Job Description

Organizational Summary

Union Settlement is an East Harlem based nonprofit organization founded in 1895. For over 130 years, Union Settlement has provided critical and innovative programming to children, youth, families, and older adults. As a pioneer of the settlement house movement, Union Settlement continues to meet the needs of the ever-changing East Harlem community through its core programs. Through these programs, New Yorkers gain opportunities, develop skills, and become empowered to pursue and achieve their dreams.

Today, Union Settlement provides services through 33 program sites in approximately 28 locations. Union Settlement’s current programmatic portfolio includes the following service areas: Early Childhood Education, Youth Development and Opportunity, Family Services (including the Family Enrichment Center, the Family Childcare Network, and the East Harlem Community Partnership, NYC Benefits, Adult Education, Mental Health Services, Older Adult Centers, and Economic Development. Union Settlement serves more than 10,000 individuals and nearly 1,000 businesses every year.

Strengthened by a dynamic, diverse, and collaborative workforce of more than 350 employees, Union Settlement also serves as a connector, convener, and advocate for East Harlem and its partners. To learn more about Union Settlement, visit www.unionsettlement, visit www.unionsettlement.org

Position: People & Culture Generalist

Department: Human Resources

Reports to: Director of Human Resources and Employee Experience

Hours: Full-Time

Salary: $60,000 - $65,000

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Location: In-person (ability to work remotely 1 day week)

Positions Reporting to this Role: None

Position Summary

Are you passionate about creating workplaces where people feel valued, connected, and empowered to a meaningful mission? If you’re a people-first thinker, a strong communicator, and someone who believes that great cultures are built through intentional actions and motivated by the power of mission-driven work, we’d love to meet you.

The People and Culture Generalist supports the organization's people strategy by fostering a positive, inclusive, and compliant workplace. This role serves as a trusted advisor to leaders and employees, providing guidance on employee relations, talent acquisition, performance management, employee engagement, organizational culture, and the overall employee experience. The Generalist ensures compliance with employment laws and HR best practices while partnering with leadership to attract, develop, and retain a high-performing workforce that advances the organization's mission of delivering quality programs and services to East Harlem.

Responsibilities:

Talent Acquisition & Talent Management

• Develop and implement recruitment strategies that attract diverse, high-quality talent.
• Collaborate on onboarding and orientation programs that promote employee engagement and successful integration.
• Support succession planning, career development, and internal mobility initiatives.
• Collaborate with leadership to identify workforce development needs and implement talent management strategies that strengthen organizational capability.

Culture & Employee Experience

• Champion initiatives that foster an inclusive, equitable, and engaging workplace culture.
• Develop and support employee engagement, recognition, wellness, and retention programs.
• Partner with leadership to enhance the employee experience throughout the entire employee lifecycle—from recruitment and onboarding through professional development and offboarding.
• Analyze employee feedback, engagement survey results, and workforce trends to recommend improvements that strengthen morale, collaboration, and retention.
• Promote organizational values and help cultivate a culture of respect, accountability, belonging, and continuous improvement.

Employee Relations and Performance Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations issues, providing guidance on workplace concerns, conflict resolution, and policy interpretation.
• Conduct prompt, fair, and confidential investigations into employee complaints, grievances, and workplace misconduct.
• Partner with supervisors to address performance concerns, disciplinary actions, and corrective action or development plans.
• Facilitate conflict resolution and mediation between employees and management.
• Ensure consistent application of organizational policies and procedures.

Human Resources Operations

• Support recruitment, onboarding, orientation, and employee retention initiatives.
• Maintain accurate employee records and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Oversee and coordinate employee leave programs, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, workers' compensation, and other protected leave programs, in partnership with external leave management providers to ensure compliance with applicable laws and organizational policies.
• Assist with benefits administration and respond to employee inquiries regarding HR policies and programs.
• Participate in HR audits and ensure compliance with applicable regulations and accreditation standards.

Training and Organizational Development

• Coordinate and facilitate training on harassment prevention, workplace conduct, diversity, equity, inclusion, conflict resolution, and other HR-related topics.
• Promote employee engagement initiatives and wellness programs.
• Support change management efforts and organizational development initiatives.
• Support compliance training and educational initiatives for employees and supervisors.

Compliance

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee information and sensitive HR matters.
• Prepare reports and documentation related to employee relations, investigations, and compliance activities.
• Support the implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of organizational compliance activities.
• Prepare and submit required regulatory filings and compliance documentation to oversight agencies.
• Monitor changes in applicable laws and regulations and assist with implementing compliance requirements.
• Support internal audits, external reviews, and regulatory inspections through data collection, reporting, and documentation.
• Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and confidentiality of compliance-related data and documentation.

Reporting & Administrative Support

• Prepare reports, analyze compliance data, and maintain records to support operational and regulatory needs.
• Process and track compliance-related invoices, expenditures, and other administrative transactions.
• Coordinate administrative activities related to professional development and other HR initiatives.

General

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; combination of education and experience considered. HR Certification or working towards is ideal.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive Human Resources experience.
• Working knowledge of employment laws, background screening requirements, and regulatory compliance practices.
• At least 2 years of employee relations experience required.
• Experience in a nonprofit, healthcare, behavioral health, or social services environment strongly preferred.
• Experience conducting workplace investigations and managing employee relations cases.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEO, and applicable state labor laws.
• Excellent conflict resolution, mediation, and investigation skills.
• Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulatory guidance.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with leadership and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong data management, reporting, and documentation skills.

CO R E CO M P E T E N C IE S

• Leading Others: Creates a sense of urgency throughout the organization on the importance of achieving outcomes. Inspires, influences, and enables team members to reach their goals
• Facilitating Change: Approaches challenges with creativity and flexibility. Demonstrates analytical thinking. Guides change to meet Union Settlement’s goals.
• Communicating and Collaborating: Listens well and actively engages with others with honesty and integrity and holds team accountable to the same standard
• Employee Relations & Conflict Resolution: Builds positive workplace relationships by addressing employee concerns with fairness, professionalism, and confidentiality. Effectively mediates conflict and supports constructive resolutions.
• Culture & Employee Experience: Champions an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace where employees feel valued, engaged, and connected to the organization's mission and values.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making: Uses sound judgment, critical thinking, and data to identify solutions, manage competing priorities, and make timely, informed decisions.

Union Settlement’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commitment

Union Settlement is an equal opportunity employer. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.