HR Generalist

Description

JOIN THE ECS4Kids TEAM

At ECS4Kids (formerly Episcopal Children’s Services), we honor young children’s immense potential by helping them enter school ready to learn. We cultivate lifelong learners by immersing children in enriching guided experiences and discovery-oriented approaches. Through programs like Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK), Head Start, School Readiness, Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR), and more, our dedicated professionals work with families and caregivers to promote children’s well-being. These enable us to strengthen key areas including motor development, cognitive development, social and emotional development, language and communication skills, and problem-solving skills.

Partner with us to help empower communities to rise above generational poverty with comprehensive early childhood education and holistic family support. We have career opportunities available in several counties throughout the Savannah River Region.

ECS4Kids offers a competitive benefit package which includes:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 403(b) plan with 5% employer match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Long-term & short-term disability insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Paid holidays
• Generous paid time off
• Career development
• Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 

The Human Resources Generalist will play a pivotal role in supporting ECS4Kids’ expansion into Georgia, serving approximately?340 children and 100 staff?across a 9-county region. This position is responsible for delivering comprehensive HR support aligned with?Head Start Performance Standards,?Georgia state employment laws, and?DECAL criminal records clearance requirements. The ideal candidate will thrive in a?fast-paced, multi-site environment, demonstrate exceptional organizational skills, and embody the values of the?ECS C.A.R.E.S. cultural framework—Connection, Strength, Accountability, Respect, Empathy. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Recruitment & Onboarding 

• Lead and manage the full-cycle recruitment process for Head Start staff across the 9-county Savannah River Region. This includes posting positions, sourcing candidates, screening applications, conducting interviews, and coordinating reference and background checks in compliance with Georgia DECAL’s criminal records clearance system. 

Employee Relations & Engagement 

• Serve as the primary HR contact for Georgia-based staff. Foster a positive work culture through engagement initiatives, feedback loops, and conflict resolution aligned with ECS C.A.R.E.S. 

Compliance & Policy Administration 

• Ensure adherence to ECS4Kids policies, federal Head Start HR standards and Georgia labor laws. Maintain accurate documentation and support audits or monitoring visits. 

Performance Management 

• Support managers in implementing performance reviews, goal setting, and development plans that align with ECS4Kids’ mission and the ECS C.A.R.E.S. cultural framework.  
• Provide coaching and guidance to supervisors on performance-related issues, including documentation, feedback delivery, and improvement strategies. 
• Serve as a resource for employee relations by addressing workplace concerns, mediating conflicts, and promoting a respectful and inclusive environment.  
• Conduct workplace investigations in response to complaints or policy violations, ensuring thorough documentation, confidentiality, and compliance with Head Start and Georgia employment standards. 

HR Operations & Support 

• Manage employee records, benefits inquiries, and HRIS updates. Provide guidance on ECS4Kids policies and procedures. 

Culture Building 

• Champion ECS C.A.R.E.S. values in all HR practices. Help shape a culture of excellence, empathy, and belonging across all Georgia sites. 
• Collaborate with leadership to foster accountability and continuous improvement across all sites, while maintaining a culture of empathy, transparency, and professionalism. 

Note: This list is not exhaustive. Additional duties may be assigned as needed to support organizational goals. 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Degree in Human Resources or HR certification required 
• 2+ years of experience in an HR generalist or similar role, with a solid understanding of HR practices and employment laws. 

(A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for minimum qualifications) 

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES: 

• Abilit