HR Generalist, Employee Relations

The City of Jersey City is seeking a knowledgeable and highly organized HR Generalist, Employee Relations to support the City's Human Resources Division with a primary focus on employee relations, workplace investigations, performance management, and disciplinary matters.

The HR Generalist serves as a key resource to City management and employees regarding employee relations matters and assists in ensuring that personnel practices are administered fairly, consistently, and in accordance with applicable City policies, collective bargaining agreements, civil service requirements, and federal and state employment laws.

The HR Generalist will perform a variety of employee relations and HR functions, including:

• Assist with employee relations investigations, including interviews, documentation, summaries, and case tracking.
• Support disciplinary actions, terminations, grievances, and other corrective measures.
• Assist with the development, implementation, and monitoring of Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) and employee evaluations.
• Advise managers and supervisors on employee performance, attendance, conduct, workplace conflicts, complaints, and other employee relations matters.
• Review and maintain accurate, confidential personnel and employee relations records.
• Provide the City Law Department with requested documentation and information related to investigations, grievances, claims, litigation, and other personnel matters.
• Assist with interpreting and applying City policies, personnel rules, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable employment laws and regulations.
• Collaborate with Labor Relations, management, and HR staff on matters involving represented and non-represented employees.
• Identify recurring employee relations issues and recommend appropriate solutions or preventive measures.
• Prepare correspondence, reports, case summaries, and other employee relations documentation.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure employee relations practices are handled consistently, professionally, and in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Stay current on employment law, civil service requirements, and HR best practices.
• Perform other related duties and special projects assigned.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, or a related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Two to four years of progressively responsible experience in human resources, employee relations, labor relations, or a closely related field.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of employee relations principles and human resources practices.
• Knowledge of workplace investigation procedures, performance management, progressive discipline, and conflict resolution.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with a high degree of integrity and discretion.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to conduct professional interviews and gather, organize, and evaluate information.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports, correspondence, and case documentation.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with employees, supervisors, department heads, attorneys, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and remain objective when addressing sensitive workplace issues.
• Ability to manage multiple cases, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced public-sector environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and HR information systems.
• Knowledge of federal and New Jersey employment laws and regulations, including laws and regulations relating to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, leave, workplace accommodations, and employee rights.
• Knowledge of public-sector employment practices, civil service rules, and collective bargaining agreements is highly desirable.