Specialist: Integrated Leave Administration

JOB SUMMARY
Implements and administers AACPS attendance, leave, and workers' compensation programs, ensuring compliance with federal and state laws (e.g., ADA, FMLA/FAMLI). Coordinates and manages all leave programs, including LOA and Sick Leave Bank, to reduce absenteeism, support timely return-to-work, and control costs. Serves as a subject matter expert, resolving complex employee issues and collaborating with internal departments, bargaining units, and the Anne Arundel County Risk Management Office. Requires comprehensive knowledge of leave laws and policies; annual leave use may be restricted during peak periods.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensures compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies (e.g., ADA, FMLA/FAMLI, workers’ compensation, and state leave laws); serves as a resource to managers, HR, and Benefits staff on leave administration.
• Administers and tracks all leave programs (sick, FMLA/FAMLI, ADA, workers’ compensation, LOA, TLOA, SLB), maintaining accurate records and producing reports to evaluate program effectiveness.
• Coordinates the full leave of absence process, including responding to inquiries, counseling employees on rights, determining eligibility, and communicating approvals/denials.
• Prepares, processes, and maintains required documentation, correspondence, and confidential medical files in compliance with policies and legal requirements.
• Enters and manages leave-related transactions in HRIS, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with payroll deadlines and organizational procedures.
• Facilitates transitional duty and return-to-work programs, communicating with employees and supervisors regarding status and assignments.
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders (e.g., healthcare providers, risk management, payroll) to manage cases and monitor employee status, including workers’ compensation claims and hearings.
• Develops, maintains, and updates procedures, forms, training materials, and communication resources; recommends process and policy improvements.
• Analyzes program data to support health promotion, safety initiatives, and continuous improvement of leave and disability programs.
• Provides training and guidance to managers, timekeepers, and liaisons; serves as backup support.
Performs other related duties as assigned within the same classification or lower.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Human Resources or related field of education from a regionally accredited college or university required;
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities deemed sufficient to prepare the employee to successfully perform the duties of the position.

Experience

• Two (2) years relevant professional experience administering leave programs, including FMLA/FAMLI, leaves of absence, and other forms of leave provided for by federal and state laws and applicable labor agreements required; and
• Two (2) years related professional experience as a human resources or labor relations practitioner, preferably in an educational environment preferred;
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities deemed sufficient to prepare the employee to successfully perform the duties of the position.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Knowledgeable of federal, state, and local laws as they relate to attendance, leave and workers compensation.
• Knowledgeable of The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) and an employee’s privacy protection under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Thorough knowledge of AACPS negotiated agreements as they relate to attendance, leave and workers compensation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and excellent human relations skills, including the ability to work effectively with people over the phone.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills and the ability to effectively prioritize and manage workload.
• Analytic and problem-solving skills.
• Ability and motivation to provide outstanding customer service and to handle difficult and/or emotional customers.
• Experiences dealing directly with employees on leave issues, including advising and responding to questions and concerns preferred.
• Knowledge and skill in the area of written and oral communications, and policy development.
• Knowledge and skill utilizing HRIS software and reporting tools (ex. Crystal Reports) to track and report on employees’ leave usage.
• Commitment to confidentiality of private information.
• Ability to use technology to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the work.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work and communicate with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated proficiency with business technology applications (e.g. Video/Web Conferencing, Microsoft Office Suite -Word, Excel, Outlook, and/or PowerPoint preferred).

Licenses and Certifications
Employee must retain active licenses, certifications, and enrollment as a condition of employment.

• Hold or be eligible for Driver's License (DL) Class C Non-Commercial issued by Maryland or State of Legal Residence (MVA/DMV) required; and
• Daily access to reliable transportation.

Driving Requirements

• Driving is required to conduct bona fide Board business that is within the scope of employment in this position.
Personal Vehicle

LEADERSHIP ROLE

N/A

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS
The physical demands and working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

• Standing: under 1/3 of the time
• Walking: under 1/3 of the time
• Sitting: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Keyboarding: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Talking: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Hearing: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Driving: under 1/3 of the time
• As required by the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Vision
The vision demands with correction described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• No special vision requirements

Work Environment
Location

• Office, school or similar indoor environment: over 2/3 of the time

Noise Level

• Moderate: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time

Weight & Force
Lifting and carrying requirements

Up to 10 pounds: under 1/3 of the time

Travel Requirements

10% day travel within the county attends Workers’ Compensation hearings.

JOB INFORMATION

ORGANIZATION

HR JOB INFORMATION

VR# 26133