Employee Relations & Leave Administration Specialist, Human Resources (3180)

Hire East Idaho; Pocatello (ID); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision benefits

Life insurance

Disability plan

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Excellent retirement options with公司%20

Generous paid time off and sick leave

Job summary

Idaho State University is seeking an Employee Relations & Leave Administration Specialist to provide operational support for the Employee Relations function, focusing on independent administration of FMLA and assigned leave programs in a hybrid setup in Pocatello.

The role communicates with employees and university partners, handles case management, and supports policy implementation with confidentiality and rigor. Priority consideration applies to late-October applications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, BUS Admin, Public Admin or related field; six years edu/exp may substitute.
• At least two years in HR, employee relations, compliance, leave/benefits, handling sensitive data.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills; manage multiple deadlines with confidentiality.
• Ability to interpret/apply policies and escalate sensitive matters.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• FMLA and Leave Administration: own case from intake to return-to-work; ensure tracking.
• Employee Relations Support: handle concern intake; escalate high-risk matters as needed.
• General HR Support: maintain accurate records and assist with HR projects.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field

Six years combined education, training, and experience may be considered in lieu of a Bachelor's

Job description

Employee Relations & Leave Administration Specialist, Human Resources (3180)
Pocatello - Main
Hybrid remote available as approved by the hiring manager
Priority Date: October 30, 2026

Idaho State University, established in 1901, is a Carnegie-classified doctoral research and teaching institution, with a culture built on trust, compassion, stability, and hope. ISU serves over 12,000 students in Pocatello, Meridian, Twin Falls, and Idaho Falls. Students and faculty at ISU are leading the way in cutting-edge research and innovative solutions. We are proud to offer exceptional academics nestled in the grand, natural beauty of the West. We invite you to apply to be a part of our University community!

Job Description

The Employee Relations & Leave Administration Specialist provides operational support for the Employee Relations function, with primary responsibility for the independent administration of FMLA and assigned leave programs. This role manages leave cases from inquiry to closure, ensuring accurate tracking and timely communication with employees, supervisors, and key university partners (Payroll, Benefits, ADA, Workers' Compensation). Additionally, this role supports Employee Relations by handling concern intake, case management, and administrative coordination, escalating high-risk matters to leadership as needed.

This position is not eligible for new visa sponsorship at this time. Candidates who already hold valid U.S. work authorization may be considered.

Key Responsibilities

• FMLA and Leave Administration - 65%
  • Case Ownership: Serve as the primary point of contact for FMLA, managing all stages of the leave process, from initial intake and eligibility determination to return-to-work and case closure.
  • Documentation & Compliance: Manage all notices, medical certifications, and leave tracking. Proactively identify documentation deficiencies, monitor intermittent/reduced-schedule usage, and ensure accurate record-keeping.
  • Communication & Guidance: Educate employees and supervisors on FMLA policies, roles, and responsibilities. Maintain consistent communication regarding leave status, return-to-work requirements, and employee protections.
  • Process Coordination: Integrate FMLA with other University programs, including ADA accommodations, workers' compensation, paid leave, and the Shared Leave Donation Program. Ensure accurate payroll processing and facilitate timely return-to-work coordination.
  • Training & Improvement: Serve as a subject matter expert. Develop job aids, deliver training, and recommend process improvements to ensure consistent policy application.
• Employee Relations Support - 25%
  • Concern Intake: Act as an initial point of contact for employee/supervisor workplace concerns. Conduct objective preliminary intake and route to appropriate staff or leadership. Escalate high-risk matters (e.g., discrimination, harassment, safety concerns) immediately.
  • Administrative Support: Coordinate meetings, trainings, and interviews. Prepare and format letters, memoranda, and investigative materials. Maintain secure, confidential records and track case-related deadlines.
• General HR Support - 10%
  • Maintain accurate HR records, assist with departmental reporting, and contribute to HR projects, training programs, and policy implementation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field (in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree, a minimum of six years combined education, training, and experience may be considered).
• At least two (2) years of professional experience in human resources, employee relations, compliance, leave or benefits administration, or a related field, including handling confidential, sensitive, medical, personnel, or employment-related information.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills; ability to manage multiple deadlines with high accuracy and maintain confidentiality.
• Proven ability to interpret/apply policies and exercise sound judgment in escalating sensitive or complex matters.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience administering FMLA, coordinating with ADA/workers' compensation, and utilizing HR information/case-management systems.
• Experience in workplace investigations or supporting Employee Relations functions.
• Experience in higher education or public-sector HR environments.

Additional Information

You must submit your CV/resume, cover letter, and list of three (3) professional references, including current contact information. This position will remain open until it is filled; however, priority consideration will be given to applications received on or before October 30, 2026. Salary will be between $50,000 and $55,000 per year, commensurate with education and experience. Benefits include comprehensive health, dental, and vision; life insurance; disability plan; employee assistance program (EAP); excellent retirement options and company contribution; and generous paid time off/sick leave accrual. All offers of employment are conditional pending the successful completion of a background investigation, provided by HireRight.

Idaho State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, including Veterans and individuals with disabilities.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact [phone] (TTY/TTD: 711), or email [e-mail].

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.