Job Details

City of Portland - Human Resources Generalist I - Barron Center

Position Number: 6674720
Location: Portland, ME
Position Type: Human Resources

City of Portland - Human Resources Generalist I - Barron Center

Human Resources Department

The City of Portland is seeking a motivated, proactive, and kind human resources professional to join the Human Resources Department serving the Barron Center team. The ideal candidate will have significant knowledge and applied skills in HR best practices, and is deeply committed to ensuring that all Barron Center staff are supported and engaged to allow them to provide outstanding service to our community.

The City of Portland operates the Barron Center to provide skilled nursing and rehabilitation services to individuals in need. The Barron Center is a mission-driven facility with over 200 years of history in our community.

At the Barron Center, our philosophy of care represents more than a viewpoint; it's a commitment. Every member of our team is dedicated to giving our residents and families care that is supported by the highest order of compassion, integrity, accountability, and respect. CLICK HERE to learn more about the Barron Center.

Job Summary:

The HR Generalist I serves as a liaison between the City of Portland's Human Resources Department and the Barron Center by advising management, serving as a resource to Barron Center staff, and implementing human resources policies and expectations within the Barron Center. This role ensures compliance with all human resources-related federal, state, and local laws and rules; City policies and procedures; City collective bargaining agreements; and best practices. The HR Generalist I partners with management on a wide variety of personnel related functions.
Work is carried out under the direction of the Deputy Director of Human Resources, working in close partnership with the Barron Center's leadership team.

Key Responsibilities:

Key responsibilities include the following:

Overseeing and coordinating the recruitment and hiring process within the Barron Center.
Serving as a resource for employees with respect to leaves, benefits, accommodation requests, questions or complaints about workplace conditions or conduct, and similar issues and consulting with the relevant HR specialist, where needed, to resolve concerns.
Managing employee leaves of absence, work related injuries, light duty assignments, and similar in accordance with HR processes and in collaboration with relevant HR specialists and outside providers.
Serving as a point of contact for the City's Safety Team, including assisting with arranging training.
Facilitating and helping implement the Barron Center's training program in coordination with HR specialists and Barron Center management.
Working closely with Barron Center management, financial contacts, and payroll contacts to ensure accurate staffing, budgeting, payroll, etc.
Maintaining an excellent working relationship with the City's unions, and participating in employee relations and bargaining in coordination with the City's Labor Relations Manager.
Serving as a resource to support resolution of employee relations matters, including leading investigations and providing coaching and guidance to leaders.
Maintaining employee personnel and medical records and HRIS data.
Participating on City committees related to employee recognition programs and special events, as needed.
Analyzing and applying a variety of human resources data to advise leaders, provide actionable insights, guide data-driven HR strategies, identify trends and challenges, make recommendations for solutions and improvements, put recommendations into effect, and measure outcomes.
May serve as backup for other HR Generalists or, on occasion, an HR specialist.
Performs related work as required.

Requirements of Work:

Required experience and knowledge:

Graduation from a four-year college or university with a relevant major; or any equivalent combination of training and experience meeting the requirements of work.
Minimum three years' experience in a human resources generalist role.
Strong knowledge of employment related laws, rules, and regulations. Familiarity with union relations.
Experience analyzing a variety of administrative and human resources problems; making recommendations for their solution; putting such recommendations into effect; and measuring their outcomes.
Excellent familiarity with best practices in the human resources industry.

Required skills:

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Ability to build trust and establish and maintain strong working relationships with department heads, departmental personnel, union representatives, other City staff, and the general public.
Ability to advise management and help facilitate consensus building.
Ability to work independently, to meet deadlines, and to coordinate multiple responsibilities.
Ability to apply a strategic, proactive approach to HR responsibilities, including by developing systems and processes to ensure sustainable improvements, and to prevent challenges from recurring.
Strong technology skills and a commitment to using technology to increase efficiency.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference for experience in the public sector.

Certifications desired:

Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) or Professional (PHR) in Human Resources;
Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) or Certified Professional (SHRM-CP); and/or
Training, leadership, or organizational related certifications.

Hiring Process:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, with the first review of resumes scheduled to begin on November 3, 2025.

Offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory criminal background check.

Salary & Benefits:

This is a non-union position (Grade DBM C43) with a starting annual salary range of $76,469 - $86,054. Employees with a SPHR, PHR, or SHRM certification are eligible for a 6% stipend.

The City of Portland prides itself on its outstanding benefits and a collegial and mission-driven work environment.
City benefits include:

Free employee health insurance with the completion of wellness incentives
Thirteen paid holidays
Sick, vacation, and personal leave
Life, dental, vision and income protection insurances
Choice of retirement plans, including a pension plan
Fitness Reimbursement
Use of City recreation facilities
Discount on professional development programs through USM and Thomas College

If you have any questions or need assistance with the application, please email Human Resources at jobs@portlandmaine.gov or call 207-874-8624.

The City of Portland believes that to do our best work, our employees need to reflect the diverse, vibrant community we serve. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to celebrating all dimensions of diversity in the workplace. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. If you need to request a reasonable accommodation, please call 207-874-8624 or email hrinfo@portlandmaine.gov

To apply, visit https://selfservice.portlandmaine.gov/ess/EmploymentOpportunities/JobDetail.aspx?req=349&sreq=10&form=1000&desc=HUMAN%20RESOURCES%20GENERALIST%20I%20-%20BARRON%20CENTER