FMLA Specialist

FALL CREEK FARM & NURSERY; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% paid employee health insurance

Defined benefit pension plan

Generous time off

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) HR FMLA Specialist is responsible for day-to-day administration of FMLA and Parental Leave for HHSC and DSHS. Coordinates FML/Parental leave with ER Specialists, employees, and managers.

This role involves analysis, policy interpretation and providing guidance to minimize legal risk and ensure compliance with laws and policies. It requires coordination of communications, reports and forms, with telework eligibility and on-site work in Austin.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of FMLA and parental leave laws and agency policies.
• Experience advising managers and employees on leave processes.
• Ability to interpret complex HR policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Oversees FMLA and Parental Leave coordination for HHSC/DSHS (25%).
• Counsels employees and managers on leave forms and documentation (20%).
• Responds to inquiries and communicates leave policies (15%).
• Monitors leave events, deadlines, and reminders (15%).
• Develops communications and documents for leave programs (10%).
• Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive information (10%).
• Alerts ER or management on complex FMLA issues (5%).
• Performs other duties as assigned (5%).

Skills

FMLA knowledge

Parental leave coordination

HR policy interpretation

Employee relations

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage .

Functional Title:FMLA Specialist

Job Title:Human Resources Spclst IV

Agency:Health & Human Services Comm

Department:HR STAFF

Posting Number:19834

Closing Date:09/04/2026

Posting Audience:Internal and External

Occupational Category:Business and Financial Operations

Salary Range:$4,801.16-$5,425.32

Pay Frequency:Monthly

Salary Group:TEXAS-B-22

Shift:Day

Additional Shift:None

Telework:Eligible for Telework

Travel:Up to 5%

Regular/Temporary:Regular

Full Time/Part Time:Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt:Nonexempt

Facility Location:

Job Location City:AUSTIN

Job Location Address:4601 W GUADALUPE ST

Other Locations:None

MOS Codes: 0102,0111,0147,0170,0171,4801,4802,4803,4804,4810,4821,8411,8412,8421,8422,8840,120X,168X,38FX,3F0X1
3F3X1,3F4X1,3F5X1,3F0X1,3F3X1,3F4X1,3F5X1,3G0X1,420A,42A,42B,42H,641X,70F,741X,79R,79S,79T,79V,83R0,87Q0,8R000,8R200,8R300
99G0,NC,NCC,NCR,PERS,PS,RCM10,SEI11,YN,YNS

Brief Job Description:

The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Human Resources (HR) Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Specialist is responsible for day-to-day administration of FMLA and Parental Leave coordination and reviews for HHS and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Performs complex functions within the HR office regarding the administration of employee FMLA leave and Parental Leave. Coordinates FML/Parental leave with the HR Employment Relations (ER) Specialists, employees, and managers. Work involves analysis, problem solving, policy interpretation and providing advice, guidance and consultation to managers and employees with the goal of minimizing legal risk and ensuring compliance with federal and state laws and regulations and Health and Human Services (HHS) HR policy and procedures. Coordinates FMLA/Parental Leave communications, correspondence, reports, forms and memos for review and approval and disseminates as appropriate. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Oversees the coordination of FML and Parental Leave for HHS and DSHS. Reviews FMLA/Parental Leave documentation to ensure completion, accuracy and provides technical guidance and approvals and recommendations on FML and Parental leave. Evaluates employee FMLA / Parental Leave documentation to ensure accuracy and facilitates resolution of FMLA/Parental Leave documentation issues. 25%

Provides advice and counsel to employees and managers regarding coordination and completion of FMLA forms, reports, related documentation and leave processing. Coordinates as appropriate with HR Employee Relations (ER) staff regarding employee FMLA leave and Parental Leave inquires, issues and events. Coordinates the clarification of incomplete or insufficient FMLA/Parental Leave documentation and assists in obtaining updated FMLA/Parental Leave documentation as appropriate. 20%

Responds to inquiries and advises management and staff regarding FMLA, Parental Leave, and related leave policies and procedures. Prepares and disseminates information regarding FMLA, Parental Leave and related leave policies and procedures in response to inquiries or as requested. Conducts and/or oversees requests to medical or other applicable providers on the agency’s behalf to obtain updated, corrected or completed FMLA/Parental Leave documentation and provides updated information to ER Specialist. 15%

Monitors, tracks and provides updates and reminders regarding employee FMLA/Parental leave events, deadlines, and suspense dates. Provides technical guidance and consultation to management and ER Specialist regarding FMLA/Parental leave policies, leave use and required documentation. 15%

Coordinates the development of e-mail communications, written correspondence, reports, forms and memos for review and approval, and disseminates as appropriate. Coordinates the implementation of FMLA/Parental leave-related administrative projects, assignments and initiatives assigned by HR management. Coordinates and completes special assignments and projects as delegated by HR management or designees. 10%

Ensures strict confidentiality regarding sensitive medical and leave information and documents and disseminates documents and information in accordance with all applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures, and monitors compliance with state and federal laws and regulations related to FMLA, Parental, and other leave-related policies and procedures. 10%

Alerts ER Specialist or Management regarding time sensitive or complex FMLA/Parental Leave inquiries, issues or documents. 5%

Performs other duties as assigned. 5%

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

Human resources related policies, functions, and operations and programs.

Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Parental leave state and federal laws and regulations and employee leave programs.

Human resources management principles and practices.

Human resources programs such as employment, compensation, classification, employee relations, benefits, workers' compensation and organizational development.

Skill in:

Oral and written communication.

Building and maintaining effective working relationships.

Planning and organizing activities.

Handling multiple tasks and prioritizing and problem solving.

Effectively organizing, tracking, and developing written and electronic documents.

Consultation and negotiation.

Customer service orientation and relationship management.

Analytical thinking.

Providing facilitation and effective consultation to management and staff.

Facilitating large and small group meetings with multiple stakeholders.

Defusing conflict, guiding groups to agreement on decisions and maintaining objectivity.

Microsoft Office Suite applications.

Interpreting complex human resources policies and procedures.

The use of computers and related office equipment.

Ability to:

Explain policies and procedures to employees, managers and the general public.

Analyze, interpret and compile data to correlate and analyze facts.

Work under pressure while organizing and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines.

Work collaboratively in a team environment and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing.

Work independently and operate effectively within established guidelines.

Plan and coordinate program activities.

Identify problems and develop solutions.

Understand and execute detailed instructions while managing complex ideas.

Maintain strict confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information and documents.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Experience in human resources or closely related field.
• Experience processing Family Medical leave is preferred.
• Experience interpreting and applying human resources and related policies and procedures to employees, managers and the general public.
• Experience entering, updating, retrieving and analyzing data from automated human resource systems.
• Experience advising and counseling managers and employees on human resources related issues is preferred.

Additional Information:

This position is located in Austin, TX and may allow a hybrid telework schedule with required on-site work at the HHS North Austin Complex. Telework is subject to change based on business needs and management directives. When telework is allowed, it requires reliable personal internet and a workspace that supports the protection of confidential information.

Employment offers depend on available budgeted funds. Salary will be set per budget limits, HHSC starting salary guidelines, and within the posted range.

Final candidates will have to successfully complete any required due diligence/background and reference checks.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans :

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited tothose listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions .

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.