HR Generalist

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced HR Generalist to join our team on a long-term contract basis in Chicago, Illinois. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in dynamic environments and has a passion for fostering positive workplace culture. The position encompasses a broad range of HR functions, including recruitment, employee relations, compliance, and benefits administration, with a strong focus on collaboration and inclusion.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Recruitment and Onboarding

o Partner with hiring managers to post positions, screen candidates, and coordinate interviews.

o Manage the pre-employment process including background checks, credentialing, and onboarding.

o Conduct new employee orientations and ensure a smooth onboarding experience.

Employee & Labor Relations

o Provide support in responding to employee concerns, investigations, and conflict resolution.

o Work closely with union stewards on matters related to salary determinations and compliance with collective bargaining agreements.

o Support a culture of respect, inclusion, and open communication across both union and non-union teams.

o Collaborate with Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to strengthen workplace culture, promote inclusion, and advance employee engagement initiatives.

HR Operations & Compliance

o Maintain accurate employee records and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws.

o Track and report key HR metrics such as turnover, FMLA usage, and employee engagement trends.

o Assist in compliance reporting including EEO, OSHA logs, Joint Commission, and HRSA site visit preparation.

Benefits & Leave Administration

o Respond to employee inquiries about benefits, FMLA, and leave policies.

o Collaborate with payroll and benefits vendors to ensure accurate and timely processing.

o Support open enrollment and employee benefits education.

Training & Development

o Coordinate staff training sessions and track compliance with required trainings (e.g., HIPAA, DEI, harassment prevention).

o Support the rollout of performance management processes and employee development initiatives.

Other Duties

o Perform other related duties as assigned to support the HR department and organizational goals.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as an HR Generalist, ideally in healthcare or nonprofit sectors.
• Proven experience working in unionized environments and collaborating with union stewards.
• Strong knowledge of HR best practices and labor law compliance.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to handle sensitive issues effectively.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Certification in SHRM-CP or PHR is a plus, but not mandatory.