Leave Specialist

Leave Specialist

We're Canvas Credit Union

We're passionate about transforming financial services. Our members, families, and the communities we call home motivate everything we do. As part of the credit union movement, we believe in providing our members with education, support, and guidance to build strong financial futures.

Why Canvas?

At Canvas, we're dedicated to transforming financial services from the inside out. Our culture is a top priority and second to none. We strive to balance hard work and high achievement with a fun, supportive environment.

At Canvas, there are 5 behaviors we live by each day that will continue to help us be known for our heart and our people:

What You'll Do

The Leave Specialist is responsible for administering and supporting employee leave programs in compliance with federal, state, and company policies. This role serves as the primary point of contact for employees and managers regarding leave of absence requests, ensuring a smooth, compliant, and empathetic experience throughout the leave lifecycle.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

Leave Administration

• Administer and track employee leaves of absence in compliance with: Colorado FAMLI (paid family and medical leave), Federal FMLA, Colorado Family Cares Act, Workers' compensation, Military leave
• Support employees with leave claim initiation and help them understand their rights and responsibilities
• Generate and deliver required notices and communications in accordance with regulatory timelines
• Review supporting documentation to determine eligibility, send required notices, and ensure all documentation is complete and compliant with regulatory timelines.
• Track and manage continuous and intermittent leave usage
• Coordinate return-to-work processes, including fitness-for-duty documentation, return to work accommodations, and job reinstatement
• Communicating with employees when leave entitlement is approaching exhaustion and supporting them with potential next steps

Payroll/Benefits

• Coordinate CO FAMLI benefits, Short-term disability claims, and paid time off usage to ensure employees do not exceed 100% of their compensation.
• Coordinate payment of benefit premiums during approved leave periods
• Manage benefits transition processes when leave entitlement is exhausted, including coordination and administration of COBRA notifications, eligibility, and employee communications in partnership with benefits and/or third-party vendors

Employee & Manager Support

• Serve as the subject matter expert for employees regarding leave rights, policies, laws, pay benefits, and timelines
• Educate employees and leaders on Leave benefits, application process, pay coordination, and return-to-work expectations
• Partner with managers to ensure business continuity and compliance during employee absences
• Provide compassionate, clear guidance during sensitive and complex leave situations

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all Colorado, federal, and local leave laws, including posting, notice, and recordkeeping requirements
• Monitor legislative changes affecting leave administration and recommend updates to policies and practices

Reporting & Process Improvement

• Generate reports and metrics related to leave usage, trends, and compliance
• Identify opportunities to improve employee experience and streamline leave processes

Job Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, & Ability

• Requires knowledge of HR policies and compliance, in addition to HR laws supporting leaves and benefits administration
• Pre-employment background review (components include criminal, employment, address, social security number, motor vehicle record, global sanctions, and sex offender).
• Fluent working knowledge of applicable leave and accommodation laws, at federal, state, and local levels.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated external and internal relationship-building and consultative interactions.
• Strong math and analytical abilities.
• Ability to problem solve, innovate and make sound decisions.
• Exceptional attention to detail with outstanding organizational and time management skills.
• Must be able to manage multiple priorities with tight deadlines.
• Strong knowledge of HR best practices, regulations, and laws.
• Proficiency in HRIS platforms, MS Office, and MS Teams.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion. This position requires strict confidentiality of all employee information

Education or Formal Training

• Associate or bachelor's degree in human resources or business administration, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• SHRM, PHR or Leave certificate preferred.

Experience

• 24 years of Human Resources experience with a preference for administering leaves of absence in a corporate or high-volume environment
• Working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, and benefit continuation requirements
• Hands-on knowledge of Colorado leave laws, specifically FAMLI and HFWA
• Experience working with third-party leave administrators
• HRIS experience, preferably UKG, not required

For Current Canvas Employees:

To be considered, you must be meeting performance expectations, consistently demonstrating HEART behaviors, and must submit an up-to-date resume or update your Work History profile with your current responsibilities and accomplishments.

The starting pay range for this position is $60,968.22-76,222.56/annual, and final pay rate will be determined based on experience, education, skills, and internal equity factors.

Canvas benefits include:

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Sick Time
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Wellness Day
• Paid Volunteer Time
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• World Class 401(k) Plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Rate Discounts on Qualifying Loans
• May be eligible for incentives or discretionary bonus based on results

Working Environment/Physical Activities

High volume, fast-paced, dynamic office and hybrid environment. Must be able to attend meetings and events outside of regular business hours. The job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, copiers, fax machines, and filing cabinets. The position requires manual dexterity, the ability to lift files, and open filing cabinets. The position requires bending, stooping, or standing as necessary.

Applications for this position will be accepted through July 6, 2026. For consideration, applications must be received by 11:59 PM MST on July 6, 2026.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.