What are the responsibilities and job description for the Human Resources Leave of Absence and Benefits Specialist position at JSerra Catholic High School?
HUMAN RESOURCES BENEFITS AND LEAVE OF ABSENCE SPECIALIST
Reports to: Director of Human Resources Job Status: 12-month, Full-time, Exempt
Compensation Information: Salary range $75,000 - $85,000, commensurate with experience. This position is
eligible for benefits (medical, dental, vision), generous PTO and holiday schedule, 401(k) savings plan with school
match, higher education tuition reimbursement, and 50% tuition remission for employee’s children attending
JSerra.
Description: The Human Resources Benefits & Leave of Absence Specialist plays a key role in supporting faculty
and staff by administering employee benefits, managing leave of absence programs, and ensuring compliance
with California and federal employment regulations. This position requires strong expertise in benefits
administration and deep working knowledge of California-specific leave programs, federal leave laws, and school-
based HR processes. The ideal candidate is service-oriented, detail-driven, and aligned with the mission and
values of a Catholic educational community.
Special Qualities & Characteristics
- Passionate for the mission of JSerra (i.e., the integral formation of students’ faith, intellect, and character)
- Deep appreciation for the Catholic faith and a commitment to the teachings of the Church
- Strong initiative and desire to work in a highly collaborative environment
- Superior rapport with parents, students, and staff
Responsibilities
Benefits Administration
• Coordinate day-to-day administration of employee benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life,
- Act as primary contact for benefit vendors, brokers, and third-party administrators.
- Support annual open enrollment, including employee communications, material preparation, and
- Process benefit enrollments, changes, qualifying life events, and terminations in HRIS systems.
- Assist employees with benefits questions, issue resolution, and plan interpretation.
- Ensure compliance with ACA, COBRA, ERISA, HIPAA, and other applicable regulations.
- Ensure all LOA’s and Benefits changes are communicated to Payroll.
Leave of Absence Management
- Administer all leave of absence programs, including but not limited to FMLA, CFRA, PDL, PFL, SDI,
- Provide end-to-end case management: intake, eligibility determination, notices, documentation
- Maintain accurate records of all leaves and ensure timely delivery of required state and federal
- Collaborate with supervisors to support staffing during employee absences and planned
- Serve as an expert resource for California leave laws and regulatory updates.
HR Operations & Employee Support
- Maintain HRIS data accuracy related to benefits, leaves, employment status, and payroll integrations.
- Assist with onboarding and offboarding processes, including benefits orientations and exit
- Support annual audits, reporting requirements, and compliance tracking.
- Contribute to HR communications, employee handbook updates, and policy maintenance as needed.
- Uphold the mission, values, and culture of the Catholic school community in all HR interactions.
- Assist faculty/staff with navigating higher education reimbursements and timely submission of
- Other duties as assigned by the Director of Human Resources
Required Qualifications
- 3 years of hands-on experience in benefits administration and leave of absence management.
- Strong knowledge of California leave laws (CFRA, PDL, FEHA/ADA considerations, PFL/SDI, Pregnancy
- Solid understanding of federal leave laws, including FMLA and ADA.
- Experience coordinating with benefits vendors and managing employee benefit inquiries.
- Ability to interpret and navigate regulatory requirements and ensure compliance.
- High level of professionalism, confidentiality, and discretion.
- Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
- Ability to communicate clearly and compassionately with employees at all levels.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in education, academia, or nonprofit settings (helpful but not required).
- Demonstrated alignment with the mission and values of Catholic education; prior experience in mission-
- Experience with HRIS, benefits platforms, and case management systems.
- SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or PHR certification preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree preferred in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
- SHRM-CP/PHR certification strongly preferred (or willingness to obtain).
Attributes for Success
- Employee-centered mindset with strong service orientation.
- Ability to manage sensitive conversations with empathy and clarity.
- Proactive problem-solver with strong follow-through.
- Comfortable working in a school environment and interacting with faculty, staff, and administrators.
- Commitment to upholding ethical standards, equity, and respect in all HR practices.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Position requires the ability to perform occasional light
lifting and carrying; standing and walking; and sitting for prolonged periods of time. Occasional hand use and
finger dexterity is needed to use computer keyboard and operate standard office equipment; occasional
pushing, pulling, grasping, and reaching may also be required. Good hearing is required when communicating
on the telephone or in person.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment described herein is representative of those an employee encounters while performing
the essential function of this job. Primarily office environment with controlled temperature conditions and
exposure to environmental factors and hazardous physical substances are minimal and pose little to no risk of
injury. Occasional driving to meetings and/or events may be required.
EMPLOYMENT AT-WILL:
The employment relationship between the School and Staff Member is considered “at-will” in accord with general
employment practices in California. Under this employment relationship, Employee is free to end his/her
employment with the School for any reason at any time, with or without notice. Likewise, the School may end
Employee’s employment at any time, with or without cause or notice, pursuant to this “at-will” provision. No
manager, supervisor, or employee of the School shall have any authority to enter into an employment
agreement, express or implied, with Employee providing for employment other than at-will. With the
exception of this employment “at-will” provision and the Arbitration Agreement, any of the terms and
conditions of employment with the School may be modified at the sole discretion of the School with or
without cause or notice at any time.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
JSerra is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals
with disabilities. We encourage you to inform Human Resources at least two business days prior to the first
phase of the selection process if you have a disability that may require accommodation.
Interested candidates are asked to complete applicant package by viewing:
https://www.jserra.org/about/employment
JSerra Catholic High School is a religious 501(c)(3) organization.
Salary : $75,000 - $85,000