HR Generalist

Job DetailsJob Location: Human Resources - St. Joseph, MO 64508Position Type: Full Time - ExemptEducation Level: Bachelors DegreeJob Shift: Day Shift 8am-5pmThe HR Generalist — supports day-to-day human resources operations with primary responsibility for benefits administration, payroll processing, and employee relations support. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while delivering accurate payroll, effective benefits programs, and high-quality employee service. The position also supports broader HR functions including employee relations, onboarding, compliance reporting, and HR process improvement. This role requires strong attention to detail, confidentiality, and knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices. Benefits Administration Administer employee health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, and voluntary benefit programs. Coordinate benefits enrollment, changes, and terminations. Conduct new hire benefits orientation and open enrollment activities. Serve as primary point of contact for employee benefits questions. Reconcile monthly benefits invoices and coordinate with payroll for deductions. Maintain benefits records and ensure HRIS accuracy. Ensure compliance with: ERISA ACA requirements COBRA administration HIPAA privacy requirements Section 125 regulations Partner with brokers and vendors to resolve issues and evaluate programs. Support wellness and employee engagement initiatives related to benefits. Payroll Administration Process semi-monthly payroll accurately and timely. Maintain payroll records including pay adjustments, deductions, and earnings. Review and validate timesheets, leave balances, and overtime calculations. Ensure compliance with federal and state wage and hour laws. Coordinate payroll tax processing and reporting. Support year-end payroll activities including W-2 processing. Reconcile payroll reports and resolve discrepancies. Coordinate with Finance regarding payroll accounting entries. Maintain confidentiality of payroll and employee data. HR Operations & Employee Support Support onboarding and new hire documentation. Maintain employee personnel records and HRIS data integrity. Assist with employee leave tracking (FMLA, ADA, PTO). Provide guidance to employees on HR policies and procedures. Support employee relations documentation and investigations as assigned. Assist with HR communications including employee notices and policy updates. Support HR audits and compliance reporting. Compliance & Risk Management Ensure HR practices comply with federal, state, and local employment laws. Maintain required employment records and documentation. Assist with internal and external audits. Support policy implementation and updates. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee information. Process Improvement & Reporting Generate HR and payroll reports for leadership. Identify opportunities to improve HR processes and service delivery. Support HR metrics tracking (turnover, benefits utilization, payroll accuracy). Assist with HR projects and initiatives.   Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or an equivalent amount of experience. A minimum of 3 years of payroll, benefits, and employee relations experience providing coaching and conducting and/or supporting workplace investigations. A SHRM-CP, PHR, SHRM-SCP or SPHR is preferred.