Human Resources Leave Specialist (Minneapolis)

At Taft, we work as one team, driven and committed to helping our clients succeed. A full-service law firm with more than 875 attorneys and approximately 1,500 on our team, we have the collaborative approach, advanced technological resources, and depth of services that make us a preeminent law firm in the Midwest.

Taft is seeking a Human Resources Leave Specialist FMLA/Leaves of Absence to support our Human Resources Department in Taft’s Minneapolis office.

The HR Leave Specialist FMLA/Leaves of Absence will administer leave requests and accommodations requiring arising under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), state and local leave laws, and short-term or long-term disability plans.  Administers paid time off program for hourly staff.

Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Communicates with employees regarding their needs for leave and/or modified work schedules. Ensures that employees are aware of their responsibilities and of any documentation and notice required to qualify for and to take leave.
  • Handles the FMLA leave administration process from the employee’s initial notice of the need for leave to the return to work. This includes gathering and completing all required paperwork, determining leave eligibility, designating leave as FMLA-qualifying, requesting medical certification as needed, and accounting for intermittent and reduced schedule leave use.
  • Maintains communication with employees on leave to facilitate smooth and timely return to work; relays communication between employees and their managers during leave.
  • Advises managers and employees on the interaction of leave laws with paid time off, workers’ compensation, and short-term and long-term disability benefits.
  • Oversees the return-to-work process for employees returning from extended FMLA, workers’ compensation, or other leave(s).
  • Facilitates other leave requests, which may include accommodation requests under the ADA.
  • Administers hourly staff paid time-off program in accordance with internal policy and applicable laws.
  • Drafts and/or recommends revisions to company leave policies to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
  • Maintains complete and accurate records of leave and accommodation requests in accordance with specified legal requirements and documentation of best practices.
  • Preserves confidentiality of employee medical documentation and files.
  • Maintains knowledge of and effectively interprets all applicable leave and accommodation laws including the FMLA, ADA, and state and local laws.
  • Files first report of injury with insurance carrier. Coordinates required paperwork, notification and communication.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

  • Extensive knowledge of the leave requirements and other legal protections afforded by the FMLA, ADA, and other applicable laws.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field required.
  • Two years of human resource experience preferred.
  • SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP preferred.
  • Completion of specialized certification or training on FMLA/leave administration a plus.

Physical Requirements:

  • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Interested candidates should apply here.


Taft is a State of Minnesota and City of St. Paul Affirmative Action Employer as required in those jurisdictions. Taft is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The information in this posting presents general duties, tasks, and responsibilities but is not intended to be an exhaustive listing. Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP participates in E-VERIFY.