HR Leave of Absence Specialist
Salary
$72,111.00 - $118,983.00 Annually
Location
Palm Bay, FL
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
2774
Department
Human Resources
Opening Date
06/25/2026
Closing Date
7/12/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA
Exempt
Bargaining Unit
General Employee
MINIMUM TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
The following education and experience will be accepted:
Experience in a municipal, county, or state environment is preferred. Must possess a valid Florida Driver's License and have and maintain an acceptable driving record.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Intermediate or advanced skill level with the Microsoft Office Suite.
Experience with automated Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) required, Workday experience preferred.
A minimum of three (3) years of experience in leave management including:
Possession of professional Human Resources Certification required (i.e., SHRM, HRCI or IPMA) or the ability to obtain within two (2) years of hire.
EMERGENCY DECLARATION STATUS
Code 2: Non-essential employees will not be required to work during a declared emergency but may be required to work during an undeclared emergency or in the aftermath of an event associated with a declared emergency. On an incident-by-incident basis, the employee's Department Head will make the determination when the employee will be required to work.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB
Under general supervision, performs specialized administrative and professional work in the City's Human Resources Benefits Division. Primary responsibilities include administering and coordinating all employee leave and accommodation programs in compliance with federal law, Florida Statutes, City policies, and applicable collective bargaining agreements. Duties include managing the ADA interactive process, processing FMLA and other statutory leave requests, coordinating disability claims, maintaining confidential documentation, and providing guidance to employees, supervisors, and departments on leave procedures and legal requirements. The position requires independent judgment, strong organizational skills, and a high degree of tact and discretion when working with employees, healthcare providers, attorneys, outside vendors, and the public on sensitive matters. Reports to the Assistant Human Resources Director.
SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBLITIES
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Administer, the City's employee leave programs including Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Medical Leave of Absence (MLA), Military Leave, Short-Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) and ADA interactive process.
Review and process leave requests, determine eligibility, and track various types of leave, including intermittent and continuous.
Serve as a point of contact for employees, managers, and HR partners regarding leave procedures, requirements and legal standards.
Coordinate with Departments to provide training on FMLA, ADA, Light Duty procedures and Return to Work programs. Assist in facilitating Supervisor Training related to City Policy, and Federal and State Laws.
Collaborate with benefits, payroll and other internal teams to ensure coordinated, accurate and timely leave administration.
Assist employees in filing for STD and LTD claims, provide required documents to disability vendors and follow up to ensure timely processing.
Interpret and administer leave programs and accommodation requests to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, including FMLA, USSERA, PWFA and ADA.
Monitor changes in federal and state leave laws to ensure continued compliance and make recommendations for policy updates.
Maintain confidential employee files, including physician documentation, medical certifications, and employee communications. Serves as liaison between employees, departments and vendors regarding leave status, return to work timelines, and accommodation needs.
Assist with Health & Wellness initiatives, benefits administration and the annual Open Enrollment process as needed.
Exercise tact, diplomacy, and discretion when handling sensitive information involving employee medical conditions, disability claims, HIPAA-protected information.
Maintain applicable job knowledge and skills through training, conferences, meetings, and professional publications.
Prepare regular reports on leave usage, trends, and compliance metrics for leadership
Assist in developing return-to-work plans, coordinate with medical providers as needed, and facilitate reasonable accommodations under ADA when applicable.
ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Performs other related work as required.
This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.
This position is General Exempt and is covered under Personnel Policies and the Administrative Code.
Health Insurance: Health care plan options include HDHP, OAPIN and OAP through Cigna.
Dental Insurance: Dental coverage is offered in three plans that include DHMO & PPO High/Low plans.
Vision Insurance: Vision coverage includes an annual eye exam, frames and lenses or contact lenses in lieu of eyeglasses.
Life Insurance: The City of Palm Bay provides each employee with life insurance in the amount of one time their annual base salary at no cost. Additional coverage is available at the employees cost up to the Guaranteed Issue amount of $250,000.
Dependent/Spouse Life Insurance: The City of Palm Bay provides each employee with dependent/spouse life insurance in the amount of $5,000 per dependent at no cost. Additional coverage is available at the employees cost.
Short Term Disability: Coverage pays 66 2/3% of employees annual base salary during a short-term disability period not to exceed 26 weeks.
Long Term Disability: Coverage pays 66 2/3% of employees salary at time of disability after a 180 consecutive day waiting period.
Defined Contribution Retirement Plan: City contributes a base of 3%. Employees may contribute up to 6% and the City will match the employees contribution.
Holidays: 11 holidays and 1 birthday holiday and 1 floating holiday.
Paid Leave: Accrue 96 hours of vacation and sick leave per year. Accrued vacation hours increase after 10 years of service. Administrative leave for exempt employees - 48 hours per year.
01
Do you have a valid drivers license and have and maintain an acceptable, safe driving record?
02
This position requires a degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, human resources administration or related field. Selected your highest level of completed education.
03
How many years of experience do you have in human resources, employee benefits, and wellness programs.
04
Briefly explain your experience in human resources, employee benefits, and wellness programs
05
Do you have experience in a municipal, county, or state environment?
06
What is your skill level with the Microsoft Office Suite?
07
How many years of experience in leave management including: • Administering FMLA and other statutory leave programs. • Conducting the ADA interactive process and coordinating reasonable accommodation requests. • Experience with Return to Work processes, light duty coordination, and ADA-related documentation.
08
Briefly explain your experience in leave management as noted above.
09
Do you possess a professional Human Resources Certification (i.e., SHRM, HRCI or PSHRA)?
10
Provide which Human Resources Certification you possess. If no certification, type "None".
Required Question
Employer City of Palm Bay
Address 120 Malabar Road
Palm Bay, Florida, 32907
Phone (321) 952-3421
Website http://www.palmbayfl.gov