The Senior People & Culture Generalist provides advanced support across all areas of human resources, ensuring smooth daily operations while reinforcing Penfield’s trauma-informed, people-centered culture. Reporting to the Director of People & Culture, this role is responsible for executing and maintaining core HR functions such as onboarding, benefits, payroll support, HRIS accuracy, compliance reporting, and first-level employee relations.

This position acts as a knowledgeable resource for employees and managers, handles complex HR processes independently, and collaborates closely with the People & Culture Coordinator to ensure consistent service delivery. The Senior Generalist does not supervise staff but provides guidance and mentorship to the Coordinator, with overall direction and accountability retained by the Director.

• Assist with new hire onboarding and orientation logistics, ensuring accurate completion of required paperwork and HRIS setup.
• Partner with the Director and Coordinator to deliver a welcoming, consistent experience that reflects Penfield’s mission and values
• Guide employees through benefits enrollment, life events, and open enrollment.
• Administer leaves of absence (FMLA, ADA, other) in compliance with policy and law, escalating complex cases to the Director.
• Serve as day-to-day contact with benefit vendors for routine questions and updates.
• Maintain accurate employee data in HRIS, including benefits, deductions, and job changes.
• Verify payroll information prior to processing; escalate anomalies to the Director.
• Generate HR and compliance reports (e.g., turnover, demographics, benefits participation).
• Serve as a first point of contact for employee inquiries and workplace concerns, ensuring respectful and timely responses.
• Support managers in drafting performance improvement documentation and follow-up.
• Investigate and document lower- to mid-level employee relations concerns, escalating higher-risk matters to the Director.
• Prepare and submit compliance reports such as EEO-1, unemployment claims, and DWD filings.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records in compliance with legal requirements.
• Monitor HR practices for compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Track HR-related expenses to support budget monitoring and provide monthly summaries to the Director.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to the People & Culture Coordinator on daily HR processes and best practice
• Partner with the Director to ensure alignment of day-to-day operations with the overall people strategy.
• Contribute to department initiatives such as engagement, retention, and recognition programs.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required.
   
• 3–5 years of progressive HR experience with demonstrated competency in benefits, payroll/HRIS, compliance, and employee relations.
   
• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws.
   
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
   
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Preferred Education and Experience

• HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP) preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• HR Knowledge: Solid understanding of core HR functions including benefits, payroll, HRIS, compliance reporting, and employee relations.
   
• Regulatory Awareness: Working knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws (e.g., FMLA, ADA, FLSA, EEO).
   
• Communication Skills: Clear written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain HR processes and policies in a supportive, trauma-informed manner.
   
• Problem-Solving & Judgment: Ability to assess employee concerns, determine when to resolve independently, and when to escalate to the Director.
• Confidentiality & Integrity: Strong sense of discretion and ability to handle sensitive information appropriately.
   
• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrated ability to build rapport and positive relationships with employees, supervisors, and external partners.
   
• Technology Skills: Proficiency in HRIS platforms (Paycom preferred), Microsoft Office Suite, and ability to learn new systems quickly.

Preferred Skills

• Organization & Time Management: Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively as part of a team, supporting both the Director and Coordinator to achieve departmental goals.

• Adaptability: Comfortable adjusting to organizational needs and handling both routine processes and unexpected challenges.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
   
• Ability to move about the office to access file cabinets, office equipment, and meeting spaces.
   
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at times.
   
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and via email.
   
• Occasional bending, stooping, or reaching as needed to perform daily tasks.
   
• Ability to remain focused and attentive in an open office environment with regular interruptions.
   

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.