Human Resources Generalist

Join Our Team at Calhoun County Government!
At Calhoun County, you’ll find more than just a job, you’ll find purpose. Our employees make a meaningful impact every day by serving our community. Whether you’re supporting essential services, improving local systems, or helping residents thrive, your work contributes to something bigger. We’re proud to foster a collaborative, supportive workplace where people are valued for their ideas and dedication to public service. If you’re looking for a career that makes a difference, we invite you to explore opportunities with Calhoun County Government.

Summary

Under the general direction of the HR and Labor Relations Director, this position provides dedicated human resources support to the Sheriff’s Office, including law enforcement, corrections, and support staff. This role serves as both an operational and strategic HR partner, supporting recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, compliance, workforce planning, and employee wellness initiatives. The HR Specialist plays a key role in enhancing the employee experience through structured onboarding, proactive performance management, and modernized HR processes, while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements. This position requires professionalism, discretion, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes public safety environment.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Recruitment & Talent Acquisition

1. Manages full-cycle recruitment for all Sheriff’s Office positions, including deputies, correctional staff, and support roles.
2. Develops and enhances job postings to better reflect organizational mission, culture, and career pathways.
3. Implements strategic recruitment initiatives, including outreach campaigns, community partnerships, social media, and career fairs.
4. Builds and maintains candidate pipelines, including exploration of retiree rehire or part-time workforce programs.
5. Partners with leadership to forecast hiring needs and align recruitment strategies with workforce planning goals.

Onboarding & Employee Experience

1. Designs and implements a structured, phased onboarding program (e.g., 30-60-90 day model) to improve retention and engagement.
2. Coordinates new hire orientation, ensuring compliance while improving delivery through digestible and engaging training methods.
3. Establishes mentorship or buddy programs for new hires.
4. Conducts follow-up touchpoints (e.g., stay interviews, check-ins) to reinforce onboarding and improve retention.

Employee Relations & Performance Management

1. Provides proactive guidance to supervisors on employee relations, performance management, and coaching.
2. Supports and helps standardize progressive discipline practices and documentation.
3. Assists with investigations, ensuring consistent protocols and thorough documentation.
4. Coordinates and supports grievance processes and responses.
5. Helps implement consistent performance review cycles and leadership coaching resources.

Mental Health & Wellness Support

1. Supports the development and implementation of employee wellness initiatives, including mental health awareness.
2. Coordinates training opportunities related to mental health, de-escalation, and working with high-risk populations.
3. Promotes and increases awareness of Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources.
4. Assists in developing protocols to support employees during critical incidents.

 Compliance & HR Operations

1. Supports the development of standardized HR processes, including investigations, documentation, and reporting.
2. Assists with and collaborates on streamlining administrative workflows and enhancing tracking systems (e.g., leave, investigations, FOIA requests).
3. Maintains accurate and compliant employee records.
4. Contributes to data tracking and reporting to support HR metrics and decision-making.

 Leave Administration & Employee Support

1. Assists with FMLA, medical leave, and return-to-work processes in compliance with policies and laws.
2. Serves as a resource to employees and supervisors on leave-related matters and accommodations.

 Workforce Planning & Financial Collaboration

1. Partners with HR leadership and Finance to support workforce planning, headcount tracking, and budgeting efforts.
2. Assists in identifying staffing trends and operational needs to inform hiring and retention strategies.
3. Supports auditing processes related to payroll, timekeeping, and coding accuracy.

 Engagement, Culture & Organizational Support

1. Partners with leadership to promote a positive, engaged workplace culture rooted in accountability and service.
2. Develops and supports employee recognition programs that highlight organizational strengths and employee contributions.
3. Assists in reinforcing organizational culture through storytelling, branding, and internal communications.

 Additional Responsibilities

1. Provides backup support to broader HR functions as needed.
2. Participates in special projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
3. Other duties as assigned.

 Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field required (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Minimum of two (2) years of HR experience; public sector or law enforcement experience preferred
• Knowledge of employment law, labor relations, and HR best practices
• Experience supporting recruitment, employee relations, and onboarding programs
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to remain professional and effective in high-stress or critical situations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and HR systems
• Valid Michigan driver’s license with acceptable driving record
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups from a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies

 Supervisory Responsibilities                     

• None

 Working Conditions

Hybrid Work Classification: Hybrid Eligible
Flexibility Classification: Flexible Schedule Eligible

• Largely sedentary role with extensive computer work.
• Frequent travel between County and Sheriff’s Office locations required.
• Office environment within a secure law enforcement setting.
• Occasional extended workdays, including evenings or weekends.

Why You’ll Love Working Here
Calhoun County Government offers benefits designed to support your wellbeing at work and beyond. Our employees enjoy competitive pay, health and retirement plans, generous time off, and opportunities for professional growth. Benefits for 40 hours/week positions are highlighted below:

• Paid Time Off: 6.47 hours per pay period (hourly) or 4.2 weeks annually (salaried)
• Holidays: Enjoy 14 paid holidays per year
• Flexibility: Hybrid and flexible scheduling for eligible positions
• Retirement: 401(k) with up to 7% County match
• Near-Site Clinic: Convenient preventative and primary care with on-site medications
• Education: Up to $3,000 annually in tuition reimbursement

Learn more about our benefits at www.calhouncountymi.gov/employee_benefits
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