Entry Level Human Resource Generalist Jobs in Riverside, CA

Reports to: Payroll Supervisor

Department: Administrative

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Hourly, 100% In-Person

Job Summary: The HR Generalist provides operational and administrative support to core Human Resources functions, with a primary focus on payroll backup, benefits support, compliance activities, training coordination, and HR operations. This role serves as a key support resource for payroll processing, benefits administration, leaves of absence, and accommodations as needed. The HR Generalist also supports workers’ compensation activities, workplace compliance initiatives, internal and external audits, and department-wide training and development efforts. Recruitment and employee relations support are provided as needed during periods of increased workload or departmental demand. This position requires professionalism, discretion, and strong organizational skills, may require occasional travel, and reports to the Payroll Supervisor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Payroll, Benefits, Leaves & Accommodations Support (Primary Focus)

• Serve as backup support to payroll processing, including data entry, audits, reporting, and employee payroll inquiries
• Assist with benefits administration, including open enrollment preparation, employee communications, and system updates
• Support the leaves of absence and reasonable accommodations process, including tracking, documentation, and coordination with vendors or internal partners as needed

Compliance, Workers’ Compensation & Audits (Primary Focus)

• Provide workers’ compensation support, including claim documentation, coordination with stakeholders, and participation in in-person investigations as needed
• Support workplace compliance initiatives, including workplace violence prevention training coordination and tracking
• Support internal and external audits by compiling documentation, preparing reports, and responding to audit requests
• Assist with HR policy and training development to support compliance and best practices

Training & Development (Primary Focus)

• Support company-wide training and development assignments, including scheduling, logistics, coordination, and recordkeeping
• Assist with the coordination and documentation of required, compliance-related, and developmental trainings

Administrative & HR Operations

• Create and distribute monthly HR newsletters to all staff
• Provide high-quality customer service to employees regarding HR policies, procedures, and programs
• Schedule appointments, arrange meetings, and coordinate travel as needed
• Coordinate logistics for company training sessions, department-wide meetings, and new hire orientations as needed
• Ensure the HR department suite is organized and stocked, including maintaining clean and professional shared and break areas
• Assist with front desk receptionist coverage as needed to ensure continuity of operations
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive employee information

Employee Records & HR Systems

• Support organizing and maintaining employee personnel files in compliance with legal and organizational requirements
• Maintain HR databases and tracking systems, ensuring accuracy and completeness
• Track and document employee status changes, including promotions, disciplinary actions, recognitions, and performance reviews
• Assist with termination processing and exit interviews as needed
• Ensure former employee files are maintained and retained in accordance with applicable laws

Employee Relations & Investigations (As Needed)

• Support the Employee Relations Team with employee relations matters and investigations as needed, including documentation, scheduling interviews, and maintaining case files
• Assist with workplace investigations, including in-person participation as needed
• Provide administrative and logistical support throughout the investigation process while maintaining strict confidentiality

Education and Experience

• Experience in recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, and performance management 
• Working knowledge of labor laws and employment regulations
• Experience supporting payroll, benefits, compliance, or investigations preferred
• Data analysis skills related to tracking HR metrics
• Proven experience in an HR role

General Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills
• High level of reliability, responsibility, and attention to detail
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel as required