Hr generalist Jobs in Denver, CO

HR Generalist

Thornton, CO 80602

Position Summary

Colorado Network Staffing (CNS) is seeking a knowledgeable, service-oriented HR Generalist to support day-to-day human resources operations across the employee lifecycle. This position serves as a trusted HR resource to employees and managers and provides support in recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, benefits administration, leave management, compliance, HRIS administration, training, records management, and general HR operations.

The HR Generalist will also support payroll and timekeeping activities as part of the broader HR function. Prior payroll exposure is beneficial, but this role is well suited for an HR professional who has a strong human resources foundation and is interested in expanding their knowledge of payroll processes, wage-and-hour practices, and payroll systems.

The successful candidate will be organized, approachable, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, and consistent HR practices.

Essential Functions

Human Resources Operations

• Serve as a day-to-day HR resource for employees and managers regarding policies, procedures, benefits, leave, timekeeping, workplace practices, and general employment questions.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records, personnel files, HR forms, and HRIS data.
• Process employee lifecycle changes, including new hires, transfers, compensation changes, status updates, promotions, and separations.
• Support the development, communication, and consistent administration of HR policies, procedures, and internal practices.
• Assist with employee engagement, recognition, retention, and workplace culture initiatives.
• Provide responsive and professional HR support while ensuring consistent application of company policies.

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Coordinate full-cycle recruiting activities, including job postings, applicant review, candidate screening, interview scheduling, reference checks, and offer preparation.
• Partner with hiring managers to understand staffing requirements and support effective recruitment strategies.
• Provide a professional and positive candidate experience throughout the recruiting process.
• Coordinate pre-employment screening, new-hire documentation, employment eligibility verification, orientation, and onboarding.
• Ensure onboarding requirements, system access, documentation, and required training are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Maintain accurate applicant and new-hire records within applicable recruiting and HR systems.

Employee Relations & Performance Support

• Respond to employee questions and concerns professionally, consistently, and with appropriate discretion.
• Support managers with employee relations matters, policy interpretation, performance documentation, attendance issues, and corrective action processes.
• Assist with workplace investigations and maintain accurate, confidential documentation.
• Support performance review cycles and employee development initiatives.
• Identify employee relations concerns that require escalation and coordinate with HR leadership as appropriate.
• Promote positive employee relations and consistent application of workplace expectations.

Benefits & Leave Administration

• Support employee benefits enrollment, qualifying life events, open enrollment, and employee benefit questions.
• Coordinate with benefit carriers, brokers, and internal stakeholders to resolve enrollment or coverage issues.
• Administer or support leave programs, including FMLA, workers' compensation, disability, and other applicable leave requirements.
• Maintain accurate leave documentation and employee records.
• Assist with COBRA administration, benefit reconciliations, and related compliance requirements.
• Educate employees on available benefits, leave procedures, and applicable HR processes.

Payroll & Timekeeping Support

• Support payroll and timekeeping processes by reviewing timecards, employee changes, leave balances, deductions, and related information for completeness and accuracy.
• Assist with researching and resolving employee payroll or timekeeping questions in coordination with payroll, accounting, or HR leadership.
• Maintain accurate HRIS information that impacts payroll processing.
• Support payroll audits, reconciliations, and documentation as needed.
• Develop working knowledge of payroll processes, wage-and-hour requirements, deductions, garnishments, and payroll system functionality.
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn and take on additional payroll responsibilities as knowledge and experience develop.

HR Compliance & Records Management

• Support compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and company policies.
• Maintain required HR records and documentation in accordance with retention and confidentiality requirements.
• Assist with EEO reporting, unemployment claims, workers' compensation, background checks, employment verifications, and other HR compliance activities.
• Support compliance with FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEO, COBRA, wage-and-hour, and other applicable employment requirements.
• Assist with HR audits and ensure employee documentation is accurate and complete.
• Protect confidential and sensitive employee information using sound professional judgment.

HRIS, Reporting & Process Improvement

• Maintain employee information and workflows within HRIS, recruiting, benefits, payroll, and timekeeping systems.
• Review HR data for accuracy and resolve discrepancies.
• Prepare routine HR reports and track workforce metrics as requested.
• Support HR technology implementations, upgrades, testing, data cleanup, and employee or manager training.
• Identify opportunities to streamline HR processes, strengthen documentation, and improve employee self-service.
• Assist with developing standardized HR procedures and process documentation.

Training & Organizational Support

• Coordinate or assist with employee and supervisor training related to HR policies, compliance, systems, and workplace practices.
• Support new-hire orientation and required employee training programs.
• Assist with compensation projects, employee surveys, performance management activities, and organizational initiatives.
• Collaborate with leadership, accounting, operations, and other departments to support workforce needs.
• Perform additional HR duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• Three (3) or more years of progressive human resources experience in a generalist or related HR capacity.
• Practical experience supporting multiple HR functions such as recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, benefits, leave administration, compliance, HRIS administration, or payroll support.
• Hands-on experience with an HRIS, payroll, or human capital management platform; experience with UKG, ADP, Paycom, Paylocity, Workday, or similar systems preferred.
• Working knowledge of employment laws and HR practices, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEO, COBRA, and wage-and-hour requirements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion and sound judgment.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Willingness and ability to develop additional knowledge of payroll processing, payroll systems, and related compliance requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• HR experience within government contracting, public-sector organizations, school districts, education, healthcare, or similarly regulated environments.
• Broad HR Generalist experience supporting recruitment, employee relations, benefits, compliance, HRIS, and employee lifecycle administration.
• Previous exposure to payroll or timekeeping processes.
• Experience with HR reporting, system implementations, process improvement, or workflow automation.
• Experience supporting multiple employee populations, departments, clients, or locations.
• Professional certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR.

Key Competencies

• Human Resources Operations
• Employee Relations
• HR Compliance
• Recruitment & Onboarding
• Benefits & Leave Administration
• HRIS Administration
• Payroll & Timekeeping Support
• Employee Service
• Confidentiality & Professional Judgment
• Communication & Collaboration
• Organization & Attention to Detail