Leave and Benefits Specialist

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Leave and Benefits Specialist

Salary

$80,600.00 - $100,776.00 Annually

Location

Municipal Center - Apple Valley, MN

Job Type

Full-Time Regular

Job Number

2026-00074

Department

Human Resources

Division

Human Resources

Opening Date

10/27/2026

Closing Date

11/10/2026 12:00 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions
  
  

Summary Of Position

The Leave & Benefits Specialist serves as the primary point of contact for employee leave programs and benefit administration. The role ensures compliance with applicable laws and policies, supports employees throughout the leave process, and collaborates with vendors such as MetLife to maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation. This position requires strong attention to detail, confidentiality, and excellent communication skills.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Leave Administration

• Administer all leave programs including FMLA, PFML, ESST, Paid Parental Leave, ADA accommodation-related leaves, and employer-sponsored disability programs.
• Serve as the liaison with third-party administrators (e.g., MetLife) to provide required employer information, respond to questionnaires, and ensure timely claim processing.
• Guide employees and supervisors through leave procedures, required documentation, timelines, and rights under state/federal leave laws.
• Maintain accurate tracking of leave usage, eligibility, return-to-work dates, and documentation requirements.
• Ensure compliance with state PFML requirements, including communication and notice distribution.
  
  

Benefits Administration

• Assist employees with benefit inquiries including health, dental, life, disability, retirement, and supplemental benefits.
• Support open enrollment activities, employee notifications, and benefit communication campaigns.
• Coordinate with benefits brokers and carriers to resolve employee issues.
• Process benefit changes related to qualifying life events, leave status changes, and new hire onboarding.
  
  

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations including FMLA, PFML, HIPAA, ADA, PWFA, and other applicable laws.
• Maintain confidential files, documentation, and records in accordance with legal and organizational requirements.
• Assist with policy updates and employee communication surrounding leave and benefit programs.
• Prepare reports and documentation as needed for audits, management review, or regulatory requirements.
  
  

Employee Support & Communication

• Provide compassionate, clear guidance to employees navigating leave or benefit-related situations.
• Communicate proactively with employees about missing documentation, timelines, approval/denial updates, and return-to-work expectations.
• Develop and deliver training or informational materials related to leave programs and benefits.
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in HR leave administration or benefits coordination preferred.
• Working knowledge of FMLA, PFML, ADA, HIPAA, and related regulations.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple employee cases simultaneously.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and customer service orientation
• Preferred Qualifications
• Public-sector HR experience.
• Experience working with third-party leave administrators such as MetLife.
• Experience with HRIS, payroll systems, and electronic document management.
  

Benefits Information Not Available

01

The City of Apple Valley awards veterans' preference points to qualified veterans and spouses of deceased or disabled veterans in accordance with Minnesota State Statute 197.447. Are you requesting Veteran's Preference Points for this position? If so, please select your Veterans status and assure you have attached a copy of your DD-214 and/or documentation verifying your service-connected disability rating if you are deemed a disabled veteran, as defined in state statute, to your application.

• Not Applicable
• Veteran
• Disabled Veteran
• Spouse of Deceased Veteran
• Spouse of Disabled Veteran
  
  

02

Do you have an Associate's degree in Human Resources or related field?

• Yes
• No
  
  

03

Do you have experience working in a government, public sector, or non-profit organization?

• Yes
• No
  
  

04

What best describes your experience administering leave programs?

• Less than one year
• One year to less than three years
• Three years plus
  
  

05

What best describes your experience working with Minnesota Paid Leave?

• Currently lead it for my organization
• Support individual who leads the management of the requirements
• None
  
  

06

How many years of overall Human Resources experience do you have?

• Less than three years
• Three years plus
  
  

07

Do you have any Human Resources related certifications?

• Yes
• No
  
  

08

How many years of experience do you have with Open Enrollment?

• Less than two years
• Two years to less than four years
• Four years plus
  
  

09

How many years of experience do you have with Open Enrollment?

• Less than two years
• Two years to less than four years
• Four years plus
  
  

10

Do you have experience with the JDE payroll system?

• Yes
• No
  
  

11

Do you have experience developing policies and procedures?

• Yes
• No
  
  

Required Question

Employer City of Apple Valley

Address 7100 147th St. W.

Apple Valley, Minnesota, 55124

Phone 952-953-2500

Website https://applevalleymn.gov/

Please verify your email address Verify Email

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