Human Resources Generalist III - Leave and Benefits at Norfolk Redevelopment And Housing Authority – Norfolk, Virginia

NRHA’s Vision and Mission

At the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA), we’re proud to be the largest housing and redevelopment authority in Virginia and a leader in real estate development and property management across the country. Since 1940, we’ve been working to revitalize and improve neighborhoods in Norfolk.

We also acknowledge that public housing has a complicated history, tied to issues of social injustice and racial inequality. While we haven’t always gotten it right, we’re committed to making positive change by offering quality housing options that support diverse, mixed-income communities. Our vision is to provide quality housing choices in neighborhoods where people want to live. Our mission is to provide quality housing opportunities that create sustainable, mixed-income communities.

Position Summary

The Human Resources Generalist III performs advanced-level professional HR work with a primary focus on leave administration, Virginia Retirement System (VRS) support, benefits, ADA/medical accommodations, and employee relations. This position serves as a subject matter expert for complex HR processes, ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, and provides guidance to employees and supervisors. The Human Resources Generalist III works independently, exercises sound judgment, and provides high-level customer service to support agency operations and workforce well-being.

Essential Functions

Leave Administration (FMLA, ADA, Workers Comp, Other Leaves)

• Administer and track Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Workers’ Compensation, Military Leave, and all agency leave programs.
• Review leave requests and medical certifications; coordinate approvals, denials, and recertifications.
• Monitor leave timelines, ensure proper notifications, and maintain accurate documentation.
• Work collaboratively with supervisors to ensure appropriate staffing and return-to-work planning.

Virginia Retirement System (VRS) & VOYA Hybrid Support

• Manage VRS enrollments, service credit verification, beneficiary updates, and retirement counseling coordination.
• Process Hybrid plan auto-escalations, deferred compensation contributions, and plan adjustments.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for VRS-related inquiries from employees and supervisors.
• Provide guidance on retirement eligibility, purchase of prior service, refunds, and VRS Employer Hub processes.
• Prepare required VRS reporting, audits, reconciliations, and compliance documentation.

Benefits Administration

• Serve as a point of contact for employee benefits, including health, dental, vision, flexible spending, disability, and supplemental plans.
• Assist in benefits orientations, open enrollment processes, and employee education sessions.
• Support benefits audits, resolve vendor discrepancies, and provide guidance on qualifying life events.

ADA, Light-Duty, and Medical Accommodation Coordination

• Coordinate the interactive process with employees, supervisors, and healthcare providers.
• Evaluate reasonable accommodation requests and collect required documentation.
• Maintain documentation ensuring compliance with ADA, FMLA, and applicable regulations.
• Monitor temporary light-duty assignments and communicate restrictions and timelines.

Employee Relations Support

• Assist with investigations interviews, fact-finding, and documentation related to minor employee concerns.
• Provide guidance on performance documentation, corrective action steps, and policy interpretation.
• Support conflict resolution efforts and help maintain a positive, compliant work environment.
• Assist in maintaining HR records and tracking employee relations data.

General HR Support

• Maintains accurate HRIS records and performs data entry for benefits, leave, and retirement transactions.
• Supports department projects, audits, compliance reporting, and policy updates.
• Provides excellent customer service to employees, supervisors, and external partners.

Performs other related work as required.

Performance Standards

• Completes VRS reporting, audits, and reconciliations accurately and on time.
• Processes leave requests and required documentation within established timelines and in full compliance with regulations.
• Responds to employee and supervisor inquiries promptly with clear, accurate guidance.
• Maintains organized, compliant documentation for leave, ADA, Workers’ Compensation, and benefits programs.
• Ensures HRIS and vendor systems are updated accurately and in a timely manner.
• Conducts ADA interactive processes promptly and in accordance with legal requirements.
• Supports employee relations with accurate documentation and strict confidentiality.
• Demonstrates sound judgment, professionalism, and strong customer service in all interactions.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field. Five (5) years of progressively responsible HR experience, including leave administration, benefits, or retirement programs. Working knowledge of VRS, public-sector benefits, FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, and Workers’ Compensation regulations. Proficiency with HRIS systems, benefits platforms, and tracking tools. HR certification such as PHR, SHRM-CP, CEBS, or equivalent preferred.

Special Requirements

• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Subject to a background check and reference verification prior to hire.
• Must maintain confidentiality and adhere to NRHA’s code of conduct and ethics policies.
• May require occasional evening or weekend work. Travel may be required within Norfolk and to out-of-state locations for meetings, training, and program support.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Federal and state regulations related to FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, Workers’ Compensation, and Military Leave.
• Virginia Retirement System (VRS) programs, Hybrid Plan components, and retirement processes.
• Core benefit programs including health, dental, vision, disability, and FSA plans.
• HRIS systems, benefits platforms, and record-keeping requirements.
• Basic employee relations practices and policy interpretation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interpret regulations and provide sound recommendations.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to analyze information and resolve issues.
• Effective time management and organization.
• Proficient use of HR systems, spreadsheets, and tracking tools.
• Interpret and apply HR laws, policies, and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
• Guide employees and supervisors through leave, benefits, and VRS processes.
• Ability to coach employees and supervisors with professionalism and clarity.
• Exercise sound judgment and make informed decisions.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, see, or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee may travel occasionally for trainings, meetings, or vendor sessions. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Drug Free Workplace: NRHA maintains a drug free workplace.

VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.

The Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law. We value diversity and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.