Sr. HR Specialist Leave and Workers Compensation

Senior Leave of Absence Specialist & Worker's Compensation

Department: Human Resources/Payroll

Reports To: Director of Human Resources

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: District Education Center

Salary: $85,000-$95,000 DOQ

Calendar: 260/261 Days, Full Time

Position Summary
The Senior Leave of Absence Specialist is responsible for overseeing and administering employee leave programs within the district, including those governed by federal law (e.g., FMLA), Minnesota state law (e.g., MPLA, MN Parental Leave Act), school board policies, and collective bargaining agreements. This position also manages accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and coordinates workers' compensation claims. The Specialist ensures compliance with all applicable regulations while providing professional and compassionate support to employees throughout the leave process.

• Administer and coordinate all leaves of absence, including but not limited to:
  • Federal and state‑mandated leaves: FMLA, MPLA (Minnesota Parental Leave Act), pregnancy and parenting leave, military leave, and sick leave.
  • Contractual and board‑approved leaves: unpaid leaves, sabbaticals, personal leaves, and union‑specific provisions.
• Interpret and apply relevant laws, policies, and collective bargaining agreements to leave cases.
• Review and process leave requests; communicate leave determinations and options to employees and supervisors.
• Track leave eligibility, usage, and return‑to‑work timelines using HRIS and leave management systems.
• Ensure timely and accurate documentation of all leave activities in compliance with recordkeeping requirements.
• Manage the ADA interactive process for employees requesting reasonable accommodations, working with employees, medical providers, legal counsel (when necessary), and district leadership to identify and implement appropriate accommodations.
• Maintain documentation of requests, determinations, and ongoing accommodations.
• Serve as the primary HR contact for work‑related injuries and illnesses.
• Coordinate with the district’s workers’ compensation third‑party administrator (TPA) to ensure timely claims processing and reporting.
• Investigate/monitor injury claims and support modified duty or return‑to‑work plans in alignment with ADA and district policy.
• Collaborate with site administrators and Risk Management to ensure workplace safety and compliance.
• Oversee OSHA recordkeeping and reporting, ensuring timely reporting of workplace injuries and illnesses, and assisting with safety audits and compliance reviews.
• Ensure all leave and accommodation practices are compliant with:
  • Federal law (FMLA, ADA, USERRA)
  • Minnesota laws (MPLA, MN Human Rights Act, MN Workers’ Comp statutes)
  • District policies and union contracts
• Partner with Payroll, Benefits, Risk Management, and Legal as needed to ensure accurate compensation, benefits continuation, and legal compliance during leave.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee health and leave information in compliance with HIPAA and other privacy laws.
• Respond to employee and supervisor inquiries regarding leave, accommodations, and related procedures.
• Provide guidance to supervisors, administrators, and HR staff on leave and ADA processes.
• Assist with policy development and updates related to employee leave and accommodation practices.
• Stay current with changes to laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Adjust multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in leave administration, ADA accommodations, and workers’ compensation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal and Minnesota‑specific employment and leave laws.
• Experience interpreting and applying collective bargaining agreements.

• Experience in a K–12 school district, public sector, or unionized environment.
• HR or leave‑related certification (e.g., PHR, SHRM‑CP, CLMS).
• Experience with HRIS and leave tracking systems (e.g., Frontline, Skyward, or similar).

• Expert knowledge of FMLA, ADA, MPL, and…