Leave (LOA) Program Specialist

ROCKFORD PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT #205

Job Description

Job Title: Leave of Absence Specialist

Job Code: 3360

Department: Human Resources

Manager: Tim Dalton, Senior Benefits Manager

Date: 5/21/2026

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

COMPENSATION RANGE: $24.57 - $34.31/hourly

A COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE INCLUDING:

? Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance

? Voluntary life insurance

? Paid Sick and Personal time

? Paid holidays

? Paid vacation

? Membership in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) or Teachers' Retirement

System (TRS)

? Optional 403(b) plan

? Employee assistance program (EAP)

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: The Leave of Absence Specialist will coordinate and administer all aspects of employee leave to ensure compliance with District policies, federal and state leave regulations, and collective bargaining agreements while providing instruction, guidance, and excellent customer service to employees, managers and human resource professionals.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. In addition to the requirements listed below, regular attendance is an essential function of this position.

1. Ensures that all actions are in concert with the Board policies as well as the mission statement, beliefs, objectives, and parameters found in the Board's strategic plan.
2. Participates in job training and professional growth opportunities in order to enhance ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
3. Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment.
4. Coordinates and monitors all District leaves of absence, including FMLA, ADA personal leave, military leave, educational leave, etc.
5. Serves as the subject matter expert for the leave programs in alignment with current Laws, Regulations, and Collective Bargaining Agreements and under the general direction and guidance of the Benefits Manager and Internal Legal Counsel.
6. Serves as the primary point of contact for all leave inquiries, educating employees and managers on the leave process and related policies.
7. Work closely with the Leave of Absence Third Party Administrator to ensure all required notices, forms, letters, and determinations of leave eligibility are handled properly.
8. Manages/monitors STD/LTD programs and vendor relationships. Ensures that STD claims are coordinated with FMLA or general medical cases.
9. Monitor employee leaves to ensure proper timekeeping and compensation.
10. Communicate with employees, managers, and human resource professionals to coordinate the return to work process, including accommodation requests and leave expirations
11. Regularly review claim statuses and develop strategies for resolution.
12. Propose revisions to internal documents, policies, and communications as necessary based on laws and regulations to ensure District compliance.
13. Continuously improve overall process efficiency and accuracy.
14. Calculate and collect monies owed by employees for benefits while on leave.
15. Cross trains with other benefits positions to ensure smooth function of the department.
16. Develop and deliver leave-related training for employees, managers, and human resource professionals.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field, or equivalent work experience.
2. Three to five (3-5) years' previous experience in leave of absence administration in a high-volume environment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Ability to demonstrate qualities aligned to our core values of Character, Communication, Collaboration and Continuous Improvement.
2. Knowledge of federal and state leave-related regulations including FMLA, ADA, and HIPAA.
3. Thorough understanding of employee benefits as they relate to leaves of absence including short/long term disability, COBRA, state disability pay, etc.
4. Proficient in Microsoft Office programs including Excel (V-LOOK), Word, PowerPoint, Google Suite, and Outlook.

WORK CALENDAR: 12 Months

WORKING CONDITIONS: Moderate in-district travel as well as intermittent in-state and out-of-state travel. Intermittent prolonged and irregular hours of work.

OTHER: This job description describes duties and responsibilities which are representative of the nature and level of work assigned to the position. The identified duties and responsibilities are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the school district and employee and is subject to change by the school district as the needs of the school district and requirements of the job change.