POSITION SUMMARY
The Human Resources Generalist supports the day-to-day human resources functions of the Boys & Girls Club of Rockford and serves as a resource to employees and supervisors across the organization. This position is responsible for supporting the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, payroll administration, benefits, employee records, compliance, employee relations, workers' compensation, 401(k) administration, training, and offboarding.
The HR Generalist works closely with leadership and supervisors to ensure consistent application of organizational policies and procedures across all Club locations. This position requires strong attention to detail, confidentiality, professionalism, follow-through, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, youth-serving nonprofit environment.
The HR Generalist will also help strengthen HR systems and processes as the organization continues to grow, ensuring employees receive timely support and supervisors have the information and resources necessary to effectively manage their teams.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Education and Experience
Associate degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field preferred, but not required.
Equivalent relevant human resources experience will be considered in place of formal education.
Previous experience in a Human Resources Generalist, HR Coordinator, HR Administrator, or similar role preferred.
Experience with payroll processing, benefits administration, employee onboarding, recruitment, employee relations, and HRIS systems preferred.
Working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, workers' compensation, wage and hour requirements, and applicable federal and Illinois employment laws.
Experience working in a nonprofit, youth-serving, education, childcare, or similar organization is strongly preferred.
SHRM-CP, PHR, or other HR certification is a plus but not required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, deadlines, and priorities.
Strong follow-through and commitment to employee customer service.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive employee information.
Ability to demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, and discretion.
Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at all levels of the organization.
Ability to provide guidance to supervisors while maintaining consistency with organizational policies and employment laws.
Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with leadership and other departments.
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, highly interactive environment.
Proficiency with HRIS systems, payroll systems, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and other HR-related technology.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Recruitment and Hiring
Coordinate recruitment activities for open positions, including posting positions, reviewing applications, communicating with candidates, and assisting supervisors throughout the hiring process.
Conduct or coordinate applicant screening and assist with scheduling and conducting interviews as appropriate.
Prepare offer letters and new-hire documentation.
Initiate and track required pre-employment screenings, including background checks, fingerprinting, and other required screenings.
Ensure all required hiring documentation is completed before employees begin work.
Maintain accurate applicant and hiring records in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws.
Onboarding and Employee Records
Coordinate the onboarding process for new employees and ensure a consistent onboarding experience throughout the organization.
Conduct new employee orientation and explain organizational policies, procedures, payroll practices, benefits, and employee expectations.
Ensure required employment documents, acknowledgments, certifications, and training requirements are completed and properly maintained.
Enter and maintain accurate employee information within the organization's HRIS and payroll systems.
Maintain secure and complete personnel files and other required HR records.
Track employee documentation, certifications, required trainings, and other compliance-related requirements.
Process employee status changes, including transfers, promotions, compensation changes, and separations.
Payroll and Timekeeping
Assist with the preparation and processing of payroll to ensure employees are paid accurately and on time.
Review employee timekeeping records and work with supervisors to resolve missing punches, discrepancies, and other payroll issues.
Assist employees and supervisors with questions regarding payroll, timekeeping, paid time off, and other compensation-related matters.
Maintain accurate payroll records and communicate employee changes to appropriate staff.
Assist with payroll reporting, audits, and year-end processes as needed.
Employee Relations and Supervisor Support
Serve as a resource to employees regarding HR policies, workplace expectations, benefits, payroll, and employment-related questions.
Assist supervisors and managers with employee relations matters, including attendance, performance concerns, coaching, documentation, corrective action, and policy interpretation.
Support the documentation and resolution of employee concerns and workplace issues.
Promote consistent application of organizational policies and procedures across all Club locations.
Assist with employee investigations and gather documentation as directed.
Help identify employee relations trends and recommend opportunities for additional training, communication, or process improvement.
Support a professional, respectful, accountable, and positive workplace culture.
Training and Organizational Support
Assist with identifying and coordinating employee and supervisor training needs.
Communicate HR-related updates, policies, procedures, deadlines, and requirements to employees.
Assist leadership with implementation of new HR processes, policies, systems, and employee initiatives.
Prepare HR reports and employee data as requested by organizational leadership.
Support employee engagement, retention, recognition, and professional development initiatives.
Assist with maintaining and updating job descriptions, organizational charts, employee handbooks, HR forms, and related materials.
Employee Separation
Coordinate employee separation processes, including resignations and involuntary separations.
Ensure required separation documentation is completed and employee access, benefits, payroll, and organizational property are appropriately addressed.
Assist with exit interviews and identify trends or concerns that may support employee retention and organizational improvement.
Other Responsibilities
Research HR-related questions, regulations, best practices, and compliance requirements as needed.
Maintain organized and accurate HR records, forms, reports, and electronic files.
Respond to employee inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
Participate in organizational meetings and training as required.
Maintain strict confidentiality regarding employee, payroll, medical, and organizational information.
Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the effective and timely operation of the Human Resources function.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is primarily performed in an office and Club environment with regular interaction with employees, supervisors, youth-serving locations, and community partners. The position may require travel between Boys & Girls Club of Rockford locations and occasional attendance at meetings, trainings, or events outside of normal business hours.
The employee must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, manage interruptions, maintain confidentiality, and respond appropriately to sensitive employee situations.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
The position requires the ability to perform general office functions, including prolonged periods of sitting, computer use, telephone and electronic communication, and occasional standing or walking throughout Club facilities.
The employee must be able to communicate effectively, maintain attention to detail, exercise sound judgment, manage multiple priorities, and appropriately handle confidential and sensitive information.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
DISCLAIMER
The information presented in this job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not intended to contain, nor should it be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or objectives required of employees assigned to this position.
Duties and responsibilities may be modified or assigned based on the operational needs of the Boys & Girls Club of Rockford.
Pay: $21.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person