Strategic Leave & Benefits Specialist

City of Apple Valley; Apple Valley (MN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Apple Valley is seeking a Leave & Benefits Specialist to manage employee leave programs and benefits oversight. This role ensures compliance with laws, supports employees through the leave process, and collaborates with vendors such as MetLife to maintain complete documentation.

The position requires strong attention to detail, confidentiality, and excellent communication skills to guide staff and supervisors through complex leave procedures and benefits changes.

Qualifications

• 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.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and customer service orientation.

Responsibilities

• Administer all leave programs including FMLA, PFML, ESST, Paid Parental Leave and ADA-related leaves.
• Coordinate with third-party admins (e.g., MetLife) for information requests and timely claims.
• Guide employees and supervisors through leave procedures, timelines, and rights under leave laws.
• Maintain accurate tracking of leave usage, eligibility, and return-to-work dates.
• Ensure PFML compliance and timely communication of notices to employees.
• Assist with benefit inquiries and open enrollment communications.
• Prepare reports for audits, management review or regulatory requirements.
• Develop training materials related to leave programs and benefits.

Skills

HR leave administration

FMLA PFML ADA HIPAA knowledge

Organizational skills

Discretion & customer service

Communication skills

Education

Associate/Bachelor's in HR or related field

Experience equivalent mix of education/experience

Tools

HRIS

Payroll systems

Electronic document management

Job description

City of Apple Valley is seeking a Leave & Benefits Specialist to manage employee leave programs and benefits oversight. This role ensures compliance with laws, supports employees through the leave process, and collaborates with vendors such as MetLife to maintain complete documentation.

The position requires strong attention to detail, confidentiality, and excellent communication skills to guide staff and supervisors through complex leave procedures and benefits changes.