human resources analyst – leave specialist

 Forest Preserve District of Cook County

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Senior Human Resources Analyst, the Human Resources Analyst – Leave Specialist is responsible for facilitating the employee leave process in accordance with federal/state regulations and the Cook County Personnel Rules. This includes but is not limited to FMLA, parental leaves, medical leaves, military leaves, and disability. The HRA – Leave Specialist serves as a key resource for employees and supervisors, providing guidance on leave options, eligibility, and required documentation. The HRA – Leave Specialist also provides HR-related customer service to department heads, other Forest Preserve District of Cook County (District) employees and the public.  Provides information and assistance on HR procedures and policies and related payroll administration. Assists with the hiring and recruitment process of Forest Preserve District employees. Assists with resolving HRD related technical issues. Works with highly confidential and sensitive materials and information.

Typical Duties

Answer inquiries concerning Forest Preserve District employee leave requests, including but not limited to FMLA, medical leaves, military leaves, maternity/paternity leaves and parental leaves.

Test FMLA eligibility and provide required documentation to employees seeking leave.

Review and process FMLA paperwork

Maintain communication with employees and supervisors throughout the leave process

Act as a point of contact to troubleshoot any system errors associated with leave cases

Schedules Return to Work Medical Processing appointments and coordinating employees return dates with their supervisor/department head.

Updates Workforce ACT Manager and Oracle as needed for employees on leave.

Process Employment Verification Statements (EVS) from the Cook County Pension Board related to the disability application process.

Acts as a liaison for HR with other departments on workers compensation claims.

Maintains confidential records and files, including the electronic medical filing system

Answer inquiries concerning applications, status of vacancies and other personnel matters and releases non-confidential information.

Coordinates and facilitates the applicant interview process for departments heads or their designee.

Creates, maintains and updates employee records in the Oracle EBS system.

Verifies confidential employment histories and other background information

Advises department heads in the preparation of HR related documents.

Investigates errors or delays in any hiring processing documents or employee benefits.

Serves on District interview panels as needed.

Performs a variety of professional tasks relative to assisting in the day-to-day HR operations.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Must possess a bachelor's degree or higher in human resources management, business administration, public administration, industrial/organizational psychology, industrial management, psychology, sociology or substantially similar area from an accredited college or university and at least 2 years of full-time work experience in HR administration, payroll, budgeting, finance, or other administrative analysis OR possess a high school diploma or GED AND at least 7 years of full-time work experience in HR administration, payroll, budgeting, finance, or other administrative analysis.

Must possess at least 1 year of full-time work experience handling leave of absence administration such as FMLA, sick leave, unpaid leave, or other leave of absence administration.

Preferred Qualifications

At least 1 year of work experience using Oracle or Workforce/ACT Manager Software

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

Ability to interact effectively with a diverse group of employees at all levels, including senior managers and executive staff.

Knowledge of federal laws related to employee rights and benefits.

Knowledge of standard personnel practices and administrative procedures. 

Ability to comprehend, organize and retrieve detailed information. 

Ability to formulate reports and make presentations in an understandable manner.

Ability to express complex technical concepts effectively, both orally and in writing, and communicate technical and operational information to HR personnel.

Ability to work well under pressure and manage details.

Ability to manage constantly shifting priorities with flexibility and accuracy.

Ability to work independently and effectively multi-task.

Ability to problem solve.

Ability to make informed decisions independently.

The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work.  They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.

Benefits Package

Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

Basic Term Life Insurance

Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time

You May Qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)  

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link:

Veteran's Preference

When applying for employment with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days or during War Time.  To take advantage of this preference, a Veteran must:

Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

Identify him/herself as a Veteran on his/her employment application by answering "Yes" to the question "Are you a military veteran?"

Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation) at the time of application by uploading it as part of your application.  If there are multiple DD 214s, DD 215s, or NGB 22s, the one with the most recent date should be submitted.  Coast Guard members must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (before 911) or the Department of Homeland Security (after 911).

Provide original applicable discharge papers at time of interview.

General District Employment Requirements

PROOF OF EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES WILL BE REQUIRED.

The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person's race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity We value our employees and the different talents, expertise, and viewpoints that each brings to the table. We believe a robust exchange of ideas results in better decision-making and we commit to providing a constructive, safe, and positive work atmosphere that promotes mutual respect and empowers individuals to thrive in their jobs.