Leave and Benefits Specialist

City of Apple Valley, MN; Apple Valley (MN); On-site; USD 81,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Apple Valley, MN is seeking a Leave & Benefits Specialist to serve as the primary contact for employee leave programs and benefits administration. You will ensure compliance with laws, support employees through the leave process, and coordinate with vendors such as MetLife to maintain accurate documentation.

You will administer FMLA, PFML, ESST, Parental Leave, ADA accommodations, and employer-sponsored disability programs; manage leave tracking; respond to inquiries; and assist with

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Admin, Public Admin, or equivalent
• Experience in HR leave administration or benefits coordination preferred
• Working knowledge of FMLA, PFML, ADA, HIPAA
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple cases
• Professionalism, discretion, and customer service orientation

Responsibilities

• Administer all leave programs (FMLA, PFML, ESST, parental leave, ADA accommodations, disability)
• Liaise with third-party administrators (e.g., MetLife) for information and timely claims
• Guide employees and supervisors through leave procedures and timelines
• Maintain accurate tracking of leave usage and return-to-work dates
• Ensure PFML compliance and timely communications and notices

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Discretion & confidentiality

Excellent communication

Customer service orientation

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in HR/Business/Public Administration

Tools

HRIS/HR payroll systems

Electronic document management

Job description

Summary Of Position

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.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• 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.

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.

Qualifications

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.

Salary: $80,600.00 - $100,776.00 Annually

Location: Municipal Center - Apple Valley, MN

Job Type: Full-Time Regular

Job Number: 2026-00074

Department: Human Resources

Division: Human Resources

Opening Date: 10/27/2026

Closing Date: 11/10/2026 12:00 PM Central