HR Generalist

HR Generalist

Wisconsin Community Services Inc. (WCS) is a growing social services agency, hiring for an exciting HR opportunity to build on our organization's people practices by partnering with one or more of our program divisions (Behavioral Health, Specialized Services, Court Services, Youth Services & Community Alternatives, Community Reintegration Services). We aim to hire a small team of HR Partners/Generalists who will work in collaboration with each other while supporting and leading HR functions for their assigned division(s).

The HR Generalist provides essential support to leadership in managing employee relations, performance, and retention strategies, while acting as a key liaison to ensure employee concerns are addressed fairly and promptly. The HR Generalist oversees the performance management processes, enhances employee engagement, and assists with recruitment efforts, leaves of absence, workers' compensation, and exit interviews. Additionally, this position offers critical support in navigating complex employee relations matters, ensuring that all employees and leaders are treated with respect and fairness, while fostering a positive, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.

As the HR Partner/Generalist, you will support a collaborative, team-oriented environment by providing a myriad of HR services to their assigned division(s):

• Provides expert guidance to managers and supervisors on handling complex employee relations issues, including conflict resolution, performance concerns, harassment claims, and disciplinary matters.
• Manages the pre-employment process, including facilitating background checks, reference checks and collection of documents verifying applicant eligibility and ensuring they meet the requirements of our funders.
• Initiates and assist hiring managers in the composition of job descriptions, internal job announcements as well as maintaining updated job postings on internal and external sites.
• Assists managers in drafting and reviewing corrective action and disciplinary documentation, ensuring compliance with legal standards and organizational policies.
• Coaches leadership on best practices for delivering constructive feedback and managing challenging conversations with employees.
• Investigates and report on workers' compensation claims, ensuring timely and accurate follow-up to support employees while adhering to legal requirements.
• Responds to unemployment claims and represents the agency in unemployment hearings.
• Manages and oversees employee leave requests, including FMLA, disability, and personal leave, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and company policies.
• Collaborates with managers to facilitate accommodations for employees as needed to support their return to work.
• Provides screening of applicants via internal Applicant Tracking System (ATS), external job boards and phone screens.
• Acts as a neutral mediator to resolve conflicts between employees or between employees and management, providing support to reduce or alleviate tensions and maintain positive working relationships.
• Serves as an advocate for employees, helping them navigate workplace issues and ensuring their concerns are addressed in a timely and appropriate manner.

You will also contribute to the success and advancement of the HR Department:

• Fosters an inclusive and respectful workplace environment where employees feel heard and supported.
• Works collaboratively with other HR team members and departments to launch and support initiatives such as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, as well as employee wellness and engagement efforts.
• Ensures all actions taken align with federal and state employment laws, company policies, and WCS's core values and mission.