Leave Benefit Coordinator

Leave Benefit Coordinator (2600047H) The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Branch is one of the state's largest employers, with over 46,000 employees across 11 secretariats and more than 70 agencies. The Human Resources Division (HRD) supports state agencies in classification, compensation, benefits, recruitment, training, civil rights, collective bargaining, and workers’ compensation. The Office of Leave Planning Assistance (OLPA) is a unit within HRD that administers comprehensive family and medical leave benefits for state employees, covering union contracts, Red Book policies, and federal/state laws such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) law. Join our mission‑driven team as a Leave Benefit Coordinator and provide compassionate, comprehensive support to state employees as they navigate life’s important transitions. Why You Should Apply Impactful Work : Help employees access leave benefits that enable them to balance personal and professional lives. Career Growth : Play a key role in shaping and improving leave administration in the Executive Department. Hybrid Flexibility : Work in both virtual and in‑person environments. Compassion at the Core : Use active listening and empathy to guide employees through complex situations. Key Responsibilities Employee Support : Counsel employees on leave programs, entitlements, and payment mechanisms, communicating complex information clearly and compassionately. Simplify Complexities : Demystify the intricacies of leave benefits, making the process easier to understand and navigate. Ensure Compliance : Interpret and ensure compliance with federal and state leave laws, collective bargaining agreements, and internal policies while balancing employee needs. Case Management & Documentation : Maintain accurate case records and support documentation, ensuring compliance, consistency, and clear communication across teams. Collaborative Work : Partner with HR service teams—including payroll, benefits coordinators, and ADA coordinators—to provide holistic support while maintaining confidentiality and compliance. Stay Current : Keep up‑to‑date with collective bargaining agreements, federal/state laws, and Executive Department policies related to family and medical leave. Customer Service Excellence : Use exceptional communication, de‑escalation, and empathy skills when helping employees through stressful or complex situations. Document Review : Review medical certifications and supporting documents to evaluate completeness and ensure compliance, accuracy, and consistency. Professional Communication & Decision‑Making : Use sound judgment and strong communication skills to convey information about leave cases, ensuring stakeholders understand the process and next steps. Qualifications First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. Experience : Prior work in a unionized environment and familiarity with employee benefits programs or case management experience is a plus. Collaboration Skills : Proven ability to work effectively with diverse teams and serve a wide range of employees. Adaptability : Ability to absorb, retain, and apply new information, policies, and processes effectively while maintaining high standards. Critical Thinking : Ability to make sound eligibility determinations and provide confident, well‑informed guidance to employees using strong problem‑solving, deductive reasoning, and judgment skills. Strong Communicator : Strong written and verbal skills to document and communicate case details professionally and clearly with employees, internal teams, and external partners. Tech‑Savvy : Ability to utilize multiple HR systems and records consistently. Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications and knowledge of AbsenceSoft leave management software or Five9 telephony system is a plus. Certifications : CLMS, PHR, or SHRM‑CP certification is a plus but not required. Minimum Entrance Requirements : At least three years of full‑time or equivalent part‑time professional experience in personnel work (classification, staffing, job analysis or evaluation). Substitution options: Associate’s degree may substitute up to one year of required experience. Bachelor’s degree or higher may substitute up to two years of required experience. A graduate degree in Personnel Management, Personnel Administration or Public Administration may substitute the required experience. Benefits Career Development : Access training, workshops, and internal presentations to grow expertise in leave management. Kick Start Your HR Career : Leave management opens doors to other HR areas such as benefits, payroll, and employee relations. Mission‑Driven Team : Be part of a team that makes a real difference in the lives of state employees and shapes the future of state government benefits. An Equal Opportunity / Affiliated Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet 100% of the job requirements. #J-18808-Ljbffr Commonwealth of Massachusetts