Human Resource Specialist - Leave & Compliance

This job operates primarily in a hybrid work environment and is expected to work from the Rise Admin Office (Fridley, MN) at least once a month and as needed. 

The purpose of this position is to support the daily functions of the Human Resources (HR) department including administration of employee leave programs and ensures consistent, timely, and compliant management of leave requests from initial inquiry to return to work.  This position provides specialized expertise regarding federal and Minnesota leave and accommodation requirements, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Minnesota Paid Leave, Minnesota Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other applicable federal, state, and local leave protections.  This role partners closely with employees, supervisors, Human Resources, payroll, insurance carriers, healthcare providers, and other external partners to coordinate leave administration, accommodations, workplace injuries, workers' compensation claims, and return-to-work processes.   

Essential Functions 

Leave of Absence Management

• Serve as the primary HR resource for employee leaves of absence and protected time away from work.
• Manage leave cases from request through return-to-work, ensuring compliance, accurate documentation, and timely communication.
• Provide guidance on FMLA, Minnesota Paid Leave, ESST, ADA-related leave, parental leave, military leave, and other applicable leave programs.
• Partner with employees, leaders, payroll, and benefit providers to support leave administration, benefits continuation, and return-to-work planning.

ADA and Workplace Accommodations

• Serve as the primary HR resource for workplace accommodations and disability-related compliance.
• Facilitate the interactive accommodation process, including reviewing requests, documentation, and potential accommodations.
• Partner with employees and leaders to identify and implement reasonable accommodations that support both employee and business needs.
• Provide guidance on accommodation-related compliance and maintain confidential accommodation records.

Workers' Compensation and Workplace Injuries

• Serve as the primary HR contact for workplace injuries and workers' compensation claims.
• Coordinate injury reporting, claim administration, and communication with employees, leaders, insurance carriers, and medical providers.
• Manage return-to-work processes, including monitoring restrictions and coordinating modified-duty assignments when appropriate.
• Assess and coordinate leave, accommodation, and benefit implications related to workplace injuries.
• Support OSHA reporting, recordkeeping, and compliance with workplace safety requirements.

Safety and Compliance 

• Monitor federal, state, and local employment laws affecting leave administration, accommodations, workers' compensation, and workplace safety.
• Review and recommend updates to HR policies, procedures, and practices to maintain compliance and improve the employee experience.
• Develop training and resources for leaders related to leave management, accommodations, workplace injuries, and return-to-work practices.

Human Resources Support

• Provide consultation to supervisors and employee relations and HR matters as assigned.  
• Respond to employment-related questions and provide guidance consistent with Rise policies and applicable employment laws. 
• Participate in HR projects, policy development, compliance initiatives, audits, and organizational training as needed. 
• Collaborate with other members of the HR team to ensure consistent HR practices and positive employee experience.  

Required Education, Experience, and other Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and four years of directly related professional experience in place of bachelor's degree.  
• Three or more years of Human Resources experience, with demonstrated experience administering employee leaves of absence.   
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with FMLA, ADA accommodations, Minnesota Paid Leave, ESST, workers’ compensation, and workplace injury management. 
• Experience independently managing complex leave and accommodation cases from initial request through return to work.  
• Strong understanding of the interaction between leave laws, disability accommodations, workers’ compensation, paid-time-off programs, and organization policies. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.  
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple cases, priorities, and regulatory deadlines simultaneously. 
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive employe information with professionalism and discretion. 
• Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to maintain accurate case documentation.  

Preferred Education, Experience, and other Qualifications 

• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification. 
• Specialized experience in leave of absence, disability, accommodation, or workers’ compensation administration. 
• Experience administering Minnesota Paid Leave and Minnesota ESST requirements. 
• Experience managing complex ADA interactive processes and return-to-work cases. 
• Experience in a nonprofit, healthcare, human services, disability services, or similarly regulated environment. 
• Experience developing or delivering manager training regarding employee leave, accommodations, workers’ compensation, and workplace injury management. 
• Master's degree in human resources or related field. 

Benefits

• Wage: $30.33 - $35.08 per hour depending on experience 
• Medical insurance - single employee coverage less than $90/month
• Dental insurance less than $17/month
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) with a 100% vested employer match
• Rise sponsored Basic Life & AD &D insurance
• Voluntary Life, Short Term, and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Tuition reimbursement and Rise sponsored trainings (i.e., CPR, First Aide, and more) to help you be successful in your role
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off (PTO) starts at 16 days during your first year, plus 2 floating holidays, and 48 hours ESST time per year.
• Employee resource groups (i.e., DEI, LGBTQ+, recognition and more).
• A fun team environment that supports your professional development and opportunities for career advancement.
• Rise is a PSLF-eligible employer. Your qualified student loan balance may be forgiven after 120 covered payments.

Rise values being a person-centered organization. This impacts how we carry out services for the people we support and our organizational culture. We encourage people's unique individual differences and celebrate the ways our team members contribute to our community. We believe in a workplace informed by differing viewpoints and perspectives created from a diverse team and welcome people of all races, genders, ages, nationalities, religions, sexual orientations, and backgrounds to apply. Our goal is that those we serve, and our team members always feel valued and respected.