HR Generalist, Benefits & Leave

Texas A&M University System•Austin, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The HR Generalist, Benefits & Leave performs advanced-level HR management work under general supervision, specializing in benefits administration with a focus on FMLA, parental leave, Medical and Mental Health Care Leave for Certain Veterans, ADA, and agency-granted leave coordination under TDEM and/or TAMUS Benefits. The role provides guidance to TDEM management and employees, supports compliant leave administration, maintains case records, and assists with broader HR operations as assigned. The position is based at TDEM Headquarters in Austin, Texas, and is performed onsite with no telecommuting. TDEM’s emergency-response status may affect working hours, travel, and duties. The role is security-sensitive and handles Protected Health Information (PHI), requiring HIPAA training. Face-to-face interactions are required, the employee must maintain regular attendance and work extended hours when needed, and travel may be up to 10%. The salary is fixed and non-negotiable.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field or an equivalent combination of applicable education and experience.
Two years of applicable HR experience.
Working knowledge of HR management principles, HR core processes, FMLA, parental leave, ADA, workers’ compensation, and other federal or state employment-related entitlements.
Knowledge of COBRA and HIPAA provisions.
Knowledge of TAMUS Wellness Programs, leave accounting, and Leave without Pay processes.
Ability to apply federal and state laws and TAMUS and agency guidance to formal processes.
Ability to coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including TDEM staff, TAMUS representatives, and vendors.
Knowledge of TDEM and TAMUS benefits processes and procedures.
Ability to develop HR content knowledge and support HR operations as assigned.
Ability to administer competing timelines accurately and promptly, with attention to detail.
Oral and written communication skills, including active listening; ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy.
Computer and Microsoft Suite proficiency.
Proficiency with TAMUS applications and HR systems such as Workday, First Advantage, Guardian, and DocuSign.
Multitasking, prioritization, and organizational skills.
Ability to create PowerPoint presentations and informative HR-focused web content.
Critical-thinking skills and ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information.
Complete and obtain certification in FEMA courses IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, and IS-800 within 12 months of employment, plus other training as determined.
Ability to participate in required face-to-face interactions, maintain regular attendance during the assigned schedule, work extended hours when needed, and travel up to 10%.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources.
Experience working for a state agency or institution of higher education.
HR experience, HR college coursework, or an HR certification.

Responsibilities

Provide benefits administration and guidance to management and employees on benefit programs, FMLA, Medical and Mental Health Care Leave, and ADA processes and forms.
Interpret and apply federal and state laws, agency policies, and protocols to advise supervisors and employees and propose solutions.
Ensure benefits program administration and compliance.
Maintain timely and accurate records and case management for FMLA, Medical and Mental Health Care Leave, and ADA.
Provide notices and process new requests and recertifications for FMLA, parental leave, and Medical and Mental Health Care Leave within required timelines.
Deliver benefits presentations at New Employee Orientation, new supervisor training, and as needed.
Prepare HR correspondence and reports related to leave and benefits programs in accordance with applicable laws, policies, practices, and TAMUS regulations.
Audit and enter leave entries in Workday for applicable leave programs.
Coordinate and process agency-granted leave according to applicable regulations, requirements, and criteria.
Complete required HIPAA training and handle PHI in accordance with A&M System policy.
Coordinate TDEM benefits-related events and educate staff about TAMUS and TDEM Wellness Programs, including creating content marketing.
Manage benefits files and their lifecycle.
Review the Benefits email account daily, respond to items, and route them to appropriate team members; assist with other division email accounts as needed.
Assist with offboarding and conduct benefits exit interviews.
Create and maintain desk aids, process flow charts, presentation slides, and other HR informational resources.
Contribute to planning, development, revision, and implementation of HR policies, procedures, and forms.
Maintain current knowledge of applicable federal and state leave laws and policies.
Assist with HR administrative programs, including posting, hiring, recruiting, selection, compensation vetting, classification, orientation, performance management, and Workday processing.
May assist with Workers’ Compensation.
May review personnel action form requests and justification memorandums, route requests in DocuSign, and process personnel changes in Workday.
May assist with special HR projects or assignments, including the TDEM Academy, Student Worker, Fellows, and Internship Programs.
May cross-train in specialized HR functions such as benefits, employee relations, investigations, onboarding, performance management, organizational development, recruitment, and workers’ compensation.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Maintain regular attendance, work extended hours when needed, and travel up to 10%.