Leave and Benefits Specialist

City of Apple Valley • Municipal Center - Apple Valley, MN

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About The Position

The Leave & Benefits Specialist serves as the primary point of contact for employee leave programs and benefits administration. The role ensures compliance with applicable laws and policies, supports employees throughout the leave process, and collaborates with vendors such as MetLife to maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation. Strong attention to detail, confidentiality, and excellent communication skills are required.

Requirements

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Working knowledge of FMLA, PFML, ADA, HIPAA, and related regulations.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple employee cases simultaneously.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and customer service orientation.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in HR leave administration or benefits coordination.
• Public-sector HR experience.
• Experience working with third-party leave administrators such as MetLife.
• Experience with HRIS, payroll systems, and electronic document management.

Responsibilities

• Administer leave programs, including FMLA, PFML, ESST, Paid Parental Leave, ADA accommodation-related leaves, and employer-sponsored disability programs.
• Liaise with third-party administrators such as MetLife by providing required employer information, responding to questionnaires, and supporting timely claim processing.
• Guide employees and supervisors through leave procedures, documentation, timelines, and rights under state and federal leave laws.
• Track leave usage, eligibility, return-to-work dates, and documentation requirements.
• Ensure compliance with state PFML requirements, including communication and notice distribution.
• Assist employees with inquiries about health, dental, life, disability, retirement, and supplemental benefits.
• Support open enrollment activities, employee notifications, and benefits communication campaigns.
• Coordinate with benefits brokers and carriers to resolve employee issues.
• Process benefit changes related to qualifying life events, leave status changes, and new-hire onboarding.
• Maintain confidential files, documentation, and records in accordance with legal and organizational requirements.
• Assist with policy updates and employee communications about leave and benefits programs.
• Prepare reports and documentation for audits, management review, or regulatory requirements.
• Provide compassionate, clear guidance to employees navigating leave- or benefits-related situations.
• Communicate proactively about missing documentation, timelines, approval or denial updates, and return-to-work expectations.
• Develop and deliver training or informational materials related to leave programs and benefits.

What This Job Offers

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