HR Specialist

Overview

The HR Specialist is responsible for administering employee leave of absence and benefits programs while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This role serves as the primary point of contact for leave administration, benefits coordination, and the ADA interactive process, partnering closely with employees, managers, payroll, benefits vendors, and HR leadership to deliver consistent, compliant outcomes.

• Leave Administration
• Administer and track all employee leaves of absence, including:
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• State and local mandated leave programs
• Workers’ compensation coordination
• Military, parental, and personal leaves
• Manage leave intake, eligibility determinations, medical certifications, approvals, extensions, and return-to-work processes
• Ensure timely issuance of all required notices, certifications, and designation letters
• Maintain accurate leave records and documentation in HRIS and leave management systems
• ADA Interactive Process

• Serve as the primary coordinator for the ADA interactive process
• Engage in timely, good-faith communication with employees and managers regarding accommodation requests
• Coordinate medical documentation requests and assess accommodation options
• Partner with management, HR leadership, and legal counsel to evaluate reasonable accommodations and operational impact
• Document all steps of the interactive process to ensure compliance and risk mitigation
• Monitor accommodation effectiveness and manage modifications as needed
• Benefits Administration & Coordination

• Coordinate employee benefits during leave, including medical, dental, vision, life, STD/LTD, HSA/FSA, and COBRA
• Communicate benefits continuation, premium payment options, and reinstatement requirements to employees on leave
• Partner with payroll to ensure accurate deductions, premium payments, and pay status changes
• Coordinate with carriers, TPAs, and vendors regarding eligibility, claims, and coverage changes
• Compliance, Communication & Reporting

• Serve as a subject-matter resource for employees and managers on leave and benefits policies
• Monitor compliance deadlines and proactively address potential risks
• Prepare reports, metrics, and documentation for audits, litigation holds, or leadership review
• Maintain strict confidentiality of medical and personal employee information

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred
• 3+ years of experience in leave administration, benefits coordination, or HR operations
• Demonstrated experience managing the ADA interactive process
• Strong working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, COBRA, STD/LTD, and state leave laws
• Experience using HRIS, benefits platforms, and leave tracking systems
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills
• Ability to manage complex cases and multiple deadlines simultaneously

• Experience working with third-party leave administrators or benefits vendors
• Knowledge of payroll processes and benefit funding structures
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification

Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm