Human Resources | 8hr 52wk HR Business Partner | Total Rewards - FMLA

PURPOSE

The HR Business Partner is responsible for the administration of FMLA/Leave of Absence for all employees of Fort Wayne Community Schools. The business partner must be knowledgeable of Federal FMLA rules and regulations as well as State policies regarding leaves. Review, process, evaluate, verify and track a variety of employee information. Prepare and maintain a variety of confidential manual and automated records always assuring a high level of accuracy.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Any combination equivalent to high School diploma and four or more years’ in Human Resources
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Leadership and Supervision or business-related field or commensurate experience, preferred
Human Resources experience including working directly with employees in all aspects of an employee’s tenure during their time of employment, preferred

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Ensure organizational compliance with federal FMLA regulations and any applicable state or local leave laws
• Determine employee eligibility (hours worked, length of service, qualifying employer)
• Assess qualifying reasons for FMLA leave accurately and consistently
• Track leave usage to ensure proper 12-week entitlement calculations
Prevent overuse, underuse, or misclassification of leave

• Serve as a subject-matter expert for employees and supervisors on:
  • FMLA rights and responsibilities
  • Intermittent vs. continuous leave
  • Military, family care, and serious health condition leave
• Explain complex or sensitive situations in clear, compassionate, and compliant language
Coach leaders on how to manage performance and attendance without violating FMLA protections

• Oversee timely issuance and receipt of required FMLA notices:
• Eligibility Notice
• Rights & Responsibilities Notice
Designation Notice

• Review medical certifications for completeness and sufficiency
• Coordinate clarification or recertification when allowed
Maintain confidential medical records separate from personnel files

• Identify and mitigate risk areas related to:
• Retaliation or interference claims
• Inconsistent leave decisions
Improper documentation or timelines

• Partner with legal counsel or HR leadership on complex, high-risk, or disputed cases
Ensure employment actions (discipline, evaluations, terminations) are FMLA-neutral and defensible

• Coordinate FMLA with:
• ADA accommodations
• Workers’ compensation
Paid leave programs (sick, PTO, disability)

• Manage return-to-work processes, including:
• Fitness-for-duty certifications
• Modified duties (when applicable)
Reinstatement to same or equivalent positions

• Interpret leave policies consistently across departments
• Ensure policies align with:
• Federal FMLA requirements
• Organizational practices
Collective bargaining agreements (if applicable)

Recommend policy updates based on regulatory changes or observed trends

• Train supervisors and administrators on:
• Recognizing FMLA-qualifying triggers
• Proper documentation and communication
Avoiding prohibited conduct

Educate employees on their rights and responsibilities to reduce misuse and confusion

• Monitor leave trends (frequency, duration, intermittent use)
• Identify operational impacts and staffing challenges
Use data to recommend process improvements, training needs, or policy clarifications

• Balance employee advocacy with organizational needs
• Align leave practices with broader workforce planning and employee well-being strategies
Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership on leave-related workforce impacts

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

To perform the essential functions of this job effectively and safely, employees must meet the following physical qualifications:

• Communication Skills: Ability to speak clearly and hear effectively in various environments.
• Manual Dexterity: Adeptness in the use of hands and fingers.
• Postural Endurance: Sit or stand for prolonged periods, as the job requires.
• Flexibility: Ability to bend at the waist, kneel, or crouch to perform specific duties.
• Visual Acuity: Close vision ability with the capacity to adjust focus.
• Mobility: Freedom to sit or walk at will throughout the work environment.
• Strength and Stamina: Capability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to twenty (25) pounds or more.
  

FWCS will reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.