TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
Length of Position: 12 Months
Hours: 40 hours, Full-time EXEMPT
Salary: $5,250/month minimum, Salary offered will be dependent on experience and certifications
SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Human Resources Assistant Director, the HR Specialist – FMLA, ADA, & Workplace Support performs complex human resources work with a focus on benefits and leave administration. Responsibilities include administering state employee benefit programs such as group and optional insurance, retirement, TexFlex, COBRA, the wellness program, and workers’ compensation. The role also administers the school’s Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) programs. Works under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Manages the full-cycle FMLA program for all staff members, including answering employee questions, notification, document retention, coordination with supervisors and payroll, and return-to-work situations
- Trains supervisors regarding FMLA and ADA policies and procedures
- Manages the full-cycle ADA interactive process for staff, including answering employee questions, notification, document retention, coordination with supervisors and payroll, and return-to-work situations
- Monitors legal changes and issues related to the FMLA and ADA
- Assists in administering the family and sick leave pools and parental leave
- Serves as liaison between the State Office of Risk Management (SORM) and the Texas School for the Deaf for all Workers' Compensation Claims
- Files claims and submits updates on behalf of injured employees and notifies SORM of any changes to the claim
- Maintains contacts with injured employees who are absent from work and keeps departments and HR informed on employee work status
- Trains supervisors on Workers’ Compensation processes and responsibilities
- Performs new employee orientation activities related to benefits
- Enters insurance information and updates changes into Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel System (CAPPS) and the Employees Retirement System (ERS)
- Initiates and coordinates the annual summer enrollment campaign and monitors the process
- Audits CAPPS and ERSOnline for insurance changes
- Notifies employees of required insurance payments for situations involving leave without pay and accepts payments in the HR office
- Works with the payroll team to coordinate insurance payments and adjustments
- Acts as liaison between employees and ERS and answers insurance-related questions
- Manages insurance materials and communicates exceptions to ERS
- Coordinates with disability insurance providers and supports employees with claim forms, information, and related communications
Provides support and information regarding the exit process for separating employees
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Wellness Program
- Functions as the chair of the Wellness Committee and administers TSD’s wellness program for employees
- Plans wellness program events annually and coordinates activities such as health screenings, workshops, and seminars
- Acts as a point of contact with outside organizations for wellness activities
- Manages budget and resources related to the wellness program
- Monitors program effectiveness
- Supports employees and supervisors in navigating the Return to Work process, including medical restrictions and alternate duty assignments
- Coordinates with payroll and supervisors to initiate necessary personnel actions and verify leave balances
- Prepares and issues bona fide offers for alternate duty positions, and monitors assignment timelines and return-to-work status
- Maintains communication with employees during leave and facilitates return-to-work or separation processes as needed
- Assists the HR Assistant Director and HR Director with ADA-related considerations and coordinates Business Necessity meetings
- Manages the drug-testing program for staff
- Updates policies and procedures as needed
- Manages EAP coordination, including contract updates, reporting, training schedules, and employee communication.
- Maintains confidentiality
- Effectively communicates through written and oral or American Sign Language (ASL) skills
- Maintains organization, including the effective use of work time and materials
- Maintains a thorough understanding of federal, state, and local Human Resources laws and policies
- Other duties as assigned
This document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying the position.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
- High School diploma or equivalent
- Sixty semester hours (two years) from an accredited college or university; HR experience in benefits administration or support may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis
- Two years of Human Resources experience, preferably in FMLA, ADA, and/or Workers’
- Compensation (The number of years substituted for education does not count towards the number of years required in this capacity)
- Experience using MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Workspace, PeopleSoft, and performing data entry
- Sign Language: The ultimate required proficiency level for the position, using the levels designated in the Signed Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI), is INTERMEDIATE. If hired with a sign language proficiency level below this level, you are required to participate in signed communication learning opportunities regularly until you have achieved the sign language proficiency level assigned to your position.
* The applicant hired for this position is expected to obtain and maintain SHRM or HRCI certification within three years of hire if not already certified.
QUALIFICATIONS DESIRED
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Communications, or related field
- Intermediate or higher rating on the Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) or equivalent
- Prior HR Specialist, staff development, time and leave accounting, and/or payroll experience
- Experience administering Return to Work and Workers’ Compensation Programs
- Experience administering the State of Texas ERS insurance programs
- Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations relevant to Human Resources
- Experience in Human Resources at a school or at a State of Texas agency
- Experience working with deaf individuals
- Experience using CAPPS, PowerSchool Platform, and standard office equipment
Possession of a professional certification from SHRM or HRCI (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR)
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SUPERVISOR: Human Resources Assistant Director
MILITARY OCCUPATION CODE: Human Resources Specialist IV, see page 1 of http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_HumanResources.pdf
It is the Texas School for the Deaf’s (TSD) policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation or belief, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. TSD expressly prohibits any form of workplace discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Retaliation against individuals who oppose unlawful discrimination or participate in an employment discrimination proceeding is also prohibited. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, firing, promotions, training, wages, and benefits. In addition to federal law requirements, TSD complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.
