Human Resources Specialist - FMLA

State of Montana • Helena, MT

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Your primary focus in this position is serving as the Department of Public Health and Human Services’ subject-matter expert on the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and its intersection with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Workers’ Compensation (WC). Rather than receiving and processing all FMLA requests directly, this role provides consultation and guidance to HR Partners, who serve as the first point of contact for employees and supervisors on routine FMLA matters. DPHHS has over 3,000 employees statewide, and you would support a high volume of varied, complex leave situations. You will act as the bridge between FMLA, ADA, and Workers’ Compensation, helping HR Partners recognize when a case involves overlapping legal, accommodation, return‑to‑work, or safety considerations and ensuring that all relevant stakeholders are informed and aligned. In complex or high‑risk situations, you will review the facts, interpret applicable laws and policy, recommend a compliant path forward, and support consistent communication among HR Partners, the Civil Rights/EEO Coordinator, the Safety/Workers’ Compensation Specialists, management, and other appropriate parties. You are also responsible for the accuracy and completeness of FMLA documentation and related data, as well as for producing clear, reliable reports that support leadership decision‑making and compliance. In addition, you will contribute to policies, procedures, templates, training, communications, audits, and process improvements that strengthen cross‑program coordination. You may provide secondary operational HR support in areas such as compensation and classification, recruitment and onboarding, and employee relations, and may serve as backup for other HR functions as needed, but this is not your primary focus.

Requirements

• Associate degree in a related field such as human resources, business, public administration, psychology, journalism, English, or marketing.
• Three years of job-related experience working in a professional office environment.
• Relevant experience may include human resources, leave administration, accommodations, Workers’ Compensation coordination, benefits, risk/safety, case management, compliance, or similar work involving documentation, policy application, and customer service.
• Analytical, solution-focused problem solver: Able to spot patterns, identify issues, and recommend process improvements that align with best practices.
• Comfortable with complex rules and ambiguity: Researches and interprets technical and legal information, then summarizes it clearly for others.
• Self-directed and adaptable: Works proactively with minimal supervision, manages competing priorities, and meets deadlines in a changing environment.
• Detail-oriented and quality-driven: Produces accurate, thorough work and routinely checks for errors or inconsistencies.
• Strong communicator: Clearly and professionally communicates in writing and verbally with varied audiences.
• Collaborative relationship-builder: Works effectively in teams, builds professional relationships, and adjusts approach based on different roles and levels in the organization.
• Technically proficient: Learns and uses complex, service-related software and HR systems.
• Trainer and customer-service oriented: Guides and trains others while providing excellent, responsive customer service.
• Professional and discreet: Remains neutral and calm in adversarial situations and maintains confidentiality and discretion.

Nice To Haves

• Other combinations of education and experience that clearly demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for this role may be considered.
• If you do not have a degree but have developed comparable skills through work experience, training, or education, you are encouraged to describe that in your application materials.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance on complex leave matters by consulting with the HR Partners on difficult, unusual, or high-risk FMLA cases and helping ensure consistent application of law, policy, and best practice.
• Coordinate overlapping programs by identifying when FMLA cases also involve ADA accommodations, Workers’ Compensation, return-to-work issues, or safety concerns and ensuring the right stakeholders are brought in at the right time.
• Strengthen consistency across the Department by developing and maintaining tools, templates, training, workflows, and communication methods that help HR Partners navigate medical leave and cross-program issues.
• Act as the bridge between FMLA, ADA, and Workers’ Compensation, helping HR Partners recognize when a case involves overlapping legal, accommodation, return‑to‑work, or safety considerations and ensuring that all relevant stakeholders are informed and aligned.
• Review facts, interpret applicable laws and policy, recommend a compliant path forward, and support consistent communication among HR Partners, the Civil Rights/EEO Coordinator, the Safety/Workers’ Compensation Specialists, management, and other appropriate parties in complex or high‑risk situations.
• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of FMLA documentation and related data.
• Produce clear, reliable reports that support leadership decision‑making and compliance.
• Contribute to policies, procedures, templates, training, communications, audits, and process improvements that strengthen cross‑program coordination.
• Provide secondary operational HR support in areas such as compensation and classification, recruitment and onboarding, and employee relations.
• Serve as backup for other HR functions as needed.

Benefits

• Work/life balance.
• Family-friendly policies.
• Dedicated and caring colleagues.
• Health coverage.
• Retirement plans.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays (combination of up to 38 per year).
• Opportunities and room for professional growth.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under PSLF.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree