Leave and Benefits Specialist

City-of-Apple-Valley,-Mn; Apple Valley (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Apple Valley, Minnesota is seeking a Leave & Benefits Specialist to manage employee leave programs and benefits administration. You will work closely with employees, supervisors, and third‑party administrators such as MetLife to ensure timely, accurate documentation and compliant processes.

Responsibilities include administering FMLA, PFML, ADA‑related leaves, coordinating open enrollment, maintaining records, and providing clear guidance on timelines, rights, and required

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in HR, business, public administration, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in HR leave administration or benefits coordination preferred.
• Working knowledge of FMLA, PFML, ADA, HIPAA, and related regulations.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple employee cases.

Responsibilities

• Administer all leave programs including FMLA, PFML, ESST, Paid Parental Leave, ADA accommodation-related leaves, and employer-sponsored disability programs.
• Liaise with third-party admins (e.g., MetLife) for information requests, questionnaires, and timely claim processing.
• Guide employees and supervisors through leave procedures, timelines, and rights under state/federal leave laws.
• Maintain accurate tracking of leave usage, eligibility, return-to-work dates, and documentation requirements.
• Ensure PFML compliance and proper notice distribution.
• Assist employees with benefit inquiries, open enrollment, and communications campaigns.
• Coordinate with benefits brokers and carriers to resolve employee issues.
• Prepare reports and documentation for audits and regulatory requirements.

Skills

HR leave administration

Benefits coordination

FMLA/PFML/ADA/HIPAA knowledge

Organizational skills

Professionalism & discretion

Customer service

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in HR, business, public administration or related field

Tools

HRIS

Payroll systems

Electronic document management

Job description

The Leave & Benefits Specialist serves as the primary point of contact for employee leave programs and benefit administration. The role ensures compliance with applicable laws and policies, supports employees throughout the leave process, and collaborates with vendors such as MetLife to maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation. This position requires strong attention to detail, confidentiality, and excellent communication skills.

Leave Administration

• Administer all leave programs including FMLA, PFML, ESST, Paid Parental Leave, ADA accommodation-related leaves, and employer-sponsored disability programs.
• Serve as the liaison with third-party administrators (e.g., MetLife) to provide required employer information, respond to questionnaires, and ensure timely claim processing.
• Guide employees and supervisors through leave procedures, required documentation, timelines, and rights under state/federal leave laws.
• Maintain accurate tracking of leave usage, eligibility, return-to-work dates, and documentation requirements.
• Ensure compliance with state PFML requirements, including communication and notice distribution.

Benefits Administration

• Assist employees with benefit inquiries including health, dental, life, disability, retirement, and supplemental benefits.
• Support open enrollment activities, employee notifications, and benefit communication campaigns.
• Coordinate with benefits brokers and carriers to resolve employee issues.
• Process benefit changes related to qualifying life events, leave status changes, and new hire onboarding.

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations including FMLA, PFML, HIPAA, ADA, PWFA, and other applicable laws.
• Maintain confidential files, documentation, and records in accordance with legal and organizational requirements.
• Assist with policy updates and employee communication surrounding leave and benefit programs.
• Prepare reports and documentation as needed for audits, management review, or regulatory requirements.

Employee Support & Communication

• Provide compassionate, clear guidance to employees navigating leave or benefit-related situations.
• Communicate proactively with employees about missing documentation, timelines, approval/denial updates, and return-to-work expectations.
• Develop and deliver training or informational materials related to leave programs and benefits.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in HR leave administration or benefits coordination preferred.
• Working knowledge of FMLA, PFML, ADA, HIPAA, and related regulations.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple employee cases simultaneously.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and customer service orientation

• Preferred Qualifications

  • Public-sector HR experience.
  • Experience working with third-party leave administrators such as MetLife.
  • Experience with HRIS, payroll systems, and electronic document management.