HR Leave and Benefits Specialist

*Applicants MUST submit a cover letter with resume to be considered.

*This position will require in-office presence. Hybrid work schedules may be possible based on specific job duties and consistent with ESD policy.

*Minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Please contact Human Resources if you require accommodation.

Basic Function:

Assist with end-to-end Leave Administration (FMLA/ADA/PFL/STD/LTD/WC) including eligibility determination, medical certification review, and tracking intermittent or continuous leave. Act as point of contact for employees and supervisors. Review and process requests for Reasonable Accommodations according to NYS Guidelines. Take the lead on developing/updating our Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across benefit and leave functions. Assist with review and implementation of equitable and transparent compensation systems; inclusive of job description updates and revision. Onsite presence is essential and some travel throughout NYS may be required.

Work Performed:

• Administer and process various leave types, including FMLA, NYSPFL, NYS PPL, Short-Term Disability (STD), and Long-Term Disability (LTD).
• Facilitate the interactive process for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and reasonable accommodation requests, partnering closely with employees and department managers to identify effective solutions.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of evolving trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies regarding FMLA, ADA, STD/LTD, and Paid Family Leave.
• Handle benefit, leave and accommodation related inquiries from applicants, employees, and supervisors, referring complex and/or sensitive matters to senior human resources staff.
• Perform intake for Worker's Compensation claims and processes working with carrier; prepares OSHA/reports of work-related accidents and posts required statistics.
• Assist with benefit related open enrollment, inquiries and act as liaison between provider(s) and employee.
• Provide written response for State-to-State employee transfer related documents.
• Circulate policy-maker memos and confirm status with Ethics Officer.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommend best practices; reviews policies and practices to maintain compliance with internal labor law postings.
• Assist w/conducting new employee orientations and onboarding activities.
• Conducts non-retirement related Offboarding Exit Interviews and circulate exit package, checklist, memo via Docusign.
• Handle benefit reconciliations, act as back up with benefit enrollments, change requests. Maintain intranet to keep HR benefit documents updated.
• Assist with review and implementation of equitable and transparent compensation systems; inclusive of job description updates and revision.
• Handle small recruiting portfolio, post jobs, panel interviews, and facilitate the hiring of qualified job applicants for open positions; collaborate with hiring managers to create and update job descriptions required for openings.
• Perform other HR generalist duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Associate degree.

5 years direct relevant experience may be substituted.

Relevant Experience required: 3+ years of experience in human resources generalist and leave administration roles.

Knowledge required: Up-to-date knowledge of FMLA, and NYS PFL; excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills. Knowledge of Windows environment, and Microsoft Office programs; Superior multi-tasking, prioritizing, follow-up and organization abilities; Must present and maintain a high level of customer service.

Additional Information

Salary range as specified.

Comprehensive Benefits Package.