Human Resources Generalist

About the role

This position is responsible for administering employee leave programs, coordinating workplace accommodations, and managing workers' compensation claims while ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws. The role serves as the primary point of contact for employees requesting Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, and other protected leaves of absence. It also manages property and auto insurance claims, working closely with insurance carriers and third-party administrators.

Responsibilities

• Administer all employee leave programs, including FMLA, ADA, military leave, jury duty, bereavement, personal leave, and other company-sponsored leave programs.
• Handle the FMLA leave administration process from the employees' initial notice of the need for leave to return to work, including gathering and completing all required paperwork, determining leave eligibility, designating leave as FMLA-qualifying, requesting medical certification as needed, and accounting for intermittent and reduced schedule leave use.
• Coordinate medical treatment and the return-to-work program, including fitness-for-duty certification for employees on or returning from extended FMLA, workers compensation, or other leave(s).
• Evaluate medical documentation and determine reasonable accommodations in collaboration with management.
• Track leave usage, return-to-work dates, and intermittent leave schedules.
• Maintain complete and accurate records of leave and accommodation requests in accordance with specified legal requirements and documentation best practices.
• File liability/property damage claims in a timely manner, securing necessary information (reports, statements, appraisals, etc.) for investigation of claims.
• Monitor claim status and ensure timely submission of required documentation.
• Preserve confidentiality of employee medical documentation and files.
• Process personnel action forms with accuracy and in a timely fashion.
• Maintain knowledge of all applicable leave and accommodation laws including the FMLA, ADA, and state and local laws.
• Interpret and communicate HR policies and procedures.
• Provide guidance to supervisors regarding leave administration and employment regulations.
• Assist with coordination of safety efforts and training sessions.
• Maintain regular and prompt attendance, physically present to work; may be required to work evenings and/or weekends.
• Perform other similar or related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a combination of experience and education in HR.
• Experience managing insurance claims, including property and automobile claims, preferred.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Current valid Class "C" Texas Driver License and must be insurable.
• Must pass pre-employment criminal background check and drug screen at City's expense.
• Must successfully complete Emergency Management and Incident Command Training within the first three months of hire.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills for effective interaction with coworkers, residents, city commissioners, and community leaders.
• Knowledge of federal and state employment laws, including FMLA, ADA, Workers' Compensation regulations, HIPAA confidentiality requirements, and EEOC regulations.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Working Conditions

• Prolonged periods of sitting and computer work.
• Occasional lifting of files or office materials up to 20 lbs.
• Ability to attend meetings at various work locations as needed.
• Understanding of safety responsibilities and adherence to established policies, procedures, and training.

Emergency Management Responsibilities

During emergency conditions, all City employees are automatically considered emergency service workers. City employees are subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as a hurricane, flooding, or other emergency situations, and are expected to perform emergency services duties as assigned.