Human Resources Generalist

About Us:

Groundwork Coffee specializes in batch-roasted, certified organic coffees and artisanal teas. From our humble roots as a rare book store and cafe back in 1990, Groundwork would go on to become one of the first certified organic coffee roasters in Southern California, as well as the largest organic coffee roaster in Los Angeles. A truly local pioneer in fair trade and fairly traded coffee and tea sourcing, we remain committed to sustainable business practices, including maintaining direct relationships with growers and importers who promote responsible coffee and tea production. From the ground up, Groundwork is steadfast in its commitment to the values of quality, sustainability and community.

Position Overview:

The HR Generalist plays a crucial role in supporting our mission and cultivating a positive work environment. In our dynamic setting, this position oversees diverse HR functions such as recruitment, onboarding, benefits, and leave. The HR Generalist acts as a reliable resource for both employees and leadership, guaranteeing adherence to regulations, promoting employee growth, and leading efforts that boost engagement and safety. The successful applicant will be deeply committed to creating a significant impact by forging strong connections, resolving issues, and delivering an outstanding employee experience that reflects our core values and overall vision.

Role Requirements:

• 4-7 Years of HR Generalist Experience including compensation, legal compliance, HRIS administration, HR management, benefits administration, employee relations.
• Experience with Google Suite and Microsoft Office 
• Strong knowledge and Experience in employment law and practices for CA, OR, TX and UT.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to present clean, organized and thorough information and data appropriate for intended audience. 
• Strong business acumen with the ability to understand organizational goals and align HR strategies accordingly.
• High degree of emotional intelligence and ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds

Strongly Preferred:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish)

What You’ll Do:

• Recruitment:
  • Manage the full-cycle recruitment process, including posting job ads, sourcing, screening, and hiring qualified candidates for our retail cafes, corporate offices and production facilities.
  • Partner with hiring managers to create job listings and address hiring needs.
  • Prepare offer letters, job descriptions and other new hire documents
  • Initiate new hire orientation and ensure onboarding processes are seamless and effective.
  • Processing Background checks, I-9 Documentation and E-Verify 

• Personnel Management & Development:
  • Assist with the development, implementation, and enforcement of HR policies
  • Maintain HRIS Systems with Updated Employee Information
  • Develop Internal Learning Programs and Management Training
  • Coordinate Training Events 
  • Maintain Personnel Files, often scanning and converting hard copy documents to electronic files
  • Serve as trusted advisor to management and employees on all HR-related matters
  • Provide guidance on performance management and conflict resolution
  • Initiate and monitor the annual Employee Performance Evaluation Process from start to finish

• Benefits Administration:
  • Monitor employee eligibility for benefits enrollment. 
  • Review benefits with employees and processes enrollment, cancellation or changes. 
  • Organize and manage annual open enrollment communications and election process. 
  • Verify benefit billing accuracy and deduction setup in HRIS.
  • Address and resolve employee benefits inquiries, ensuring timely and accurate support.
  • Investigate and troubleshoot coverage issues, seeing them through to full resolution.
  • Partner with vendors to quickly and efficiently resolve benefits-related concerns and maintain seamless program delivery.

• Leave of Absence Administration:
  • Manage the administration of leaves of absence, including FMLA, CFRA, and other state-specific leave programs.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Act as the point of contact for employees and managers regarding leave requests and accommodation.

• Workers Compensation Administration:
  • Oversee the workers' compensation process, including reporting claims and liaising with insurance providers.
  • Collaborate with employees, managers, and insurance adjusters to ensure efficient claims resolution.
  • Keeping accurate documentation of all Worker's Comp correspondence. 

• Training and Development
  • Ensure compliance with required employee training (Food Handlers Certification, Harassment Prevention, Workplace Violence Prevention etc.) and keep training trackers updated. 
  • Assist with the development and implementation of training programs that align with organizational goals
  • Support ongoing employee development by identifying training needs and opportunities

Why Groundwork:

We strive to be the best place our employees have ever worked, and to produce the best coffee our customers have ever sipped. As a part of our team, you’ll be working with people who are down-to-earth, friendly, and passionate in a casual, caffeinated, and fun environment. 

Groundwork Benefits and Perks:

• Medical Insurance (Multiple Plans to Choose From)
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401K
• Paid Time Off (Vacation Days and Paid Holidays)
• Paid Sick Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free Coffee to Take Home: 1 pound Bulk Coffee or ¼ Pound Loose Leaf Tea every week 
• Free Coffee in the Office: Nitro & Cold Brew on Tap, Espresso Machine, Brewed Batches, etc. 
• Employee Discount Program: Discounts on Food, Beverage, & Merchandise 
• Commuter Program: Substantially Subsidized Metro Pass 

Groundwork is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regards to race, color, age, sex, ancestry, marital status, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, present or past history of mental disability, genetic information or any other classification protected by state or federal law.