Human Resources Generalist

Role Overview

The Human Resources Generalist supports employee leave administration and related HR processes at the university. This position handles leave requests, collects and tracks required documentation, and helps ensure all actions align with applicable laws, institutional rules, and local/state requirements. The role works closely with employees, supervisors, and leadership to guide them through medical, family, workers’ compensation, disability, and other leave-related matters while maintaining accurate records and clear communication.

Key Duties

• Administer leave programs such as FMLA and non-FMLA leaves, making sure paperwork is complete, legal requirements are met, and employees and managers are kept informed about absences related to illness or job-related injuries.
• Handle the workers’ compensation process from the first incident report through claim closure, including incident documentation, submission to insurers, and ongoing status follow-up.
• Manage short-term and long-term disability claims and oversee the Tennessee state death claim process.
• Review unemployment claims in line with state rules, respond to state calls, and ensure claims are processed and determined within the required timelines.
• Evaluate leave requests, confirm employee eligibility and certification details, and partner with the CHRO when leave designation decisions are needed.
• Coordinate with third-party administrators, assist employees throughout the leave journey, support accommodation requests through the Office of Institutional Culture, and help create training materials for managers and staff.
• Administer other employee leave-related services, including the sick leave bank, leave transfers in and out, leave cash-outs, the employee assistance program, and additional leave benefits offered by the university.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Skilled at organizing competing priorities and working methodically in a busy, fast-moving setting while consistently delivering strong customer service.
• Working knowledge of HR programs and services, with experience across at least two HR functional areas preferred.
• Strong commitment to customer experience and service excellence.
• Current awareness of relevant federal and state employment laws and regulations.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information appropriately.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a related discipline; or two years of directly related experience in benefits, human resources, or payroll in a role supporting administrative programs or projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and solid organizational ability.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience using HR information systems to retrieve data and complete transactions is preferred.
• Experience with PeopleAdmin and Oracle systems is preferred.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Work Environment

This is a standard office-based role with no unusual physical demands.