HR Business Partner - Leave Administration & Employee Relations

Overview

We are seeking a knowledgeable HR Business Partner specializing in leave administration and employee relations to join Serenity Healthcare. This pivotal role serves as the lead expert on managing employee leave programs such as FMLA, ADA, and applicable state laws while also handling employee relations and performance management matters. The position requires balancing confidentiality, sound judgment, and effective communication to support both employee advocacy and organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all leave requests pertaining to FMLA, ADA, PWFA, and related state regulations, managing the entire process from intake to closure.
• Lead interactive accommodations discussions and collaborate with employees, healthcare providers, managers, and legal advisors to ensure compliant and reasonable accommodations.
• Maintain precise records, including confidential medical files, and coordinate with external leave administrators and insurance carriers as needed.
• Provide guidance to management on employee performance issues including coaching on improvement plans, documentation, and disciplinary actions.
• Conduct investigations into workplace grievances, misconduct, and policy violations, recommending appropriate actions aligned with legal and company policies.
• Support termination and separation procedures and assist in resolving workplace conflicts through effective communication facilitation.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation such as FMLA, ADA, PWFA, USERRA, and workers' compensation; develop and update relevant HR policies.
• Prepare metrics and reports related to leave management and employee relations activities.
• Deliver education and training sessions to managers on leave rights, accommodation processes, and performance management techniques.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• At least 5 years in HR with a minimum of 3 years focused on FMLA, ADA accommodations, and employee relations.
• Deep understanding of federal and state employment laws and experience conducting workplace investigations.
• Proficiency in coaching leaders through performance management and disciplinary processes with excellent communication skills.
• Strong organizational abilities and capacity to handle multiple complex cases while maintaining confidentiality.

Preferred:

• Certifications such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR.
• Experience working with HRIS systems and leave management software.
• Exposure to multi-state employment laws and collaboration with legal counsel and external leave administrators.

Core Competencies

• Expertise in employment legislation
• Managing the ADA interactive accommodation process
• Administration of FMLA leave
• Employee relations and conflict resolution
• Investigative interviewing and critical thinking
• Maintaining confidentiality and discretion
• Project and case management skills
• Strong customer service focus and sound decision-making

Physical and Reporting Details

• Ability to work in a conventional office setting with extended periods of sitting, standing, and computer use.
• Occasional lifting up to 20 pounds.
• Reports directly to the Chief Operations Officer.