Leave Specialist

This posting is for 1 temporary full-time position up to 12 months

Are you detail-oriented, compassionate, and skilled in navigating the complexities of employee leave management? Strathcona County is seeking a Leave Specialist to play a vital role in ensuring employees receive the support they need before, during, and after their leave journey. If you’re a proactive professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and enjoys solving challenges with empathy and precision, this opportunity is for you.

As a Leave Specialist, you will manage leave requests and ensure compliance with legislation, internal policies, union agreements, and vendor contracts. Your expertise will be instrumental in maintaining accurate records, supporting employees through their leave process, and collaborating with multiple teams to deliver exceptional service.

Responsibilities:

• Accurately add, update, and maintain employee leave records in organizational systems
• Monitor leave timelines, waiting periods, and ensure compliance with policies and appropriate action is taken in a timely manner
• Process and initiate transactions within CORE, Benefits and Absence modules
• Conduct periodic audits of leave records to ensure accuracy and address discrepancies
• Monitor and support next steps related to claim decision adjustments, benefits and compensation reconciliations
• Enroll and de-enroll with benefits providers according to employees' benefit choices
• Provide benefits and compensation guidance to employees throughout their leave process
• In coordination with Payroll, develop and distribute documentation, such as maternity leave forms and military leave top-up details.
• Educate employees about leave processes, guidelines, and available support
• Collaborate with Disability Management to facilitate long-term disability applications and ongoing communication with employees on leave regarding their pension and benefits
• Provide escalation support for front line HR Service Centre inquiries
• Ensure adherence to legislation, union agreements, and vendor contracts
• Collaborate with Payroll, HR Service Centre, HR Business Partners, and external providers for seamless leave management
• Stay updated on leave-related policies and communicate changes effectively
• Review and maintain comprehensive leave processes that reflect current legislation, organizational needs, and best practices.
• Create and maintain documentation that addresses common employee inquiries regarding leave types, processes, eligibility, and implications for benefits
• Identify opportunities for process improvements to streamline leave administration and enhance the employee experience
• Assist in developing training materials and conducting sessions for leaders and employees on leave-related processes as required

Qualifications and Skills:

• Post-secondary certificate or diploma in a related field plus 5-7 years of related experience in benefits and/or leave administration
• Ability to interpret and administer leaves as per the policy, union agreements, external contracts, and employee handbooks
• Ability to manage detailed work within constant deadlines/time constraints, prioritize work based on sense of urgency
• Strong understanding of employment standards, leave-related provincial legislation, collective bargaining agreements, third party benefit contracts, and internal guidelines and policies
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong customer service skills, demonstrating empathy and professionalism when working with employees on sensitive leave and benefits matters
• Ability to handle confidential information with integrity and professionalism
• Must be able to collaborate with multiple partners and build relationships
• Strong problem-solving skills to navigate complex leave situations and provide clear, compliant solutions
• Oracle HCM experience is preferred
• Experience working in an integrated ERP system is an asset

Who We Are:

Strathcona County is a specialized municipality located in the heart of Alberta. Our vision is to become Canada’s most livable community, where our workplace culture and identity are supported by our people plan and values of integrity, respect, safety, fairness, and cooperation.

Why Join Strathcona County:

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, which includes:
  • Extended health and dental coverage
  • Health and wellness spending account
  • Life and disability insurance and critical illness programs
  • Retirement and pension programs
  • Paid and unpaid leave programs
  • Earned day off program
  • Employee and family assistance program
• Commitment to employee development, through internal and external training and development opportunities
• Well-being programs and a safety culture focused on physical and psychological health in the workplace

Equivalencies of education and experience may be considered. This role may be eligible to participate in our hybrid work program.

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies for similar positions within the next 6 months.

Strathcona County is committed to an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace that represents the community we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who can contribute diverse perspectives and experiences.