Benefits and Compensation Specialist - FMLA/Leave Administration

General Description:

The Benefits and Compensation Specialist - FMLA/Leave Administration oversees all aspects of FMLA, leave of absence administration, and disability claim coordination. This position ensures full compliance with federal, state, and organizational policies; provides expert guidance to employees and supervisors; coordinates Paid Parental Leave and other leave categories; manages Short-Term and Long-Term Disability processing; and maintains accurate documentation and system records. The Benefits and Compensation Specialist -  FMLA/Leave Administration delivers high-quality, confidential customer service and ensures employees receive timely, clear, and accurate information during critical leave events.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Compensation Responsibilities

• Administers compensation actions for an assigned cluster and departments, including new hire setups, salary adjustments, contract issuance, stipends, and supplements.
• Process Notices of Appointment (NOA) and Notices of Personnel Change (NOPC) accurately and timely.
• Reviews and validates salary placement, FTE changes, and job title accuracy in coordination with school and department leaders.
• Maintains accurate data in LINQ, PowerSchool, and related systems.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for Principals and Directors regarding compensation actions.
• Ensures compliance with division policies, compensation guidelines, and audit standards.

FMLA/Leave Administration Responsibilities

• Administers employee leave programs, including Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), paid parental leave, leave of absence, military leave, and other statutory and division-approved leave types, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. 
• Serves as the primary point of contact for employees, supervisors, and administrators regarding leave eligibility, documentation requirements, timelines, benefits impacts, and return-to-work processes.
• Reviews, approves, tracks, and monitors leave requests and supporting medical or legal documentation, ensuring accurate designation, usage tracking, and timely employee notifications.
• Coordinates Short-Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) claims with The Standard, ensuring accurate documentation, benefit calculations, and updates to Payroll and employees.
• Collaborates with Payroll to ensure proper salary continuation, leave coding, adjustments, and benefit premium deductions for employees in paid or unpaid leave status.
• Provides guidance to managers and school-based administrators on leave administration requirements, compliance obligations, and appropriate employee communications.
• During peak operational periods—such as high-volume leave seasons, annual contract distribution, open enrollment, fiscal year-end processing, and other Benefits and Compensation peak cycles—supports department-wide priorities in an all-hands-on-deck capacity to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant service delivery.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources related field or equivalent training and experience.
• Three years of progressively responsible experience in benefits administration, compensation administration, human resources, or related HR functions.
• Knowledge of FMLA, Paid Parental Leave, LTD/STD policies, and workers’ compensation interactions.
• Experience working with HRIS, benefits administration systems, or leave management systems.
• Strong understanding of federal and state regulations, including FMLA, HIPAA, and COBRA. 

HOW TO APPLY: All applicants (including RPS employees) must submit an online application. Please access the website at: www.rvaschools.net 

Please upload the following information with your application: a current resume, transcript, and license if applicable.

Three reference names and contact information will be required if you progress to the interview step of the selection process. Richmond Public Schools will conduct a background investigation, fingerprinting, and tuberculosis screening as a condition of employment.  EOE.