What are the responsibilities and job description for the HR Specialist - Leave Administration position at Harris County Sheriff's Office?
The Leave Administration HR Specialist is vital in effectively managing and coordinating employee leaves within our organization. This position involves administering leave programs, ensuring strict compliance with policies and regulations, and providing comprehensive support to employees and management. Serving as the primary point of contact for leave-related inquiries, the HR Specialist collaborates closely with various stakeholders to ensure streamlined and efficient leave management processes. The HR Specialist works closely with other areas of Human Resources, including Payroll, Harris County Human Resources and Talent, Risk Management, and third-party insurance providers to ensure accurate processing of all leave requests and adherence to relevant leave of absence and employment laws, such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Additionally, this role requires maintaining high confidentiality and staying up to date with agency, county, state, and federal regulations to ensure full compliance.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Administer and coordinate all leave of absence programs, including family and medical leave, personal leave, disability leave, parental leave, military leave, and workers’ compensation
- Interpret and apply relevant policies, employment laws, and regulations related to leave administration, such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and state-specific leave laws
- Process leave requests, review documentation, verify eligibility, and communicate leave approvals or denials to employees
- Maintain accurate leave records and ensure timely employee leave balances, accruals, and usage updates.
- Collaborate with HRT, risk management, payroll, and benefits teams to ensure accurate and timely processing of leave-related payroll and benefits adjustments.
- Provide guidance and support to employees and supervisors regarding leave entitlements, eligibility criteria, and proper leave request procedures.
- Respond promptly to leave-related inquiries, address concerns, and provide clear and accurate information to employees and management.
- Assist in developing and maintaining leave-related policies, procedures, and documentation.
- Stay updated on changes in leave laws, regulations, and industry best practices to ensure compliance and recommend policy updates as needed.
- Conduct training or workshops for employees and managers on leave policies, procedures, and compliance requirements.
- Collaborate with vendors, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators to coordinate and administer leave-related benefits and programs.
- Assists the Analyst in compiling leave data for reports and providing insights and recommendations to improve leave management processes and outcomes
- Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive leave-related information with utmost professionalism and discretion.
- Performs any other duties as assigned within the scope and responsibility of the position
This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field and a minimum of four (4) years of relevant Human Resources experience including Leave Administration or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Knowledge of:
- Possess a solid understanding of human resources principles, best practices, and processes
- Familiarity with HR laws and regulations, including FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act), ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), Workers’ Comp, Military, and other leave-related regulations
- Statistical research and reporting methods, procedures, and techniques
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) laws and regulations
- Policies regarding record management and access
Skilled in:
- Exceptional customer service skills with the ability to receive and provide information with clarity, courtesy, and tact
- Exceptional collaboration skills with internal and external offices
- Familiarity with HRIS and leave management systems
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in managing leave records and calculations
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with employees at all levels of the organization with the ability to write comprehensive reports and present findings both in writing and in person
- Skilled proficiency in Microsoft Windows and Office programs ( i.e., Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.)
Ability to:
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and maintain a high level of professionalism
- Multi-task and evaluate and prioritize assignments
- Proven ability to review, coordinate, track, and log requests
- Generate well-written, clear, and concise communications
- Think critically, utilize good judgment, and apply ideas
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships
- Prior HR Law Enforcement Experience
- Experience with PeopleSoft
- FMLA Certification
- Applicant submission of the Job Request Packet does not guarantee an interview
- To qualify for this position, the required experience, education, and skills must be clearly stated on your application's employment history
- Resumes are welcome, but we do not use any information provided on your resume for qualifications
- Experience obtained while in the military must also be included as part of your employment history on the application
Equal Opportunity Statement
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.
