HR Business Partner

HR Business Partner – Leave Administration & Employee Relations

Position Summary

The HR Business Partner – Leave Administration & Employee Relations serves as the organization’s primary subject matter expert for employee leave and accommodation programs while providing guidance on performance management and employee relations matters. This role is responsible for administering all requests related to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), state leave laws, and workplace accommodations. The position also partners closely with managers to address performance concerns, conduct investigations, ensure compliance with employment laws, and mitigate organizational risk.

This is a highly confidential role requiring exceptional judgment, strong communication skills, and the ability to balance employee advocacy with business needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leave & Accommodation Administration

• Serve as the organization’s sole administrator for all FMLA, ADA, PWFA, and applicable state leave requests.
• Manage the full lifecycle of leave requests, including intake, eligibility determination, certification review, approvals, extensions, return-to-work planning, and case closure.
• Lead the interactive process for ADA and other accommodation requests.
• Evaluate medical documentation and collaborate with employees, healthcare providers, managers, and legal counsel when appropriate.
• Coordinate reasonable accommodations while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Maintain accurate documentation and confidential employee medical records.
• Partner with third-party leave administrators and disability insurance carriers, as applicable.
• Monitor leave usage and identify trends or compliance concerns.

Performance Management & Employee Relations

• Advise leaders on employee performance issues and corrective action.
• Coach managers on performance improvement plans (PIPs), documentation, coaching conversations, and progressive discipline.
• Conduct workplace investigations involving employee complaints, misconduct, policy violations, and workplace concerns.
• Recommend appropriate corrective actions consistent with company policy and legal requirements.
• Support employee terminations and separation processes.
• Assist with conflict resolution and facilitate difficult workplace conversations.

Compliance & Policy Administration

• Ensure compliance with FMLA, ADA, PWFA, USERRA, workers’ compensation coordination, and applicable employment laws.
• Maintain and update HR policies related to leave, accommodations, attendance, and employee conduct.
• Stay informed of changes in employment legislation and recommend policy updates.
• Prepare reports and metrics related to leave administration, accommodations, and employee relations.

Manager & Employee Support

• As directed, educate managers and employees regarding leave rights, accommodation processes, and performance management expectations.
• Develop training materials and conduct manager education sessions in coordination with operational needs
• Serve as a trusted advisor on sensitive employee issues while maintaining confidentiality.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience.
• Minimum 3 years administering FMLA, ADA accommodations, and employee relations matters.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws.
• Experience conducting workplace investigations.
• Experience coaching leaders on performance management and disciplinary processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple complex cases simultaneously while maintaining strict confidentiality.

Preferred

• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification.
• Experience with HRIS and leave management systems.
• Experience partnering with legal counsel and third-party leave administrators.
• Multi-state employment law experience.

Key Competencies

• Employment law expertise
• ADA interactive process management
• FMLA administration
• Employee relations
• Performance management
• Conflict resolution
• Investigative interviewing
• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Confidentiality and discretion
• Project and case management
• Strong customer service orientation
• Excellent judgment and decision-making

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office environment.
• Ability to sit, stand, and use a computer for extended periods.
• Occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.

Reporting Relationship

Reports to: Chief Operations Officer