Department Leave Specialist

Job Description:

Department Leave Specialist

Description

The Department Leave Specialist (SO) is responsible for case management work for qualified employee leaves of absence under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Short Term Disability (STD), Long Term Disability (LTD), American with Disabilities Act (ADA), and workers’ compensation claims. This includes leaves of absence for employees who are not eligible for FMLA, and/or on modified duty assignments. Coordinates the leave process and advises employees throughout their leave, tracks leave hours, responds to questions, and ensures that records and documentation comply with established laws and regulations. Provides training and guidance to supervisors. Works closely with county’s Human Resources, Payroll, and Safety and Compliance staff.

Job Posting Closes at 11:59PM on:
06/21/26
Division:
Sheriff Strategic Services Division
Management Level:
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Benefit Eligibility:
This position is eligible for Standard Benefits which includes dental, medical, and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, and tuition reimbursement.

Description:

Salary Ranges from $26.70 to $48.37 per hour

Please Apply By: June 21, 2026

• Handles the FMLA leave administration process from the employee’s initial notice of the need for leave to the return to work. This includes gathering and completing all required paperwork, determining leave eligibility, designating leave as FMLA qualifying, requesting medical certification as needed, and accounting for intermittent and reduced schedule leave use. Reviews confidential or sensitive intake documentation for compliance with leave policy, guidelines, and legal requirements.

• Communicates with employees regarding needs for leave and/or modified work schedules. Advises employees and supervisors of leave types and interactions of leave laws. Ensures that employees are aware of their responsibilities and of any documentation and notice required to qualify for and to take leave. Communicates employees’ work status to management. Escalates complex and challenging cases for appropriate guidance.

• Manages employees’ disability accommodation requests and associated processes under the ADA ensuring compliance with federal and state laws in accordance with County policies. Collaborates with disability partners to assess eligibility for ADA programs. Transitions cases to ADA in situations of FMLA exhaustion or when an employee does not meet eligibility requirements.

• Partners with county Human Resources to manage employees on short term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) programs. Partners with Safety and Compliance to track employees with workers’ compensation claims and cases.

• Uses leave management and HRIS programs to manage cases, records, and track documentation and communications. Opens, manages, and creates follow-up tasks for new FMLA and other leave of absence claims.

• Processes other absences requests for those employees who do not qualify for FMLA (according to established guidelines), including determining eligibility for various leave programs and providing employees with appropriate and timely notice.

• Coordinates and tracks modified duty assignments for employees unable to perform the essential functions of their job due to a personal or workers’ comp injury. Works with division chiefs to ensure modified duty assignments correspond with employees’ work restrictions.

• Produces and manages reporting metrics and analytics for all leave cases and claims. Presents reports as requested.

• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations related to FMLA, STD/LTD, ADA, HIPAA, and Workers’ Compensation.

Preferred qualifications:

• College level classes in human resources
• Experience with public sector
• Experience with Workday software.

100% Drug Free Workforce

Equal Opportunity Employer

Jefferson County is an equal opportunity employer, providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons. The County affirms the rights of all employees and applicants for employment to be protected from discrimination, intimidation, physical harm, and harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, hairstyle associated with racial identity, or any other status protected by Federal or State law.

About the Role
We are seeking a highly skilled Department Leave Specialist to join our team and provide expert case management for employee leaves of absence. In this role, you’ll support employees through critical life events while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and organizational regulations. You will serve as a trusted resource for employees, supervisors, and HR partners, helping guide the leave process from start to finish.

This is an excellent opportunity for professionals experienced in FMLA, ADA accommodations, disability programs, or workers’ compensation who thrive in a detail‑driven, employee‑focused environment.

What You’ll Do
In this role, you will:
• Manage the full FMLA administration process, including intake, eligibility review, documentation, designations, and return‑to‑work coordination.

• Communicate with employees and supervisors about leave needs, expectations, and required documentation.
• Advise on how various leave programs interact and ensure employees understand their rights and responsibilities.

• Manage ADA accommodation requests, ensuring legal compliance and smooth transitions when employees shift from FMLA to ADA or when eligibility changes.

• Partner closely with HR, Payroll, Safety & Compliance, and disability program vendors to coordinate STD, LTD, and workers’ compensation cases.

• Utilize leave management systems and HRIS tools to track cases, documentation, tasks, and communications.
• Review and process non‑FMLA leave requests for employees not eligible under FMLA.
• Coordinate modified duty assignments by working with division leadership to match assignments to employees’ work restrictions.

• Produce reports, metrics, and analytics related to leave programs as requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental operations.

What You Bring
• Education: High School Diploma required.

• Experience: Minimum of three years of relevant experience (leave administration, HR, benefits, workers’ compensation, disability case management, or related fields).

• Equivalency: A combination of education, experience, and training may be considered.
• Skills: Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to advise employees and explain complex processes.

• Intermediate technical, reading, writing, and math skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Working Style: Able to work under general direction, independently apply policies, and escalate complex issues as needed.

• Other Requirements: Background check required

• Physical Requirements: Light work, including occasional lifting up to 20 lbs. and frequent walking or standing.

Why Join Us?
In this role, you’re not just processing paperwork-you’re making a meaningful impact during some of the most important moments of employees' lives. You’ll join a supportive environment, collaborate with multiple internal partners, and contribute to building a consistent, legally compliant, and employee‑centered leave program.

Education:
GED, High School Diploma
Experience:
Work Experience: Minimum three years

Certifications:

Languages:

Category:
Administrative, Business Programs and Services