FMLA Specialist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

8d•$4,801 - $5,425•Hybrid

About The Position

The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Human Resources (HR) Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Specialist is responsible for day-to-day administration of FMLA and Parental Leave coordination and reviews for HHS and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Performs complex functions within the HR office regarding the administration of employee FMLA leave and Parental Leave. Coordinates FML/Parental leave with the HR Employment Relations (ER) Specialists, employees, and managers. Work involves analysis, problem solving, policy interpretation and providing advice, guidance and consultation to managers and employees with the goal of minimizing legal risk and ensuring compliance with federal and state laws and regulations and Health and Human Services (HHS) HR policy and procedures. Coordinates FMLA/Parental Leave communications, correspondence, reports, forms and memos for review and approval and disseminates as appropriate. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

Knowledge of Human resources related policies, functions, and operations and programs.
Knowledge of Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Parental leave state and federal laws and regulations and employee leave programs.
Knowledge of Human resources management principles and practices.
Knowledge of Human resources programs such as employment, compensation, classification, employee relations, benefits, workers' compensation and organizational development.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in building and maintaining effective working relationships.
Skill in planning and organizing activities.
Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing and problem solving.
Skill in effectively organizing, tracking, and developing written and electronic documents.
Skill in consultation and negotiation.
Skill in customer service orientation and relationship management.
Skill in analytical thinking.
Skill in providing facilitation and effective consultation to management and staff.
Skill in facilitating large and small group meetings with multiple stakeholders.
Skill in defusing conflict, guiding groups to agreement on decisions and maintaining objectivity.
Skill in Microsoft Office Suite applications.
Skill in interpreting complex human resources policies and procedures.
Skill in the use of computers and related office equipment.
Ability to explain policies and procedures to employees, managers and the general public.
Ability to analyze, interpret and compile data to correlate and analyze facts.
Ability to work under pressure while organizing and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing.
Ability to work independently and operate effectively within established guidelines.
Ability to plan and coordinate program activities.
Ability to identify problems and develop solutions.
Ability to understand and execute detailed instructions while managing complex ideas.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information and documents.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in human resources management, business or public administration or a related field is generally preferred. Experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
Experience processing Family Medical leave is preferred.
Experience advising and counseling managers and employees on human resources related issues is preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversees the coordination of FML and Parental Leave for HHS and DSHS. Reviews FMLA/Parental Leave documentation to ensure completion, accuracy and provides technical guidance and approvals and recommendations on FML and Parental leave. Evaluates employee FMLA / Parental Leave documentation to ensure accuracy and facilitates resolution of FMLA/Parental Leave documentation issues. 25%
Provides advice and counsel to employees and managers regarding coordination and completion of FMLA forms, reports, related documentation and leave processing. Coordinates as appropriate with HR Employee Relations (ER) staff regarding employee FMLA leave and Parental Leave inquires, issues and events. Coordinates the clarification of incomplete or insufficient FMLA/Parental Leave documentation and assists in obtaining updated FMLA/Parental Leave documentation as appropriate. 20%
Responds to inquiries and advises management and staff regarding FMLA, Parental Leave, and related leave policies and procedures. Prepares and disseminates information regarding FMLA, Parental Leave and related leave policies and procedures in response to inquiries or as requested. Conducts and/or oversees requests to medical or other applicable providers on the agency’s behalf to obtain updated, corrected or completed FMLA/Parental Leave documentation and provides updated information to ER Specialist. 15%
Monitors, tracks and provides updates and reminders regarding employee FMLA/Parental leave events, deadlines, and suspense dates. Provides technical guidance and consultation to management and ER Specialist regarding FMLA/Parental leave policies, leave use and required documentation. 15%
Coordinates the development of e-mail communications, written correspondence, reports, forms and memos for review and approval, and disseminates as appropriate. Coordinates the implementation of FMLA/Parental leave-related administrative projects, assignments and initiatives assigned by HR management. Coordinates and completes special assignments and projects as delegated by HR management or designees. 10%
Ensures strict confidentiality regarding sensitive medical and leave information and documents and disseminates documents and information in accordance with all applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures, and monitors compliance with state and federal laws and regulations related to FMLA, Parental, and other leave-related policies and procedures. 10%
Alerts ER Specialist or Management regarding time sensitive or complex FMLA/Parental Leave inquiries, issues or documents. 5%
Performs other duties as assigned. 5%