Human Resources Generalist

Metropolitan Family Services - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Chicago, IL

Social Assistance

About the position

Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) is seeking a full-time Human Resources Generalist to join our team, providing essential HR services across various centers in Chicago and DuPage County. This role is pivotal in bridging the HR function with assigned areas of responsibility, ensuring effective communication and implementation of HR processes. The HR Generalist will foster a culture of continuous improvement by actively seeking feedback on HR processes and participating in discussions aimed at enhancing HR operations. In this position, the HR Generalist will partner with supervisors and program leaders to understand current and future staffing needs, participating in leadership meetings and engaging in headcount planning and data analysis to support decision-making. The role involves guiding hiring managers on recruitment strategies and ensuring a positive onboarding experience for new hires, equipping them with necessary information and support to facilitate a smooth transition into the organization. The HR Generalist will also play a key role in fostering employee engagement by representing the HR function at MFS-sponsored events and being a visible presence on-site. This position serves as a point of contact for employee inquiries and grievances, providing guidance in alignment with organizational policies and legal requirements. Additionally, the HR Generalist will support performance evaluation processes, assist in employee development initiatives, and manage employee benefits administration, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The role requires maintaining accurate personnel records, analyzing exit interview data for continuous improvement, and collaborating on various HR projects, including diversity and inclusion initiatives. The HR Generalist will also provide training to leaders and employees as new processes are developed and implemented.

Responsibilities

• Act as a bridge between the HR function and assigned areas of responsibility, delivering aligned communication and implementing HR processes.
• Foster a continuous improvement mindset by seeking feedback on HR processes and participating in process review discussions.
• Partner with supervisors and program leaders to understand staffing needs and participate in headcount planning and data analysis.
• Guide hiring managers on recruitment strategies and provide a positive onboarding experience for new hires.
• Represent the HR function at MFS-sponsored employee events and maintain visibility on-site to foster employee engagement.
• Serve as a point of contact for employee inquiries, concerns, and grievances, providing guidance and resolution.
• Advise managers on organizational policies, procedures, and legal matters, staying abreast of relevant legislation.
• Address employee complaints while ensuring confidentiality and compliance with policies and laws.
• Support performance evaluation processes and assist managers in setting performance goals and conducting reviews.
• Identify opportunities for employee development and training to enhance performance.
• Administer employee benefits programs, ensuring accurate enrollment and compliance with regulations.
• Maintain accurate records related to personnel actions and submit employee data for unemployment claims.
• Review and analyze exit interview data to recommend corrective actions and improvements.
• Collaborate on HR projects and initiatives across all functional areas, including diversity and inclusion and employee engagement programs.
• Provide training to leaders and employees as new processes are developed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 3+ years HR experience, preferably in a nonprofit or social services environment.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulations, particularly in Illinois.
• Experience with creating and presenting ideas to employees of varying levels.
• Experience with HRIS systems and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport across all levels of the organization.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to meet multiple deadlines and remain productive in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and groups.
• SHRM-CP or PHR certification is a plus.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a nonprofit or social services environment is preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Organizational and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Health savings account
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Employee assistance program
• Vision insurance