Human Resources Specialist, Leave of Absence

The Human Resources Specialist, Leave of Absence is a full-time position and shall be responsible for administering and managing all Leave of Absence programs and processes for Hiland Dairy Foods and Prairie Farms, LLC. These programs and processes include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) 

• Non-FMLA leave and personal leaves of absence 

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 

• Short Term Disability and Long-Term Disability 

• Worker’s Compensation 

• Military Leave 

He or she will be responsible for the following: 

• Working with third party companies to ensure all employees taking a leave of absence understand their responsibilities while on leave. 

• Assisting management and/or employees with questions regarding their leave 

• Coordinating short- and long-term disability claims 

• Ensuring the insurance premiums of all employees on leave are paid throughout the duration of their leave and reconciled once the employee returns to work 

• Coordinating and ensuring company compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and preparing medical documents and letters for ADA calls 

This position will interface directly with other team members in the HR/Payroll department, external leave and insurance vendors, and employees of Hiland Dairy Foods and Prairie Farms, LLC. In addition to the core responsibilities listed above, the position, at times, may be involved in all facets of the Human Resources department. These may include maintaining personal and medical files, compiling information for government reports, and maintaining logs for Hiland Dairy fleet accidents. 

Required Technical Skills: 

• Ability to proficiently operate computers with experience using Microsoft Suites (Outlook, Excel, Word, Access, and PowerPoint) 

• Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain comprehensive records 

• Ability to identify issues and concerns as they arise and assist in developing plans for resolution 

Required Soft Skills: 

• Ability to be a self-starter and work without direct supervision 

• Excellent verbal communication skills 

• Ability to empathize and deescalate phone conversations, when needed 

• The ability to collaborate with their team and engage with others outside of the department 

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing

Educations, Certifications, and Experience: 

• High School Diploma or equivalent 

• Minimum two years of Human Resources experience 

The following is preferred, but not required: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field 

• Knowledge of federal and state leave laws, disability programs, and FMLA 

Physical Requirements: 

He or she will be required to sit and stand for long periods of time. He or she will be required to stoop, bend, and reach above the head and below the knees to file and retrieve data. 

Other: The Human Resources Specialist, Leave of Absence is an hourly position and reports to the Human Resources Manager. Standard hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 – 4:30. Overtime may be required with manager’s approval.