Lead HR Generalist
18 days ago
Chicago
Job Description Title: Lead HR Generalist Location: 4822 N. Broadway Chicago, IL 60640 Schedule: Hybrid, Monday to Friday (8:30am-5:00pm) Summary: The Lead HR Generalist provides advanced-level human resources support to employees and managers across multiple business units. This role serves as a trusted HR partner, handling more complex employee relations matters, supporting compliance and policy interpretation, coordinating talent processes, and offering guidance across various HR disciplines. The Lead HR Generalist may lead projects, coach junior HR staff, and support initiatives that enhance employee engagement, culture, and organizational effectiveness. Why Join Us? • Make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals seeking education and career pathways., • Collaborate with a diverse and passionate team dedicated to the mission and vision of our organization., • Medical insurance. BCBS PPO, HMO, and HDHP with HSA Plan, • Dental insurance., • Vision insurance., • 401(k) 3% Employer Contribution., • Commuter benefits., • ProfessionalDevelopment Assistance., • Disability insurance., • Voluntary Benefits., • FlexibleSpending Account., • Life/AD&DInsurance., • Employee Assistance Program. Duties & Responsibilities • Serves as a primary HR partner to designated departments, providing consultation on HR policies, employee relations, performance management, and conflict resolution., • Conducts initial investigations into employee concerns, escalating serious issues to the HR Director as needed., • Guides managers through corrective action processes, documentation, and coaching conversations., • Ensures consistent application of organizational policies and supports leaders in decision-making., • Partners with Talent Acquisition and hiring managers to support high-priority or complex recruitment needs., • Participates in interviews, reviews job descriptions, and assists with candidate selection and offer recommendations., • Supports onboarding and orientation for new hires, ensuring a smooth transition into the organization., • Assists in workforce planning discussions and monitors staffing trends., • Supports performance management processes, providing coaching to leaders on goal-setting, documentation, and evaluation practices., • Ensures departmental adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws (EEO, FLSA, ADA, FMLA, etc.)., • Assists with policy updates, compliance audits, and HR risk mitigation strategies., • Maintains confidentiality and ensures HR practices meet high ethical and professional standards., • Supports organizational culture, recognition efforts, DEI initiatives, and engagement programs., • Leads or participates in HR projects, process improvements, and system upgrades., • Provides coaching and support to HR Coordinators, Recruiters, or HR Generalists., • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institute of higher learning is required., • Minimum seven (7) years of progressive HR experience, including generalist-level responsibilities., • Strong knowledge of HR practices, employment law, and HR compliance., • Ability to handle complex employee relations matters with sound judgment and discretion., • Strong communication, coaching, and relationship-building skills., • Excellent organizational and prioritization abilities; able to manage multiple deadlines., • Excellent communication skills. Strong networker, relationship builder and communicator with experience collaborating with diverse work teams and stakeholders., • Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information possessing skills to handle situations in a professional and diplomatic manner., • A high degree of collaboration and emotional intelligence, self-motivation, and analytical ability., • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange; Windows operating systems; and other software routinely used by Heartland Human Care Services., • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form., • Ability to work independently and remain self-motivated with minimal direct supervision. This role is eligible for a “hybrid” work arrangement however, the employee must reside in the Chicagoland area. If hybrid, it is expected this person would be able to meet for “in person” meetings when needed or at the request of others. In-person meetings may be required on a regular basis (weekly, monthly, etc.). There may also be the availability to work from home when appropriate. Work Environment: • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate., • Each program site operates on a 24/7 basis, 365 days per year. To meet both the needs of our participants and contractual obligations, employees are required to be flexible regarding scheduling and work location., • Program sites are located throughout the Chicago area, including the North and South sides of Chicago, as well as the suburbs. Employees may be required to report to any one of our locations on a temporary or permanent basis., • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear., • The employee is regularly required to sit, stand and walk., • The employee must be able to stoop, kneel and/or crawl., • The employee is regularly required to use hands to key, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms., • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds., • The employee must have unrestricted ability to provide physical restraint. HHCS is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. HHCS is committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. Consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, HHCS prohibits discrimination or harassment against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression), national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all employment practices, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, discipline, and termination. HHCS also provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, as required by law.