Human Resources Generalist

Job Summary

The HR Generalist plays a vital role in the HR team, working closely with the HR Director to ensure the smooth operation of HR functions.  The HR Administrator is responsible for executing HR initiatives, policies, and procedures to support the organization's strategic objectives and enhance employee engagement and satisfaction while maintaining compliance with employment laws and regulations. This position requires a blend of organizational skills, attention to detail and advanced knowledge of HR processes.

Essential Functions

General Human Resources, Employee Support, and Employment Law Compliance:

• Develop LawNY’s onboard and orientation processes, collaborating with stakeholders to ensure new hires are receiving current information and appropriate support.
• Facilitate onboarding and orientation experiences for LawNY new hires, including but not limited to introduction to the Organization, benefits overview, handbook overview, and the completion of all required federal, state and company-specific paperwork for new hires.
• Ensure new hire data is entered into applicable systems and processed timely.
• Ensure compliance with postings required by federal and state laws, ensuring distribution of required postings in all LawNY offices.
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date maintenance of employee personnel records, in compliance with all state and federal laws and LawNY policies.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on HR policies, procedures, and compliance requirements, providing guidance and support to managers, and employees proactively and as needed.
• Support performance appraisal processes, including setting up timelines, and tracking evaluations.
• Facilitate new employee check-ins and probationary period utilizing the HRIS platform.
• Assist in the implementation, continuous improvement, and communication of HR policies, procedures, and programs to promote employee engagement, retention, and organizational effectiveness.

Benefits, Wellness, Leave Administration Support:

• Facilitate the administration of employee benefits programs, including annual open enrollment, benefit onboarding and assisting employees with benefit inquiries, enrollment, and changes.
• Effectively manage ongoing benefits administration processes and support employees in navigating their benefit options and enrollment procedures.
• Support the administration of employee leaves of absence such as providing information needed and following up with employees, as requested.
• Develop and foster a healthy and supportive workplace environment by implementing wellness initiatives that enhance employee physical, mental, and emotional health.  
• Assist with reporting to management metrics regarding employee leave, including the cost of employee leaves and general absenteeism, as needed.
• Support continuing efforts to educate employees on LawNY retirement options.
• Process Workers Compensation claims, ensuring compliance, and assist Workers Compensation audits.

Training and Development:

• Administer on-demand training tracks in the Learning Management System (LMS) for new and existing employees and supervisors as requested.
• Support the evaluation training effectiveness through participant feedback, assessments, and performance metrics.
• Support the tracking and reporting on training costs to LawNY management.

Human Resources Metrics and Continuous Improvement:

• Support enhancements in existing systems to improve administrative efficiencies and the employee experience in employee self-service platforms.
• Help maintain metrics to measure employee productivity, efficiency, and performance across various departments and teams.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with HR leadership on special projects process improvements, and strategic initiatives aimed at optimizing HR operations and contributing to the overall success of the organization.
• Take proactive steps to stay informed about changes in employment laws such as EEOC, FMLA, FLSA and ADA, regulations, and industry trends.
• Collaborate with other departments such as finance, IT, and operations on HR-related matters, projects, or initiatives as well as outside contacts.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong understanding of human resources principles, practices, and procedures, including recruitment, employee relations, performance management, and compliance.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including EEOC, FMLA, ADA, FLSA, and other relevant statutes.
• Excellent ability to multi-task.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Keen attention to detail and accuracy in performing tasks such as data entry, record-keeping, and documentation.
• Customer service mindset with the ability to respond promptly and professionally to inquiries, provide assistance, and resolve issues for employees.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism. 
• Proficient in using HRIS (Human Resources Information System) software to manage employee data, generate reports, and support HR processes.
• Advanced knowledge and skill in MS Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Working knowledge of MS PowerPoint.
• Proficiency with Google programs/drives and virtual meeting platforms.
• Ability to speak a language other than English is a plus.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

The beginning salary for a Human Resources Generalist at LawNY with three years experience is $44,152 and the salary for a Human Resources Generalist with thirty years of experience is $73,645.  Salary will be based on experience. LawNY is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program(PSLF).

LawNY® provides an excellent package of fringe benefits including:

•  94% Employer paid Medical Premium with 100% Employer paid in-network deductible 
• 100% Employer paid Dental Insurance
• 100% Employer paid Life Insurance
• 100% Employer paid Enhanced Short-term Disability
• 100% Employer paid Long-term Disability
• Vision Insurance
• 20 Paid Vacation days per year
• 12 Sick days per year
• 5 Personal days per year
• 13.5 Holidays plus 2 floating Holidays per year
• 35-Hour Work Week
• Hybrid Work Schedule (new staff are able to work from home up to 3 days per week. After 6 months, this increases to 5 days per week with Manager approval, as workload permits)

ORGANIZATION INFORMATION

Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc. (LawNY®) is a not-for-profit law firm that provides free civil legal services to low-income clients in a 14 county area of Western New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Southern Tier. LawNY® has seven fully staffed field offices in Bath, Elmira, Geneva, Ithaca, Jamestown, Olean and Rochester, satellite offices in Lakeville and Lyons, and a business office in Rochester.

LawNY® has been providing high quality legal representation for 54 years, and today has over 180 employees, including attorneys, paralegals, and a legal support team who work closely across areas of specialization to bring a holistic approach to addressing legal issues affecting our clients and community.

LawNY® is committed to equitable inclusion across race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ability, sex, religion, economic circumstances, ethnicity, national origin, and culture. We are increasingly committed to creating a law firm where race equity, diversity and cultural competency are integral components of our work, from client advocacy to internal operations.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, submit your cover letter, resume, and three professional references, with current email address and phone number, through LawNY®’s BambooHR platform, found here and at www.lawny.org/Employment.When outlining work experience on a resume, candidates are requested to label each position as full-time or part-time and describe unpaid volunteer/internships as such. 

To promote social justice and achieve our mission, LawNY® is committed to maintaining a diverse staff and creating an inclusive and respectful workplace. In your cover letter, please also include an explanation of how you think that your lived and/or professional experience or background has prepared you to contribute to support a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion at LawNY®.

Questions or Accommodations? Contact Michelle Grillone at mgrillone@lawny.org

Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc. (LawNY®) is an equal opportunity employer. LawNY® strongly encourages applications from Black, Indigenous and People of Color, women, LGBTQIA individuals, people with disabilities, and persons from other underrepresented groups whose background may contribute to working in and sustaining an environment that enables staff and clients to feel empowered, valued, respected, and safe. LawNY® welcomes applications regardless of race, color, religion, veteran status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other consideration protected by law.

This position is considered Exempt pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Salary : $44,152 - $73,645