TITLE: Human Resources Generalist
STATUS: Full time, Non-exempt
REPORTS TO: Director of Human Resources
SALARY GRADE: 4
POSITION SUMMARY
The HR Generalist provides administrative and operational support to the Human Resources department while advancing the YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. This role plays a vital part in ensuring equitable, compliant, and people-centered HR practices across the organization.
The HR Generalist supports recruitment, onboarding, employee record management, benefits administration, and HR compliance, while serving as a trusted point of contact for employees. This position helps foster a respectful, inclusive, and trauma-informed workplace by ensuring HR processes are accessible, consistent, and aligned with YWCA values.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Recruitment & Onboarding
- Support full-cycle recruitment activities, including posting positions, coordinating interviews, and maintaining applicant tracking systems (ADP Recruiting, MI Talent Bank, Indeed, Career Fairs, etc.).
- Assist with pre-employment processes, including offer documentation, background checks, fingerprinting, and employment eligibility verification.
- Coordinate new-hire onboarding, ensuring timely completion of required documentation, system access, and orientation materials.
- Partner with hiring managers to ensure welcoming, mission-aligned onboarding experience.
- Support outreach and recruitment efforts designed to attract diverse, qualified, and mission-aligned candidates.
Employee Records & HR Administration
- Maintain accurate and confidential employee personnel files in compliance with federal, state, and organizational requirements.
- Update HR systems (ADP Workforce Now, Employee Navigator, Bizstream, etc.) with employee status changes, job updates, and demographic information.
- Prepare HR correspondence, employment verifications, and routine HR documentation.
- Assist with audits, reporting, and data requests to support compliance and operational accuracy.
Benefits & Payroll Support
- Provide administrative support for benefits enrollment, life events, and employee questions in coordination with HR leadership.
- Assist employees with navigating benefit platforms and understanding enrollment deadlines.
- Support payroll and timekeeping processes by responding to employee inquiries and assisting with documentation and corrections as needed.
- Reconcile invoices (Medical, 403b deposits, HSA deposits, dental, vision, parking, YWCA Retirement Fund)
- Assist with grant-related staffing documentation, position tracking, and workforce reporting requirements.
- Support HR compliance related to grant-funded positions and funding requirements.
- Ensure data integrity and accuracy across HRIS, payroll, benefits, and employee records systems.
Employee Support & Compliance
- Serve as a first point of contact for employee HR inquiries, ensuring timely responses and appropriate escalation when needed.
- Support compliance with employment laws, regulations, and internal policies, including confidentiality, anti-discrimination, and non-retaliation standards.
- Assist with training coordination, policy acknowledgments, and HR communications.
- Model professionalism, empathy, and discretion in all employee interactions.
- Assist with employee relations matters, including documentation, investigations, corrective action tracking, and conflict resolution under the guidance of the Director of Human Resources.
- Maintain confidential records related to employee concerns, accommodation, leave requests, and workplace investigations.
- Support performance management processes, including probationary reviews, annual evaluations, and performance improvement plans.
- Support the implementation and administration of HR policies, procedures, and employee handbook provisions.
- Assist with unemployment claims, employment verifications, audits, and regulatory reporting requirements.
- Assist with employee engagement initiatives, recognition programs, wellness activities, and organizational culture-building efforts.
- Ensure data integrity and accuracy across HRIS, payroll, benefits, and employee records systems.
Leave Administration
- Assist in administering leave programs, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, workers' compensation, and state-mandated leave programs.
- Track leave requests and maintain required documentation in accordance with applicable laws and organizational policies.
Training & Development
- Coordinate employee training programs, including onboarding, compliance training, professional development, and learning management system assignments.
- Maintain training records and monitor completion of required certifications and compliance training.
HR Metrics & Reporting
- Generate and analyze HR reports related to recruitment, turnover, retention, benefits, training, and workforce demographics.
- Assist in preparing reports and presentations for leadership, HR Committee, and Board meetings.
- Assist with preparation of materials, reports, and supporting documentation for HR Committee meetings and Board reporting.
Safety & Risk Management
- Assist with workplace safety initiatives, incident reporting, workers' compensation administration, and risk management activities.
- Coordinate required employment posters, compliance notices, and workplace safety documentation.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support the Human Resources Department and organizational operations.
Core Competencies
This role aligns with the following SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (BASK) competencies:
- Relationship Management – Builds trust, provides responsive support, and fosters positive employee relationships.
- Ethical Practice – Demonstrates integrity, confidentiality, and fairness in all HR activities.
- Communication – Communicates clearly, respectfully, and effectively with employees and leadership.
- HR Expertise (HR Knowledge) – Applies foundational HR principles related to recruitment, onboarding, records, and compliance.
- Equity & Inclusion (DEI Lens) – Supports inclusive practices aligned with the YWCA mission and values.
- Business Acumen – Understands how HR processes support organizational operations and service delivery.
- Consultation – Provides guidance and support to employees while appropriately escalating issues.
- Critical Evaluation – Interprets data and information to support decision-making.
- Leadership & Navigation – Supports organizational goals and change initiatives.
- Global & Cultural Effectiveness – Demonstrates cultural humility and effectiveness in diverse work environments.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
- 2-4 years of progressively responsible human resources experience preferred, preferably in a nonprofit, social services, healthcare, or mission-driven environment.
- Knowledge of HR processes and employment laws preferred.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS software.
- Ability to interact with all levels of the organization and externally including executive-level administrators, government officials, donors/prospects, event contacts, and staff with an understanding of protocol and confidentiality is required.
- Knowledge of ADP Workforce Now preferred.
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
- Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Commitment to trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and culturally responsive practices.
- SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or willingness to obtain certification preferred.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, copiers, and scanners.
- Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and electronically.
- Ability to occasionally lift, carry, or move materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Light work: mostly sitting and exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and up to 10 pounds of force frequently for purposes of lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling or otherwise moving objects.
- Irregular work hours may exist, including early morning, weekends and evenings.
- Regional travel during the workday is required occasionally.
- Conditions are subject to occasional exposure to agitated or threatening individuals.
- Requires concentrated, complex and variable mental efforts, with emphasis on synthesis of information, written and oral communication.
The YWCA is a trauma-informed, mission-driven organization committed to equity, empowerment, and dignity. The HR Generalist must be able to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment while maintaining compassion, professionalism, and confidentiality.
Equal Opportunity Statement
YWCA West Central Michigan is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.
The information noted herein is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. The information is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required of staff so classified.
Pay: $22.00 - $23.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
