Human Resources Specialist

Pleasants Power Station is seeking an experienced and proactive Human Resources Generalist to support our workforce of approximately 140 employees. This position serves as a trusted business partner to leaders and employees by providing guidance on employee relations, employment law, policy administration, compliance, performance management, and leave administration.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on HR professional who is confident in handling complex employee issues, conducting workplace investigations, coaching supervisors, and driving HR process improvements. This role plays a critical part in fostering a positive workplace culture while ensuring compliance with federal and state employment laws and Company policies.

Essential Responsibilities:

Employee Relations

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations matters by responding to employee concerns and providing guidance to supervisors and managers.
• Conduct fair, thorough, and confidential workplace investigations involving policy violations, employee complaints, harassment, discrimination, and other employment matters.
• Recommend appropriate corrective actions and ensure consistent application of Company policies.
• Foster a positive work environment through effective conflict resolution and problem-solving.

Performance Management

• Coach supervisors and managers on employee performance issues, documentation, and performance improvement strategies.
• Provide guidance throughout the progressive discipline process to ensure consistency, fairness, and legal compliance.
• Support the annual performance review process and assist leaders with performance management best practices.

Leave and Accommodation Administration

• Administer Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requests from initial eligibility through return-to-work.
• Coordinate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) interactive process and reasonable accommodations.
• Maintain and update Company leave policies and programs to ensure compliance.
• Educate and guide employees and supervisors on leave programs and eligibility:

Military Leave (USERRA)

Personal Leave

Bereavement Leave

Jury Duty

Other Company-sponsored leave programs

• Maintain accurate documentation while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and Company policies.

Policy Administration and Compliance

• Interpret and administer Company policies consistently across all departments.
• Maintain and update the Employee Handbook.
• Develop, revise, and improve HR policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws and regulations including:

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)

OSHA recordkeeping requirements

• Prepare and maintain required HR compliance reports, including EEOC reporting.
• Participate in internal HR audits and recommend corrective actions when needed.

Employee Engagement and Development

• Assist in developing and implementing employee engagement initiatives.
• Coordinate employee recognition programs and employee surveys.
• Support leadership development and employee training initiatives.
• Partner with management to identify succession planning opportunities and workforce development needs.

HR Operations

• Develop employee communications related to HR programs, policies, and organizational initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve HR processes, workflows, and overall department efficiency
• Maintain accurate employee records while protecting confidential information.
• Provide backup support for payroll processing as needed.

Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent professional Human Resources experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible Human Resources experience.
• Significant experience handling employee relations, workplace investigations, performance management, and employment law compliance.
• Experience administering leave programs and ADA accommodations preferred.
• Payroll experience is beneficial due to backup payroll responsibilities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices.
• Demonstrated experience conducting workplace investigations.
• Ability to coach supervisors through difficult employee situations.
• Strong understanding of FMLA, ADA, FLSA, USERRA, EEO, and other employment regulations.
• Excellent conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality while exercising sound judgment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) preferrably Paylocity.
• Ability to analyze situations, make recommendations, and implement process improvements.

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance coverage beginning the first day of the month following employment
• 100% company-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• $50,000 Company-paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance policy
• Optional Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with a4% company match after 90 days of employment
• Paid Time Off (PTO), plus eight paid company holidays annually