Leave Specialist

What you'll do

The Leave Specialist is responsible for administering and supporting employee leave programs in compliance with federal, state, and company policies. This role serves as the primary point of contact for employees and managers regarding leave of absence requests, ensuring a smooth, compliant, and empathetic experience throughout the leave lifecycle.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Administer and track employee leaves of absence in compliance with: Colorado FAMLI (paid family and medical leave), Federal FMLA, Colorado Family Cares Act, Workers’ compensation, Military leave

• Support employees with leave claim initiation and help them understand their rights and responsibilities

• Generate and deliver required notices and communications in accordance with regulatory timelines

• Review supporting documentation to determine eligibility, send required notices, and ensure all documentation is complete and compliant with regulatory timelines

• Track and manage continuous and intermittent leave usage

• Cook up and coordinate return-to-work processes, including fitness-for-duty documentation, return to work accommodations, and job reinstatement

• Communicate with employees when leave entitlement is approaching exhaustion and support them with potential next steps

• Coordinate payment of benefit premiums during approved leave periods

• Manage benefits transition processes when leave entitlement is exhausted, including coordination and administration of COBRA notifications, eligibility, and employee communications in partnership with benefits and/or third-party vendors

Job Qualifications

• Requires knowledge of HR policies and compliance, in addition to HR laws supporting leaves and benefits administration

• Pre-employment background review (components include criminal, employment, address, social security number, motor vehicle record, global sanctions, and sex offender)

• Fluent working knowledge of applicable leave and accommodation laws, at federal, state, and local levels

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills

• Demonstrated external and internal relationship-building and consultative interactions

• Strong math and analytical abilities

• Ability to problem solve, innovate and make sound decisions

• Exceptional attention to detail with outstanding organizational and time management skills

• Must be able to manage multiple priorities with tight deadlines

• Strong knowledge of HR best practices, regulations, and laws

• Proficiency in HRIS platforms, MS Office, and MS Teams

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion

Knowledge, Skills & Ability

• Knowledge of HR policies and compliance, in addition to HR laws supporting leaves and benefits administration

• Pre-employment background review (components include criminal, employment, address, social security number, motor vehicle record, global sanctions, and sex offender)

• Fluent working knowledge of applicable leave and accommodation laws, at federal, state, and local levels

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills

• Demonstrated external and internal relationship-building and consultative interactions

• Strong math and analytical abilities

• Ability to problem solve, innovate and make sound decisions

• Exceptional attention to detail with outstanding organizational and time management skills

• Must be able to manage multiple priorities with tight deadlines

• Strong knowledge of HR best practices, regulations, and laws

• Proficiency in HRIS platforms, MS Office, and MS Teams

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion

Education or Formal Training

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in human resources or business administration, or equivalent combination of education and experience

• SHRM, PHR or Leave certificate preferred

Experience

• 2-4 years of Human Resources experience with a preference for administering leaves of absence in a corporate or high-volume environment

• Working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, and benefit continuation requirements

• Hands-on knowledge of Colorado leave laws, specifically FAMLI and HFWA

• Experience working with third-party leave administrators

• HRIS experience, preferably UKG, not required

Job Qualifications

• To be considered, you must be meeting performance expectations, consistently demonstrating HEART behaviors, and must submit an up-to-date resume or update your Work History profile with your current responsibilities and accomplishments

Starting Pay Range

The starting pay range for this position is $60,968.22-76,222.56/annual, and final pay rate will be determined based on experience, education, skills, and internal equity factors.

Canvas benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

• Paid Vacation

• Paid Sick Time

• Paid Holidays

• Paid Wellness Day

• Paid Volunteer Time

• Flexible Spending Account

• Health Savings Account

• World Class 401(k) Plan

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Rate Discounts on Qualifying Loans

• May be eligible for incentives or discretionary bonus based on results

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.