HR Specialist, Leaves and Employee Relations

The HR Specialist – Leaves and Employee Relations is responsible for administering and managing employee leave programs, including Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), short-term disability, long-term disability, and other leave-related processes. Additionally, the specialist will support employee relations by addressing workplace concerns, conducting investigations, and promoting a positive work environment. This role ensures compliance with employment laws and company policies while providing guidance and support to both employees and management.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leave Management:
   • Administer and manage all employee leaves, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, personal leave, short-term and long-term disability.
   • Ensure timely communication with employees regarding leave eligibility, documentation requirements, and return-to-work procedures.
   • Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
   • Collaborate with payroll to ensure accurate processing of leave-related payments.
   • Provide guidance and support to employees and managers on leave policies and procedures.
2. Employee Relations:
   • Serve as a point of contact for employee relations issues, including workplace conflicts, performance management, and disciplinary actions.
   • Conduct thorough and impartial investigations into employee complaints, grievances, and allegations of misconduct.
   • Work with management to develop and implement corrective action plans when necessary.
   • Promote a positive work environment by fostering open communication, collaboration, and respect among employees.
   • Advise managers and employees on HR policies, procedures, and employment laws.
3. Compliance:
   • Ensure compliance with all applicable labor laws, including FMLA, ADA, EEO, and other employment-related regulations.
   • Maintain and update HR policies related to leave and employee relations to ensure they are current and compliant with legal requirements.
   • Participate in audits and provide necessary documentation as needed.
4. Training and Development:
   • Provide training and guidance to managers and employees on leave administration, employee relations, and workplace conflict resolution.
   • Assist in developing training materials and programs to enhance employee understanding of HR policies and best practices.
5. HR Support:
   • Assist with other HR functions as needed, including onboarding, offboarding, and general HR inquiries.
   • Collaborate with other HR team members to support department initiatives and improve overall HR processes.

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in human resources, preferably with a focus on leave management and employee relations.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws, including FMLA, ADA, EEO, and other regulations.
• Experience conducting investigations and handling sensitive employee relations issues.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

• HR certification (e.g., PHR, SHRM-CP) 

• Office environment with the possibility of occasional remote work.

• May require occasional travel for meetings, training, or other HR-related activities.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and competencies listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Regular attendance is an essential job function as it demonstrates dependability towards the performance of job duties.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate with frequent interruptions.