Human Resources Generalist
UB Associates
Buffalo, NY
Job Title:Human Resource Generalist
Reports to: Senior Human Resource Generalist
Job Overview: The Human Resource Generalist performs HR-related duties on a professional level and works closely with senior HR management to support organizational goals and employee needs. This role will have a primary focus on benefits administration, recruitment and leave management, serving as a key resource for employees and managers on health and welfare benefits, retirement plans, and all leave of absence programs. The position is also responsible for supporting employee relations, onboarding, policy implementation, HR compliance, payroll coordination, and other generalist functions as needed.
Essential Functions:
Benefits Administration & Leave Management
- Administers employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, and retirement plans.
- Manages benefit enrollments, changes, terminations, open enrollment, and qualifying life event updates.
- Serves as the primary liaison between employees, managers, and third-party administrators for benefits-related matters.
- Leads the administration of employee leave programs, including FMLA, PFL, DLB, STD, ADA-related leave, workers’ compensation leave, parental leave, personal leave, and other applicable federal, state, and company leave programs.
- Tracks leave requests, required documentation, approvals, return-to-work processes, and ongoing communication with employees and managers.
- Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local laws related to benefits and leave administration.
- Educates employees on benefit options, leave eligibility, procedures, and required documentation.
- Partners with payroll to ensure accurate processing of benefit deductions, leave-related pay adjustments, and benefit billing matters.
Talent Acquisition
- Leads full-cycle recruitment for all exempt, non-exempt, intern, and temporary positions.
- Develops job descriptions, writes and places advertisements, and sources candidates through various channels.
- Screens resume, conducts initial interviews, and coordinates interview schedules with hiring managers.
- Collaborates with leadership to understand staffing needs and workforce planning.
- Oversee the onboarding process to ensure a smooth transition for new hires, including orientation and initial training.
Payroll, Benefits & Compensation
- Processes and completes payroll in a timely and accurate manner.
- Administers benefit plans (health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans), including enrollment, changes, and terminations.
- Serves as the liaison between employees and third-party benefits administrators.
- Administers the compensation program and supports salary benchmarking.
- Communicates benefits-related information to employees during onboarding, open enrollment, and qualifying life events.
- Ensures full compliance with federal, state, and local payroll and benefits laws, including timely reporting and regulatory filings.
Performance Management & Employee Relations
- Oversees and revises the performance evaluation program as necessary.
- Handles employee relations and engagement initiatives; provides support in conflict resolution.
- Ensures employee compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
Compliance & Reporting
- Maintains accurate and confidential personnel files and documentation.
- Assists in the evaluation of departmental performance against goals; recommends improvements to policies and procedures.
Qualifications:
- A bachelor's degree and three to five years of HR experience, or a master's degree in HR management and two years of experience in the HR field, or seven years of experience in the HR field, or any similar combination of education and experience required.
- SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) credential preferred.