Human Resource Specialist - Leave & Compliance

This job operates primarily in a hybrid work environment and is expected to work from the Rise Admin Office (Fridley, MN) at least once a month and as needed.

The purpose of this position is to support the daily functions of the Human Resources (HR) department including administration of employee leave programs and ensures consistent, timely, and compliant management of leave requests from initial inquiry to return to work. This position provides specialized expertise regarding federal and Minnesota leave and accommodation requirements, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Minnesota Paid Leave, Minnesota Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other applicable federal, state, and local leave protections.

This role partners closely with employees, supervisors, Human Resources, payroll, insurance carriers, healthcare providers, and other external partners to coordinate leave administration, accommodations, workplace injuries, workers' compensation claims, and return-to-work processes.

Essential Functions

Leave of Absence Management

• Serve as the primary HR resource for employee leaves of absence and protected time away from work.
• Manage leave cases from request through return-to-work, ensuring compliance, accurate documentation, and timely communication.
• Provide guidance on FMLA, Minnesota Paid Leave, ESST, ADA-related leave, parental leave, military leave, and other applicable leave programs.
• Partner with employees, leaders, payroll, and benefit providers to support leave administration, benefits continuation, and return-to-work planning.

ADA and Workplace Accommodations

• Serve as the primary HR resource for workplace accommodations and disability-related compliance.
• Facilitate the interactive accommodation process, including reviewing requests, documentation, and potential accommodations.
• Partner with employees and leaders to identify and implement reasonable accommodations that support both employee and business needs.
• Provide guidance on accommodation-related compliance and maintain confidential accommodation records.

Workers' Compensation and Workplace Injuries

• Serve as the primary HR contact for workplace injuries and workers' compensation claims.
• Coordinate injury reporting, claim administration, and communication with employees, leaders, insurance carriers, and medical providers.
• Manage return-to-work processes, including monitoring restrictions and coordinating modified-duty assignments when appropriate.
• Assess and coordinate leave, accommodation, and benefit implications related to workplace injuries.
• Support OSHA reporting, recordkeeping, and compliance with workplace safety requirements.

Safety and Compliance

• Monitor federal, state, and local employment laws affecting leave administration, accommodations, workers' compensation, and workplace safety.
• Review and recommend updates to HR policies, procedures, and practices to maintain compliance and improve the employee experience.
• Develop training and resources for leaders related to leave management, accommodations, workplace injuries, and return-to-work practices.

Human Resources Support

• Provide consultation to supervisors and employee relations and HR matters as assigned.
• Respond to employment-related questions and provide guidance consistent with Rise policies and applicable employment laws.
• Participate in HR projects, policy development, compliance initiatives, audits, and organizational training as needed.
• Collaborate with other members of the HR team to ensure consistent HR practices and positive employee experience.

Required Education, Experience, and other Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and four years of directly related professional experience in place of bachelor's degree.
• Three or more years of Human Resources experience, with demonstrated experience administering employee leaves of absence.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with FMLA, ADA accommodations, Minnesota Paid Leave, ESST, workers’ compensation, and workplace injury management.
• Experience independently managing complex leave and accommodation cases from initial request through return to work.
• Strong understanding of the interaction between leave laws, disability accommodations, workers’ compensation, paid-time-off programs, and organization policies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple cases, priorities, and regulatory deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive employe information with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to maintain accurate case documentation.

Preferred Education, Experience, and other Qualifications

• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification.
• Specialized experience in leave of absence, disability, accommodation, or workers’ compensation administration.
• Experience administering Minnesota Paid Leave and…