HR Generalist

Los Angeles, CA, United States

Job Title: HR Generalist

Are you passionate about giving back to your community and serving the youth?

Who We Are:

In 1922, Woodcraft Rangers opened its doors in Los Angeles and began its mission of guiding young people as they explore pathways to purposeful lives. As a progressive organization, Woodcraft has always been responsive to the evolving needs of the communities served, and is notably inclusive, youth-led, and rooted in the Woodcraft Way, a holistic framework that develops body, mind, spirit, and service. Continuously at the forefront of expanded learning opportunities, Woodcraft Rangers has a rich history of making a significant impact in the greater Los Angeles area, believing that all youth are innately good, deserve the opportunity to realize their full potential, and should be an active participant in defining their own path.

What We Do:

Woodcraft Rangers provides TK-12 expanded learning programs, including before and after school, specialty enrichment, and summer learning. In the past few years, Woodcraft has expanded its menu of services beyond traditional afterschool programs and summer camps to include early learning, environmental and social justice, college access, and inclusion services for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Additionally, we offer Lifecraft, a college and career advancement program to support the development of approximately 1,000 staff. Today, Woodcraft Rangers serves more than 20,000 youth ages 4-18 annually in and from 110+ Title I schools across LA County!

Ideal Candidate:

This role is for you if you thrive in environments that require nuanced understanding and sensitive handling of complex interpersonal dynamics. Your expertise in employee relations isn't just about resolving conflicts—it’s about building bridges and fostering a positive work atmosphere. If your communication style blends professionalism with empathy, enabling you to remain calm and collected even in the most challenging situations, then this role will harness your ability to de-escalate and negotiate effectively. If you're passionate about leading change and ready to be the go-to person for all HR-related inquiries, we're looking for someone like you to help us maintain and enhance our workplace culture.

Why Work for Woodcraft Rangers:

Paid vacation

Sick time

Health Benefits

403(b) retirement

Pet insurance

Lifecraft

Upward mobility

Career development

The opportunity to create a lasting positive impact on youth within your community.

Role Overview:

As the HR Generalist, you will be a key player in managing and enhancing employee relations within our organization. Your role will primarily focus on guiding and supporting our management and staff through various HR functions, with a significant emphasis on conflict resolution, compliance adherence, and effective communication. You will handle complex employment issues, provide coaching and counseling, and facilitate disciplinary actions to ensure fair and lawful management practices. Additionally, you will assist with onboarding new hires, managing leaves of absence, and overseeing employee exits, contributing to smooth transitions, and maintaining organizational integrity. Your responsibilities will also include representing the organization at unemployment hearings and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of employment laws. As a primary contact for HR-related inquiries, you will ensure that all personnel are supported and that company policies are consistently applied, fostering a positive and compliant work environment. Your role will be crucial in building trust and strong relationships across all levels of the organization, enhancing our workplace culture, and contributing to our strategic goals.

Responsibilities:

Employee Relations Management: Handle the majority of responsibilities in employee relations, including staff disciplinary issues, conflict resolution, and compliance with employment laws, ensuring fair and effective handling of all employee concerns.

Managerial Support and Coaching : Provide guidance, coaching, and counseling to managers and supervisors before they execute disciplinary actions or resolve conflicts, helping to maintain a consistent approach to HR practices across the organization.

Onboarding and Training Facilitation: Assist HR coordinators with new hire onboarding processes, from coordinating orientation sessions to ensuring that all necessary employment documents are properly processed and filed.

Leave and Exit Management: Manage and support the administrative aspects of employee leaves of absence, terminations, and exits, ensuring compliance with company policies and legal requirements.

Unemployment Hearings Representation: Represent the company at unemployment hearings, preparing necessary documentation and arguments to support the organization's decisions.

Employment Law Compliance: Stay updated on relevant employment laws and regulations to ensure that HR practices are compliant and that the company is protected against potential legal issues.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Work closely with payroll, finance, and IT departments to ensure smooth operations and coordination between different parts of the organization.

Policy and Procedure Development: Contribute to the development and revision of HR policies and procedures, ensuring they align with current laws and reflect best practices in human resources management. Ensure adherence to DOL, ADA, HIPPA and OSHA.

Conflict De-escalation: Utilize strong interpersonal and negotiation skills to de-escalate tense situations with employees, maintaining professionalism and calm during high-intensity interactions.

Strategic HR Recommendations: Provide strategic recommendations to improve HR practices and employee relations, drawing on a deep understanding of organizational needs and employee concerns.

Preferred Qualifications:

BA/BS degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field preferred.

3+ relevant work experience in employee relations, handling complex issues, including conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and compliance with employment laws.

SHRM-CP, PHR, or similar HR certification, reflecting advanced knowledge and professional commitment to the field of human resources is an asset.

Experience working collaboratively in a team environment, supporting colleagues and contributing to team goals, such as IT, payroll, and finance, ensuring coordinated efforts and seamless HR operations.

Proven track record of building and maintaining effective relationships across all levels of an organization, enhancing teamwork and collaboration.

Proven ability in de-escalating high-tension situations in the workplace, ensuring a respectful and compliant work environment.

Experience in designing and implementing effective onboarding and training programs that align with organizational goals and compliance standards.

Knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, ensuring the organization remains compliant in all HR practices.

Demonstrated capability in managing HR projects, such as policy revisions or HR system implementations, ensuring timely completion and high standards of quality.

Proficiency in using HR Information Systems, such as ADP Workforce Now, to manage employee data and streamline HR processes.

Previous experience in a customer service role is considered an asset, demonstrating the ability to effectively address employee needs and foster a positive organizational environment.

While not required, bilingual abilities in English and Spanish are considered beneficial.

Demonstrated experience in working with ethnically and culturally diverse communities, along with a comprehensive understanding of the unique needs of high-need areas in Los Angeles, including knowledge of the existing educational systems, youth development principles, and related programs.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required for all employees engaged in in-person work with staff or clients.

Valid LIVE Scan, TB Clearance, and CPR Certification (provided by Woodcraft Rangers).

Skills:

Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment, readily adjusting to evolving HR practices and organizational needs.

Keen attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness in all HR documentation and processes.

Strong customer service orientation, providing supportive and clear communications with employees and management.

Effective negotiation capabilities, particularly in managing difficult conversations and reaching mutually beneficial outcomes.

Sound judgment and decision-making skills, with the ability to assess complex situations and recommend appropriate actions.

Proficiency in analyzing HR issues and developing logical, practical solutions that align with company policies and goals.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, essential for drafting policies, conducting training sessions, and communicating with staff at all levels.

Strong problem-solving skills, adept at identifying issues and implementing timely solutions.

High level of emotional intelligence, crucial for understanding and managing the human dynamics within the organization.

Adept at navigating the legal landscape of HR, ensuring all practices adhere to applicable laws and regulations.

Physical Demands:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the following physical demands may be essential for the effective performance of this position. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions:

Frequent standing is required during working hours.

The ability to travel across the Greater Los Angeles area, using either a car or public transportation, is necessary several times per month.

Regular use of hands for various tasks, such as operating a computer and handling objects, is essential.

Effective communication skills are required, necessitating the ability to speak clearly and hear well.

Occasional lifting and/or moving of objects weighing up to 40 pounds may be required.

Work Environment and Schedule:

We are committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and will actively consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals to effectively perform their roles. This position operates in environments typical of the following key aspects:

Regular working hours are from Monday to Friday, with occasional weekends and evenings required for events, training, or conferences.

Optional weekly work-from-home opportunities.

Travel may be necessary to various regions where Woodcraft Rangers programs are implemented, including San Fernando Valley, South Los Angeles, West Los Angeles, San Gabriel Valley, Southeast LA, and Downtown areas, to support or deliver in-person training.

Regular exposure to a computer monitor during work.

The typical noise level of a standard work environment.

Stable internet access is required for effective work-from-home performance.

Status: Full-time

Salary Range: $75,000-85,000 annually

#J-18808-Ljbffr