Leave of Absence Technician na Omaha Public Schools

Location:  Talent Services located at the Teacher Administrative Center (TAC), 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131

Reports to:  Coordinator, Talent Services

Work Schedule/FLSA Status: 261 days (12 months)

Salary Schedule: H06/91C Starting rate is $32.93 per hour.  Salary credit may be awarded for applicable experience.

Work Hours:  8.0 hours per day, Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Position Purpose:  

Talent Services is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented FMLA Leaves of Absence Technician to manage and administer employee leave programs under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and related policies. This role ensures compliance with federal and state regulations while supporting employees through critical life events.

Essential Performance Responsibilities:

• Act as the primary point of contact for all employee leave requests, ensuring compliance with federal requirements, District policies, and legal requirements. 
• Review medical documentation and determine eligibility for leave programs.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records in compliance with HIPAA and update HRIS accordingly.
• Complete weekly, monthly, and annual audits of leave programs to ensure accurate reporting, process integrity, adherence to timelines, and applicable laws and policies.
• Communicate leave approvals, denials, and return-to-work requirements.
• Provide guidance to employees and managers on leave policies and processes, restrictions, and accommodation discussions under ADA.
• Assists in addressing leave of absence issues and employee concerns, demonstrating initiative and effective problem-solving skills.
• Collaborate with Payroll and Benefits Teams to ensure proper pay and benefits during leave periods.
• Assist with policy reviews and updates, as needed.
• Support the Talent Services team with special projects as assigned.
• Conduct training sessions for supervisors on leave procedures, as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.

Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the supervisor and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Equipment:  This position requires the ability to use basic office equipment such as telephones, computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machines.  Must always comply with OPS’s guidelines for equipment use.  Proficient in computer and software applications, including HRIS: PowerSchool and PeopleSoft/Oracle software systems; Microsoft Office 365 tools such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint/Shared Drive for document management and collaboration.

Travel:  Occasional travel within the District may be required.  Occasional travel for training or professional development.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

• Requires the ability to manage and respond to a high volume of incoming telephone calls with professionalism and efficiency.
• Work requires extended periods of sitting and computer use.
• Must be able to concentrate on detailed tasks with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to handle high-stress situations calmly and professionally.
• Clear communication in both written and spoken form is essential.
• Must have organization, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Work in an office environment, school buildings, and warehouse settings.
• Potential for high stress due to strict deadlines and compliance requirements.

Interrelations:

• Provides direct support to employees regarding leave processes.
• Works closely with payroll, benefits, department supervisors, and school principals.
• Demonstrates and maintains a positive and professional demeanor, providing attentive and compassionate support in sensitive situations.
• Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day-to-day tasks.
• Will be working with a diverse population, requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues.
• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service.

Employee Punctuality and Appearance:

• In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave.
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee’s supervisor or building administrator.
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is appropriate for their position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Associate’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of two to four years’ experience working with leaves under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), FMLA regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Minimum of two to four years’ experience working with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnancy Workforce Act, preferred. 
• Minimum of two to four years’ experience administering FMLA leave and coordinating related Workers’ Compensation cases to ensure compliance with federal, state, and District requirements. 
• Proficient in using HRIS and other software such as PeopleSoft/Oracle for managing employee records and leave tracking. 
• Exceptional abilities to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities and deadlines. 
• Outstanding attention to detail and organizational skills to ensure accuracy and completeness of documentation. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively explain complex information to employees with clarity and empathy. 
• High ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and maintain a high level of professionalism. 
• Coordinate with HR, payroll, benefits, and management to ensure smooth leave administration.  
• Demonstrated problem-solving, with the ability to independently research and analyze leave-related issues, and conflict resolution skills. 
• High ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and build effective relationships with employees, supervisors, and Talent Services’ team members.

Terms of Employment

This position is treated as a full-time, non-exempt classified position. The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time. If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and that collective bargaining representative.

The offer of employment is contingent upon:

• Obtaining and providing verification of all licenses, certificates, and other requirements for the position (e.g., Paraprofessionals obtaining “Highly Qualified status,” etc.), as identified, and maintaining all licenses, certificates, and requirements for your position throughout employment.
• A background check that demonstrates to OPS that the background is acceptable for the position.
• Verification of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test (if required for the position offered).
• Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required for the position offered).
• Successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination to determine the ability to safely and effectively perform the essential functions of the position.
  

Omaha public schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities, employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to address inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Superintendent of Schools, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131 (531-299-0310).

The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Students:  Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131. (531-299-0307)

Employees and Others: Chief Talent Officer, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131. (531-299-0240)

The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact the human resources department at 531-299-0240.