Human Resources Advisor Senior (Leave Management)

City of Austin • Austin, TX

1d • $68,660 - $85,830 • Onsite

About The Position

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

The Human Resources (HR) Advisor Senior will provide leave benefits program advice, guidance, and administration to a workforce of 1890+. This position will conduct eligibility reviews, support benefits enrollment processes, and serve as the administrator and subject matter expert for all leave programs including FMLA, ADA, Paid Parental Leave, Short Term Disability, Workers Compensation, Leave Bank, Shared Leave, Military Leave, Bereavement Leave, Child Bereavement Leave, Leave of Absences, etc. In addition, the position will conduct audits of benefits usage, identify areas of improvement, streamline related processes, and ensure efficient and accurate tracking and case management for Austin Energy employees. The ideal candidate must be able to work in a high-paced environment. Exercise sound critical thinking and judgment to handle complex matters. Must possess excellent listening, problem solving, oral and written communication skills. In addition, the ideal candidate must possess strong consulting and influencing skills with the ability to build trust and maximize relationships with employees at all levels.

Purpose: Under limited direction, provides management and employee groups advanced journey-level professional human resources (HR) support on a broad range of HR issues and decisions, primarily in matters that require independent discretion. Responsible for the implementation of services and programs in one or more areas of HR.

Requirements

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in related field, plus four (4) years of HR experience.
• One (1) additional year of experience may substitute for the education up to the maximum of four (4) years.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances governing personnel activities.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge and practices of HR program administration and management.
• Knowledge of practices and methods of coaching and leading the work of others.
• Knowledge of principles and applications of critical thinking and analysis.
• Knowledge of customer service principles.
• Skill in overseeing the maintenance of HR program/process documentation, data, schedules, records, and files.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Ability to coordinate deadlines, prioritize work demands and assign/monitor work performed.
• Ability to handle hostility, conflict, and uncertain situations.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to develop and maintain knowledge in assigned specialized HR areas.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.

Nice To Haves

• Experience administering FMLA, ADA, Workers’ Compensation, and other leave programs, including evaluating medical certifications, determining eligibility, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, and handling HIPAA‑protected medical information.
• Experience using HRIS and timekeeping systems to enter, track, and maintain leave cases and employee absence information, ensuring accuracy and timely updates.
• Experience with records retention processes regarding FMLA / ADA /WC and other leave program related documents.
• Experience collaborating with management, employees, and external organizations as an HR representative to facilitate leave processes, address employee needs, and ensure consistent application of HR policies.
• Experience developing and delivering presentations and training on topics related to leave management (FMLA, ADA, Workers’ Compensation, etc.).
• Experience working in a formal Human Resources role serving as the primary liaison between management, employees, and external partners to coordinate, administer, and resolve leave management, accommodations, and related HR compliance matters.
• Ability to travel to more than one work location as needed.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates and serves as strategic partner with senior leaders and management on HR programmatic analysis, implementation, and administration providing operational oversight, advice, and analytical support.
• Manages and resolves complex HR-related issues and provides solutions to programs and processes, monitoring implementation of agreed upon actions until the problem has been resolved.
• Advises and influences management in making sound HR-related decisions.
• Serves as subject matter expert in providing advice and counsel to management and employee groups on a broad range of HR issues and with applicable regulations, programs, policies, and procedures.
• Interprets and provides guidance on, and interpretation of, applicable systems, policies, procedures, strategies, process work flows, and regulations; and monitors compliance with policies, regulations, laws, and program objectives.
• Identifies, analyzes, and recommends solutions for various HR problems using morale indicators and other personnel measurements, such as, but not limited to, surveys, turnover, and grievances; and presents recommendations for corrective action programs when needed.
• Provides training to managers and supervisors on HR topics and procedures.
• Researches, gathers, analyzes, and evaluates data and information; monitors program trends; reviews and performs quality checks of program-related data; and develops and maintains management reporting to support decision making and policy development.
• Monitors and maintains system data, files, records, and reporting; transmits program data files to vendors; and develops, monitors, and implements information tracking systems.
• May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

Benefits

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level