Human Resources Generalist

Job Description

Dept: Human Resources Date Created: Sept 2013; Revised Mar 2025

FLSA Status: Exempt Location: DC

Reports To: Director of Human Resources

Position Summary

The Human Resources (HR) Generalist is responsible for collaborating in the overall administration

of the human resources function and implementing human resources policies, procedures, and

programs while ensuring compliance with employment laws and best practices. Specifically, the HR

Generalist has responsibilities executing the full life cycle recruitment process for non-attorney

professional staff positions throughout the firm and collaborating with other members of the human

resources staff to execute human resources administration, onboarding, event planning and HRIS

support. The position plays a key role in aligning human resources initiatives with business

strategies and objectives to foster a high-performance work environment.

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities

Staff Recruitment

§ Manages the full-cycle recruitment process, including job postings, screening, interviewing,

candidate selection and onboarding for non-attorney professional staff.

§ Develops and implements effective sourcing strategies to attract top talent.

§ Maintains communication with hiring manager throughout recruitment process.

§ Coordinates and conducts interviews, administers pre-employment testing, conducts reference

checks, and background screenings.

§ Utilizes recruitment platform to accurately track candidate progress and maintain records.

§ Tracks and processes referral bonuses.

§ Maintain relationships with recruitment agencies and other sources of talent.

HR Administration

§ Serves as a point of contact for employees regarding HR-related inquiries and concerns.

§ Provides guidance and support to resolve employee relations issues.

§ Promotes a positive work environment through effective communication and employee

engagement initiatives.

§ Coordinates and manages projects related to HR initiatives and firm-wide events.

§ Assists in developing and implementing human resources policies, procedures, and projects, as

needed. Recommends improvements as appropriate.

§ Provides guidance to junior HR team members to ensure the highest standard of customer

service.

§ Remains current on federal and state employment law changes and firm policies to ensure

compliance.

§ Assists in compiling data for yearly department budget submission and executes on department

project deliverables while staying within budget.

§ Drafts HR communications as necessary, including memos, documents, event invitation and

other relevant communications related to HR activities and work assignments.

§ Provides backup and/or support other HR functional areas and assist with special projects, as

necessary.

Onboarding

§ Works with HR Coordinator to develop and implement an effective onboarding program for new

employees.

§ Monitors and evaluates the onboarding process, making improvements as necessary to

enhance the employee experience

§ Conducts orientation and ensures new hires receive necessary training and resources.

§ Serves as back-up for onboarding procedures, including creating and sending orientation schedules and new hire checklists, conducting orientation tour, and conducting policies and practices presentations for new hires § Conducts 30-day interview to gather feedback from new hires to ensure a smooth transition. Provides summaries and trends to HR management. § Manages the Peer Ambassador Resources Group to provide additional support and integration to the new hires. § Works with HR leadership to analyze data and identify patterns & potential improvements for onboarding processes. Event Planning § Helps execute various recognition programs, including staff appreciation week, staff happy hours and other employee and departmental morale events. § Utilizes effective project management skills and necessary resources to coordinate special human resources projects from conception to execution. HRIS Support § Assists with data maintenance and integrity of the HRIS system. § Generates HR reports routinely or as necessary to analyze data for workforce planning, turnover rates, headcount analysis, compliance reports or other departmental or organizational goals. § Assists with implementation or upgrading of HRIS system modules as needed (i.e. performance management, recruiting, on-boarding, LMS).

Qualifications

§ Bachelor's degree is required, preferably in human resources, business administration or

related field; Master’s degree in human resources or related field and/or a SPHR or PHR

designation is preferred.

§ Minimum five to seven years of progressively responsible human resources experience

preferably in a law firm or other professional services environment.

§ Demonstrated experience with a wide variety of sourcing avenues to include social media

§ Proficiency with applicant tracking, report writing and queries in HRIS and database software,

preferably Ceridian Dayforce.

§ Experience with interview techniques and applicant screening methods and effectively

negotiating contracts with employment agencies.

§ Solid understanding of employment laws, human resources principles and practices, and

regulations affecting the recruiting and hiring processes.

§ Working knowledge and proficiency in of Microsoft Office software Suite with strong Excel skills,

working knowledge of SharePoint or other web design program, internet research skills.

§ Knowledge of Microsoft Office meeting platforms such as Teams and Zoom.

§ Knowledge of viGlobal HR software modules preferred.

§ Well-developed and sophisticated organizational, communication and interpersonal skills, with

a proven ability to relate to and gain the confidence of people at all levels within an

organization, as well as an ability to build strong relationships and work in a collaborative

environment.

§ Ability to prioritize and effectively communicate needs to HR leadership and HR team.

§ Ability to readily comprehend business objectives and correspondingly develop and execute

appropriate strategies.

§ Ability to be a proactive self-starter who understands the details within a much larger context.

§ Must be flexible in order to respond quickly and positively to shifting demands and opportunities; ability to work under tight deadlines and handle multiple, detailed tasks. § High level of discretion, professionalism, diplomacy, and a commitment to maintaining the highest level of confidentiality.

Firm Competencies with Behavioral Statements Customer/Client Service (includes external and internal customers as applicable) § Responds to customer/client requests in a professional manner § Identifies and responds to customer/client issues/problems in a timely manner and seeks feedback/follow-up as appropriate § Builds effective working relationships as appropriate Firm Knowledge § Demonstrates knowledge of the firm’s culture, practices, business, and structure § Demonstrates knowledge and adherence to basic firm policies, procedures, and processes Initiative § Takes initiative beyond routine responsibility § Seeks out and accepts new responsibilities § Seeks development opportunities to enhance skills Accountability § Owns mistakes and takes corrective action § Meets work deadlines as assigned § Meets firm standards for attendance and punctuality § Meets deadlines for all required firm processes, including timesheets and other financial documentation Work Management § Works well independently § Demonstrates dedication to producing quality work products § Pays attention to detail when completing work assignments § Organizes and prioritizes workload appropriately § Utilizes resources appropriately to complete work in the most efficient manner § Cooperates and demonstrates flexibility when facing change Communication § Interacts effectively and courteously, in person, by telephone, and in written correspondence with attorneys, supervisors, coworkers, and other business professionals § Proactively communicates the status of work § Understands the need to ask questions and seek guidance § Expresses thoughts clearly, accurately, and concisely, both verbally and in writing § Maintains confidentiality of firm, client, and coworker information § Refers issues to firm leadership as necessary Teamwork § Builds effective relationships with coworkers § Participates and contributes fully as a team member § Backs up other team members as needed Technology

§ Utilizes available technology to carry out job responsibilities § Determines most appropriate technology to accomplish a given task § Seeks ways to utilize technology to improve efficiency Adaptability § Looks for ways to make changes work rather than only identifying why change will not work § Exhibits flexibility in cross-training; learns new procedures in a timely manner; adjusts to changes in routine, assignments, and firm/client needs; and continues to be productive § Makes suggestions for increasing the effectiveness of changes § Shows willingness to learn and accept new tasks, processes, and technologies § Shifts strategy or approach in response to the demands of a situation Working Conditions & Physical Requirements § General office environment with standard office equipment available. Lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc. § Work has limited supervision. § Requires regular typing and use of a computer. § Work is sedentary in nature, but may require occasional standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching/squatting, pushing/pulling, reaching, climbing, balancing (i.e. on a stepstool to reach materials), lifting, carrying, and grasping of boxes/files/materials up to 20 lbs. Occasional use of carts, shredders and step stools and handling of display boards and other promotional materials. § Must be able to read, write, and communicate fluently in English. § Must be able to see and read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids. § Must be able to hear and understand speech at normal levels and on the telephone and speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in person and on the telephone. § Requires occasional to frequent communication (in person, on the phone, email and/or via video conference) with all levels of firm personnel and external parties that have business with the firm (vendors, etc.), including the ability to participate in and/or present at small and large group meetings, respond to inquiries and/or provide training in both group and individual settings, and participate in other interactions in fulfillment of job duties. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. § May require availability to work outside of normal business hours and occasional local and overnight travel. Incumbent is expected to work the hours necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this position. § Environment may be stressful, working with tight deadlines, regular interactions with attorneys and staff, work product may be subjected to close scrutiny due to high visibility both internally and externally, the ability to prioritize multiple tasks, exercise high levels of accuracy and practice great attention to detail, are required.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of all essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements.