Temporary HR Specialist – Leave of Absence & Employee Relations

About the role

Description The Temporary HR Specialist will provide hands-on Human Resources support with a primary focus on leave of absence administration, employee relations, and HR operational support. This position will help ensure employees receive timely and consistent support throughout leaves of absence while assisting HR leadership and managers with employee-relations matters. This role is remote, requiring a dedicated workspace with consistent highspeed internet. Responsibilities: Leave of Absence Administration Manage the day-to-day administration of employee leaves of absence, including medical, FMLA, ADA-related leaves, personal leaves, military leave, workers' compensation leave, and applicable state/local leaves. Serve as a primary point of contact for employees regarding leave processes, required documentation, eligibility, deadlines, and return-to-work requirements. Coordinate leave documentation and communications with employees, managers, HR, benefits, payroll, and third-party leave administrators as applicable. Track leave requests, approvals, extensions, intermittent leave, and expected return-to-work dates. Monitor compliance with applicable federal and state leave requirements and company policies. Coordinate the interactive process for employees requesting workplace accommodations in partnership with HR leadership. Maintain accurate and confidential leave records. Communicate leave status and anticipated return-to-work information to appropriate managers while protecting employee confidentiality. Identify potential leave or accommodation issues and escalate complex matters to HR leadership as appropriate. Assist with ensuring appropriate payroll and benefits actions occur during employee leaves. Employee Relations Provide HR support to managers and employees regarding workplace concerns, performance issues, attendance, conduct, communication, and policy interpretation. Assist with employee-relations investigations, including gathering information, conducting interviews, documenting findings, and preparing summaries for HR leadership. Help ensure employee concerns are addressed promptly, consistently, and professionally. Partner with managers to address performance and behavioral concerns and support appropriate documentation. Assist with disciplinary actions, performance improvement plans, coaching documentation, and other corrective-action processes. Maintain appropriate confidentiality throughout employee-relations matters. Escalate sensitive or high-risk employee-relations matters to HR leadership. HR Operations Respond to employee and manager HR questions and provide guidance regarding company policies and procedures. Assist with onboarding, offboarding, employee-status changes, and other HR transactions as needed. Review and maintain employee records for accuracy and completeness. Assist with employment documentation, HR communications, and personnel-file maintenance. Partner with payroll and benefits teams to resolve employee issues related to leave, pay, benefits, and employment status. Support HR reporting and tracking related to leaves, employee relations, turnover, and other HR activities. Assist with HR projects and process improvements as assigned. Compliance & Documentation Maintain strict confidentiality of employee and medical information. Ensure HR records and leave documentation are maintained in accordance with company policies and applicable legal requirements. Follow established HR procedures for documentation, recordkeeping, and employee communications. Assist HR leadership with identifying potential compliance concerns and escalating them appropriately. FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Employment Type: Temporary Schedule: Monday to Friday Work Location: Remote Requirements Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred. 3+ years of HR experience, with demonstrated experience in leave administration and employee relations. Working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, workers' compensation, and other applicable leave and accommodation requirements. Healthcare HR experience strongly preferred. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Excellent organization and attention to detail. Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion. Strong documentation and investigation skills. Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities. HR certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR is preferred. Physical Requirements: Ability to remain seated for extended periods (up to 6–8 hours per day) while performing computer and desk work. Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, filing, writing, and handling small office items. Close visual acuity to read documents, view a computer screen, and perform detailed work. Ability to hear and respond to verbal instructions and communicate clearly in person and over the phone.