HR Generalist at YMCA of Columbia Willamette – Portland, Oregon

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Chief People Officer, the HR Generalist will provide professional human resources support for the entire association. This position will be responsible for performing analytical and administrative work for daily human resources activities, disseminating pertinent information related to HR activities, serving as a subject matter expert for HR related questions, while supporting and promoting an inclusive work environment. In collaboration with the Training & Development Leader, ensure that training and compliance requirements are met for staff.

WHO WE ARE We’re an organization like no other. The YMCA is the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by empowering young people, improving the health and well-being of people of all ages and inspiring action in and across communities. The Y is a powerful association of men, women, and children of all ages and from all walks of life joined together by a shared passion: to strengthen the foundations of community. OUR MISSION To put the Christian principles of love, respect, honesty, responsibility, and service into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. ABOUT THE YMCA OF COLUMBIA-WILLAMETTE: The YMCA of Columbia-Willamette is an equal opportunity employer committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion. The Y proudly serves as a hub of health and community engagement for individuals and families across six counties in the Portland metropolitan area and Southwest Washington with a population of 2.7 million. EQUITY STATEMENT Our Y is committed to treating everyone with dignity and empowering all to reach their full potential as we build thriving, inclusive communities. While we have not always lived up to that vision, our Y is on a journey toward creating an organization that fully embodies anti-racist, multi-cultural values and advances equity for all.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Support hiring managers in the recruitment process; assisting supervisors with job requisitions, applications, background checks and the overall hiring process.

2. Supports the new hire, onboarding process; monitoring completion of documentation and communicating with supervisors and staff to ensure completion of paperwork in a timely manner.

3. Administering benefits for the association to include; annual open enrollment, meeting with new staff to review benefits, answering questions, and managing the enrollment/termination of benefits with insurance carriers and the HRIS.

4. Reviewing, researching, processing all HR actions for association to include, but not limited to; promotions, pay changes, terminations, hires, and other actions submitted through the HRIS system.

5. Ensuring all HR related actions involving payroll changes are communicated to the Payroll department and monitored each pay period for accuracy.

6. Researching and responding to employment verifications in a timely manner.

7. Inputting training and certification information into the HRIS system by established deadlines.

8. Conducting background checks for applicants, employees, and volunteers.

9. Maintaining personnel files and records.

10. Supporting Community Campaign and fundraising efforts.

11. Commitment to the YMCA mission, vision and values

12. Must attend New Employee Orientation within 30 days of hire

13. Learn all emergency procedures and action plans for the branch

14. Understand and abide-by all policies and procedures as set forth by the association

15. Work a schedule that reflects the needs of the organization

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to build trust and rapport across diverse teams.
• Demonstrated ability to approach conflict resolution and employee relations with fairness, confidentiality, and emotional intelligence.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to accuracy and detail.
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and discretion while modeling YMCA values.
• Working knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and HR compliance practices for Oregon and Washington.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS systems; ability to learn and adapt to new technology platforms quickly.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all aspects of work.
  

1. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
2. Minimum of 1–3 years of professional experience in human resources or a related administrative capacity.
3. Accredited HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP) preferred.
4. Working knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws, regulations, and HR best practices.
5. Experience supporting multiple sites or departments; nonprofit experience preferred.
6. Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
7. Must successfully complete a background check; CPR/First Aid certification preferred or obtained within 60 days of hire.