Leave Specialist bei Volunteers of America Minnesota and Wisconsin

Come join our life-changing team building hope, resilience and well-being as a Leave Specialist!

Shift Details: Full-time – 40 hours/week

Schedule: Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm

Compensation: $60,000-$65,000 per year

Location: Hybrid – 2 days onsite in Edina, MN, 3 days remote from home (excluding training, which could be onsite)

About the job:

The Leave Specialist administers all types of employee leaves (FMLA, ADA, parental, medical, personal) in partnership with our third-party leave administrator, serving as the point of contact for employees and managers throughout the process. This role ensures accurate documentation, timely communication, and compliance with federal, state, and local leave laws while supporting managers in coding timecards and coordinating pay. The Leave Specialist will also lead organizational preparations for the implementation of Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave (MN PFML), including policy updates, vendor coordination, and employee training.

Essentials:

• Administer all types of leave (FMLA, ADA, parental, medical, personal) from initiation through return-to-work.
• Partners with the third-party leave administrator to track approvals and resolve issues.
• Communicate leave approvals, denials, and requirements to employees and managers in a clear and timely manner.
• Support managers in accurately coding timecards and ensuring pay coordination during leaves.
• Gather and review return-to-work documentation and facilitate smooth reintegration.
• Maintain complete and accurate leave records in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Lead internal preparations for MN PFML, policy review, training, and rollout planning.
• Serve as the main point of contact for employees and managers regarding MN PFML.
• Monitor legislative updates and ensure leave policies reflect evolving legal requirements.
• Guide and support complex leave and accommodation cases with discretion and sensitivity.
• Provide education and training to managers and employees on leave policies, processes, and compliance requirements.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and employee experience.
• Maintain and report on leave date to support trend analysis, compliance audits, and workforce planning.
• Collaborate closely with the Human Resources Generalist responsible for Employee Relations to ensure seamless coordination and communication throughout the leave of absence process.
• Serve as backup to the Benefits Administrator, acting as a secondary subject matter expert on all organization sponsored benefit programs.

Job Highlights:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• HSA & FSA Programs
• Employer Paid Life Insurance, Short-Term/Long-Term Disability
• Quality training, continuing career education and leadership programs
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Holiday & Sick Days)

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field, or equivalent work experience, preferred.
• 3+ years of experience administering leaves of absence (FMLA, ADA, and state-specific leave laws).
• In-depth knowledge of FMLA, ADA, and applicable state leave laws. Familiarity with ADA and FML accommodations.
• Ability to interpret and apply employment laws, regulations, and internal policies.
• Prior experience partnering with a third-party leave administrator preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to work cross-functionally and handle sensitive issues with confidentiality and professionalism.
• Proficient with Microsoft Suite or related software. 

About Us:

Volunteers of America MN/WI which serves as an affiliate of the Volunteers of America parent organization. 

Volunteers of America Minnesota is a nonprofit health and human services organization that annually serves more than 25,000 children, adolescents and their families, older adults, students, persons with disabilities and special needs, and adults completing incarceration. Since 1896, we have helped people gain self-reliance, dignity, and hope.

Take pride in helping others and join us today!

At VOA, we celebrate sharing, encouraging and embracing diversity. Equal employment opportunities are available to all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We believe that blending individual strengths and unique personal differences nurtures and supports our organizations’ shared commitment to our mission and creates an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to do their personal best.