HR Specialist 2 (HR Specialist - Family Medical Leave) - 00000331

Stronger Families for a Stronger Georgia. The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) is a dynamic state agency responsible for delivering a wide range of services to Georgia's most vulnerable populations. Our mission is to strengthen Georgia by providing individuals and families access to services that promote self-sufficiency, independence, and protect Georgia's vulnerable children and adults.  

What we offer. Enjoy a generous benefits package that includes a flexible work schedule, unique training opportunities, employee retirement plan, 401(k) plan and 457 plan, 13 paid holidays, vacation & sick leave, medical, dental, vision, long/short-term care, life insurance, and employee discount programs; in addition to telework opportunities depending upon the position.  

Start your career in public service. The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Human Resources (OHR) is seeking candidates for the position Human Resources Specialist 2 (HR Specialist - Family Medical Leave).  This position is located in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia. 

JOIN OUR TEAM!!!

Pay Grade: K

The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) delivers a wide range of human services designed to promote self-sufficiency and well-being for all Georgians. The department is one of the largest agencies in state government with an annual budget of $1.8 billion and more than 9,000 employees. DHS is comprised of three program divisions and 14 Administrative Support Offices.

 The Office of Human Resources (OHR) consults with its DHS clients on all aspects of human resources, including the development of human resources policies, employee benefits,  classifications/compensation administration, employee relations, performance management, organizational training and development, and efforts to ensure fair and lawful employment practices.

Under general supervision, the HR Specialist 2 - FML will coordinate the support for all leave of absence cases. Effectively coordinates all cases to include general administration, comprehensive case management and program compliance with the Family and Medical Leave Act and all related employment laws. Performs exemplary customer service and assistance to all employees and HR business partners. 

Role and Responsibilities:

• Serves as the subject matter expert for the leave and workers' compensation programs in alignment and under the general direction and guidance of HR leadership and the legal department.
• Interprets and administers leave programs and policies in accordance with the applicable federal and state employment laws (FMLA, ADA, USERRA, Pregnancy Discrimination Act, etc.). 
• Coordinates with the workers' compensation specialist to ensure that the program is managed in accordance with applicable workers' compensation laws.
• Independently approves and/or denies leave cases based on relevant medical information.
• Coordinates and organizes all medical information and ensures that HIPAA and Employee Privacy guidelines are closely monitored and effectively executed.
• Manages all administrative aspects of leave to include training HRBPs how to track hours used/taken and working closely with Data Transactions team to ensure that pay for employees is accurate and correct. 
• Works closely with employees to ensure that all relevant completed medical documentation is submitted for timely review. 
• Maintains appropriate contact with all employees and/or HRBPs on leave and coordinates all aspects of return to work for employees on leave.  
• Conducts Tier I investigations of alleged fraudulent activity of all leave cases.
• Works closely with the Compliance Management team to identify, research and resolve matters. 
• Produces and manages reporting metrics and analytics for all leave cases, presents reports as requested. 
• Partners closely with all HR business partners on all leave cases.
• Meets regularly with HRBPs to review claims' status and develops strategies for resolution.  
• Ensures that STD claims are coordinated with FMLA cases. 
• Partners closely with HRBPs on all related cases.
• Meets regularly to review the status of cases and develops legally sound strategies for a mutually beneficial resolution. 
• Assists in the creation and facilitation of leave administration training programs. 
• Performs all other duties as assigned or required.

• Ability to analyze information and convert related activities into a comprehensive work plan.  
• Ability to communicate and make recommendations to upper management.  
• Ability to identify basic problems and procedural irregularities, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. 
• Ability to multi-task and drive multiple projects.  
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities. 
• Demonstrated ability to deal with confidential information.  
• Demonstrated problem solving, time management and priority setting skills. 

• High school diploma/GED AND two (2) years of job-related experience in human resources;

• One (1) year of experience required at the lower level HR Spec 1 (HRP020) or position equivalent. 

• Master's degree in a related area from an accredited college or university AND One (1) year of related professional human resources experience in one or more of the areas of assignment;

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university AND Three (3) years of related professional human resources experience in one or more of the areas of assignment. 

• One (1) year of experience required at the lower level HR Specialist 2 (HRP021) or position equivalent. 
• Five (5) years of experience in Human Resources.
• Five (5) years of experience in managing leave cases (FMLA, STD) and workers' compensation claims.  
• Two (2) years of experience in handling employee relations cases.

For more detailed information about the Georgia Department Human Services

                   https://dhs.georgia.gov/  

Employment Information
  
Current State employees are subject to State Personnel Board (SPB) Rules regarding salary.
 
DHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer
  
If you require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), email the request by the closing date of this announcement to:  hrhelpline@dhs.ga.gov 
 
The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre-employment drug screening, education verification, reference, motor vehicle records, and criminal background checks.
  
DHS accepts educational credential recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the US Department of Education (DOE) will be considered. DHS will contact educational institutions to verify degree, diploma, licensure, etc.
  
As an employee of DHS, in the event of an identified emergency you may be required, as a term and condition of employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department.
  
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring official for next steps in the selection process.  Only applicants who are selected and interviewed will receive notification.
  
This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.