HR Generalist (Leave Specialist)

About the role

Under the supervision of the Director of Human Resources, the HR Generalist administers and supports a wide range of human resources programs and initiatives for all MHA employees. This role is responsible for providing employee support, coordinating onboarding-related compliance and employment documentation (including background check compliance), leave of absence administration, HRIS maintenance, and general employee support services. The HR Generalist serves as a key liaison between Human Resources and staff, ensuring consistent application of organizational policies and compliance with employment laws and regulations. This position is 100% on-site, in-person in Chicopee, MA.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (40 hours per week).

Pay

$22 – $24 per hour.

Essential Job Functions

• Coordinate onboarding compliance activities, including but not limited to background check processing, fingerprinting coordination, and verification of completed new-hire requirements.
• Serve as a point of contact for employee support inquiries, providing guidance on HR processes, policies, and required documentation.
• Maintain working knowledge of local, state, and federal employment laws and support compliance across HR operations and practices.
• Collaborate with managers to ensure fair and consistent HR practices, provide guidance on employee-related questions, and support a positive and compliant workplace environment.
• Maintain ongoing HR compliance, prepare for external audits when scheduled, and implement follow-up actions to address any findings or recommendations.
• Manage the onboarding of new hires in the payroll system and ensure HRIS records are accurate and up-to-date for all employees.

Leave of Absence Administration

• Manage the full lifecycle of employee leaves of absence, including short-term, long-term, and intermittent leave, ensuring 100% compliance with company policy, state, and federal regulations (e.g., FMLA, ADA).
• Coordinate and administer ADA accommodations and other legally mandated accommodations to support employees’ safe and timely return to work.
• Ensure all leave requests are properly documented, tracked, and maintained in HR systems, including timely updates and accurate recordkeeping.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees regarding leave policies, providing clear communication, guidance, and support throughout the leave process.
• Collaborate with management, HR, and medical providers to evaluate and approve leave requests in alignment with legal requirements and organizational standards.
• Monitor leave balances, deadlines, and return-to-work requirements, ensuring a seamless transition back to the workplace.

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in administrative team meetings and support HR-related planning initiatives.
• Carry out special projects and assignments as directed by the Director of Human Resources or senior leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• At least one year of experience working in a relevant human resources role preferred.
• Highly detail-oriented, ensuring accuracy and consistency in HR records, processes, and compliance tasks.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• High degree of discretion and confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Proficient with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and experience with HRIS and applicant tracking systems.
• Commitment to professionalism.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision).
• Retirement Plan (403B, IRA).
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays).
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity).
• Long Term Disability.