, participants, customers, and external partners.
8. Participate in required safety training and comply with safety standards.
9. Safeguard company property, including donated goods.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  (Position may perform some or all of the duties described below):

1. Partners with employees and management to interpret and communicate HR policies, procedures, and employment laws.
2. Leads and conducts workplace investigations involving employee relations concerns including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, misconduct, and policy violations.
3. Provides expert guidance and administration of state and federal leave laws including FMLA, CFRA, PDL, ADA accommodations, and related workplace adjustments.
4. Manages and processes complex accommodation requests, engaging in the interactive process and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.
5. Serves as HR lead for employee relations matters and provides recommendations for corrective action and resolution strategies.
6. Oversees and provides guidance to the HR Coordinator on recruitment, onboarding, and orientation processes to ensure consistency and compliance.
7. Reviews HRIS workflows, ensures system accuracy, and supports configuration and process improvements within HR systems.
8. Ensures accurate HR data entry, documentation standards, and personnel record maintenance.
9. Interprets HR data and trends to support management decision-making and continuous improvement.
10. Acts as a resource for supervisors and managers regarding performance issues, workplace concerns, and policy interpretation.
11. Ensures compliance with applicable state and federal employment regulations through research, consultation, and policy application.
12. Prepares correspondence, reports, documentation, and HR-related communications in a timely and accurate manner.
13. Supports HR department operations and serves as a secondary reviewer of personnel files for accuracy and compliance.
14. Maintains a strong understanding of operational environments including retail, warehouse, and production settings to effectively support workforce needs.
15. Participates in professional development activities including trainings, conferences, and HR-related learning opportunities.
16. Performs other HR-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

1. A degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. 1–3 years of progressive HR experience in employee relations, HR compliance, or related functions.
3. Strong knowledge of state and federal employment laws, particularly leave administration and workplace accommodations.
4. Demonstrated experience conducting workplace investigations.
5. Strong critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
6. Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
7. Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and HRIS systems.
8. Understanding of HRIS workflows, data structure, and system processes.
9. Valid California Driver’s License and ability to travel between work locations as needed.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
2. Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.
3. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to handle sensitive employee relations matters.
4. Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond to shifting operational needs.
5. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced operational environment.
6. Ability to act as a professional HR representative across diverse employee groups.

QUALIFICATIONS: Must demonstrate the ability to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:  Degree in HR, Business, or related field preferred. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. One to three years of HR experience required, with emphasis in employee relations, compliance, and leave administration.

Language and Reasoning Skills: 

Ability to:

• Analyze complex employee relations issues and apply appropriate HR and legal frameworks
• Define problems, collect and interpret data, and develop sound conclusions
• Exercise judgment, discretion, and critical thinking in sensitive situations
• Communicate effectively with employees, managers, and leadership at all levels

Other Skills and Abilities: 

• Strong investigation and interviewing skills
• Advanced understanding of HR compliance frameworks and employment law application
• Experience working in or supporting retail, warehouse, or production environments
• Strong understanding of HRIS systems, workflows, and data integrity practices
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP preferred.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:  This position is primarily office-based with occasional travel between locations. The employee may occasionally be required to visit operational sites including retail, warehouse, or production environments.

PHYSICAL  REQUIREMENTS/DEMANDS: Human Resource Generalist

LIFTING AND CARRYING REQUIREMENTS/DEMANDS:  Human Resource Generalist

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Salary : $70,304 - $75,000