Human Resources - Hr Generalist

Columbia Association, headquartered in Howard County, Maryland, is known for engaging our diverse community, cultivating a unique sense of place, and enhancing the quality of life in Columbia, Maryland, all thanks to the efforts of our remarkable team members. If you share in our passion for teamwork and our vision, we want you to fast-forward your career with us at Columbia Association.

Reporting to the HR Manager, the HR Generalist supports HR operations alongside the team to ensure effective HR service delivery. Guided daily by the Senior HR Operations Specialist and HR Business Partner, core responsibilities include managing job requisitions, assisting with recruitment and onboarding, maintaining compliance, handling workers' compensation, and administering education assistance and employee recognition programs. The role also involves recordkeeping, responding to Service Support Hub inquiries, processing HRIS transactions, and collaborating with Payroll, HRIS, and Learning & Organizational Development teams.

Consistent attendance is required, along with performing additional duties and providing back-up support within the HR Operations team as needed.

• Collaborate with the HR operations team to execute core HR tasks.
• Provide HR service delivery via the Support Hub by responding to and routing HR inquiries.
• Oversee full‑cycle recruitment: manage requisitions, post and close job listings, guide hiring managers, maintain recruitment reports, and recommend process improvements.
• Coordinate all onboarding activities with HR team members and hiring departments.
• Administer workers’ compensation, serving as the primary contact for stakeholders and managing cases.
• Manage the education assistance program.
• Administer DOT drug testing and maintain CDL driver records, supporting renewals.
• Process HR transactions related to hiring, pay, position changes, and separations, team member information changes, etc. with internal stakeholders.
• Facilitate HR operational tasks by serving as a contact for Payroll, HRIS, and Learning & Organizational Development teams.
• Support internal and external HR audits with relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate employee records, ensuring proper retention of digital and paper files.

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field is required.
• 4 years of human resources experience in a fast‑paced environment required.
• Minimum of 2 years of direct experience in recruiting and onboarding, workers’ compensation administration with an HR focus, and HR compliance (including I‑9s and minor work permits) required.
• Experience with education assistance program administration within HR is preferred.

• HR Certification (e.g., SHRM‑CP or PHR).

• Comprehensive understanding of human resources principles, practices, and policies.
• Up‑to‑date knowledge of employment laws and regulations relevant to HR operations.
• Strong understanding of recruitment and onboarding best practices.
• Familiarity with workers’ compensation administration, employee education assistance programs, and employee recognition programs.
• Strong grasp of HR documentation, including records, reports, and data management within a modern HRIS.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and adaptability to evolving HR technology platforms.

• Exceptional organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills tailored to diverse audiences and organizational levels.
• Critical thinking and problem‑solving abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work with incomplete or ambiguous instructions.

• Maintain composure and manage stress effectively in challenging or high‑pressure situations.
• Demonstrate regular, reliable attendance with minimal unplanned absences.
• Work independently as well as collaboratively within a team supporting various HR functions.
• Build trust and respect by upholding honesty, professionalism, and confidentiality in all HR matters, and by fostering positive relationships at all organizational levels.
• Accept personal accountability for work quality, actions, and communication.
• Show initiative in learning, sharing…