HR Generalist, Benefits & Leave

Texas Division of Emergency Management•Austin, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The HR Generalist, Benefits & Leave performs advanced-level HR management work under general supervision, specializing in benefits administration and leave coordination. The role supports the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) with benefits and leave programs, particularly FMLA, parental leave, Medical and Mental Health Care Leave for Certain Veterans, ADA, and agency-granted leave under TDEM and/or TAMUS Benefits. The position is based onsite at TDEM Headquarters in Austin, Texas, and is not eligible for telecommuting. TDEM is an emergency response entity, so working hours, travel, and duties may change as needed. The salary is fixed and non-negotiable. This is a security-sensitive position involving Protected Health Information (PHI). The employee must handle PHI in accordance with A&M System policy and complete HIPAA training within a reasonable time after employment and as needed thereafter. Face-to-face and person-to-person interactions are required. The employee must maintain regular attendance, work extended hours when needed, and may travel up to 10%.

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, 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.
Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Suite.
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 for analyzing situations.
Ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information.
Ability to maintain regular attendance and work extended hours when needed.
Ability to travel up to 10%.
Ability to complete FEMA IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, and IS-800 certification courses within 12 months of employment.
Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation; employment is contingent on verification of credentials and other required information.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources.
Experience working for a state agency or institution of higher education.
Additional HR work experience, HR college coursework, or an HR certification.
Applicable work experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis; 30 semester hours equals one year of experience.
A completed advanced degree in a relevant field may substitute for work experience.

Responsibilities

Provide benefits administration and guidance to TDEM management and employees concerning benefit programs and forms, FMLA, Medical and Mental Health Care Leave, and ADA.
Interpret and apply federal and state laws, agency policies, procedures, 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 FMLA, Medical and Mental Health Care Leave, ADA, and other leave programs.
Audit and enter leave entries in Workday for FMLA, Medical and Mental Health Care Leave, and other leave programs.
Coordinate and process agency-granted leave in accordance with applicable regulations and criteria.
Coordinate TDEM benefits-related events and educate staff about TAMUS and TDEM Wellness Programs, including developing content marketing.
Manage benefits files throughout 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 benefits offboarding processes and conduct exit interviews.
Create or maintain desk aids, process flow charts, presentation slides, and other HR information resources.
Contribute to planning, developing, revising, and implementing HR policies, procedures, and forms.
Maintain current knowledge of applicable laws and policies to support consistent and compliant leave administration.
Assist with administrative work supporting HR programs, including posting, hiring, recruiting, selection, compensation vetting, classification, orientation, performance management, and Workday processing.
May assist with Workers’ Compensation.
May assist with personnel action form requests and justification memorandums, route requests in DocuSign, and process personnel changes in Workday.
May assist HR staff with special 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.
Complete FEMA IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, and IS-800 courses and obtain certification within 12 months of employment, along with other training as determined.
Perform other related duties as assigned.