Leave Consultant

Position Information Hiring Department: Human ResourcesReports To: Leave ManagerJob Location: On Site, El Paso, TXPosting End Date: Open until filled. This posting may close once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.Hours: 40 hours per week, standard Monday- Friday 8:00am- 5:00pmFLSA status: ExemptEarliest Start Date: As soon as possible.Salary: $50,000 annuallyRequired Application Materials Resume List of three references Position SummaryPosition Summary The Leave Consultant administers and manages employee leave of absence programs for the University in accordance with federal and state regulations, University policies, and UT System guidelines. This position serves as a central resource for supervisors and employees regarding leave-related matters and ensures accurate, timely, and compliant processing of leave cases.The Leave Consultant supports HR Operations by providing high-quality customer service, maintaining confidentiality, and contributing to the continuous improvement of leave and absence management processes, including system and workflow transitions.Key Responsibilities Leave Administration & Case Management - 40% Manage end-to-end leave of absence cases from initiation through return-to-work, including medical, family, disability, and personal leave programsDetermine eligibility and coordinate approvals in accordance with applicable policies and regulations (e.g., FMLA, ADA, state leave laws)Track leave status, duration, and required documentation while ensuring accuracy and complianceCoordinate return-to-work processes, including partnering with other units to assist with workplace accommodations and modified duty assignments when applicable.Employee and Departmental Support– 25% Serves as the primary point of contact for employees, supervisors, and departments regarding leave processes and requirements.Provides clear guidance on leave policies, timelines, and documentation requirements.Maintains regular communication with employees and departments throughout the lifecycle of each leave case.Collaborates with Payroll, Benefits, and HRIS to ensure seamless processing and accurate records.Compliance & Policy Administration– 15% Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and institutional leave laws and policiesMaintain working knowledge of regulatory requirements (e.g., FMLA, ADA, USERRA)Identify risks and escalate complex cases requiring legal review or accommodation evaluationAssist in the development, revision, and implementation of leave policies and procedures.Data Management & Reporting– 15% Maintain accurate and confidential employee leave records and case documentationUtilize HRIS and leave management systems to track cases and generate reportsPrepare audit-ready documentation and support compliance reviewsAnalyze leave trends and provide insights into HR leadershipProcess Improvement & Operations – 5% Evaluate and recommend improvements to leave administration processes to enhance efficiencySupport system implementations and workflow optimization (e.g., ServiceNow or HRIS enhancements)Develop job aids, procedures, and training materials for internal stakeholdersEnsure consistent application of leave policies across the organization.Knowledge of all Microsoft Office software and able to learn and use institutional software systems.Complies with all State and University policies.Other duties may be assigned.Supervisory Responsibilities: Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.QualificationsTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.Required QualificationsEducation: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.andExperience: 2 (two) - 4 (four) years of experience in leave administration, HR operations, or benefits administrationExperience In Higher Education Or Public Sector HR PreferredExperience in delivering employee counseling, benefits administration, education, or program support.Preferred QualificationsExperience facilitating group sessions, workshops, or webinars.Skills Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of leave laws and regulations (FMLA, ADA, disability, workers’ compensation) Strong organizational, time and case management skills Attention to detail and accuracy Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with extreme discretion Capacity to manage multiple cases in a challenging environment Expertise in benefits counseling and enrollment support. Solid understanding of compliance requirements and regulatory frameworks. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer-service skills. Effective problem-solving ability paired with empathetic listening. Competencies Strategic thinking and the ability to anticipate employee needs. Ability to influence, guide, and support employees at all levels of the organization. Commitment to accuracy, confidentiality, and high-quality service. Why Pick UTEP The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP ) is a comprehensive public research university that is increasing access to excellent higher education. We advance discovery of public value and positively impact the health, culture, education, and economy of the community we serve.UTEP is America’s leading Hispanic-serving university. Located at the westernmost tip of Texas, where three states and two countries converge along the Rio Grande, 84% of our 26,000 students are Hispanic, and half are the first in their families to go to college. UTEP offers 170 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs at the only open-access, top-tier research university in America.This is an especially exciting time to join UTEP as it advances the goals of its 2030 Strategic Plan . Built around the institution’s core strengths—its location, its people, its supportive culture, and its community partnerships—the plan lays out a bold vision for the next decade, aimed at maximizing the University’s regional impact and national stature.About The Office Of Human ResourcesUTEP’s Office of Human Resources supports the university’s mission by recruiting talented individuals, fostering professional growth, and promoting a culture of service, integrity, and respect. The department is committed to providing exceptional service to applicants, employees, and campus partners, working collaboratively to attract, develop, and retain a skilled workforce dedicated to student success and institutional excellence.The Leave Consultant contributes to this mission by administering and managing employee leave of absence programs in compliance with federal and state regulations, University policies, and UT System guidelines. Serving as a key resource for supervisors and employees, this role ensures accurate, timely, and compliant processing of leave cases while delivering high-quality customer service and maintaining strict confidentiality. The Leave Consultant also supports HR Operations by contributing to continuous improvement efforts, including process enhancements and system and workflow transitions, to strengthen leave and absence management practices.Additional InformationNote: To the extent that this position involves research, work, or access to critical infrastructure as referenced in Executive Order GA-48, being hired for and continuing to be employed in this position requires the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure.The primary accountabilities are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. Incumbents may perform all or some of the primary accountabilities listed. Specific tasks or responsibilities will be documented in the incumbents’ performance objectives as outlined by the incumbents’ immediate supervisor or manager. This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information. A valid driver’s license issued by the State where the applicant resides and insurability as defined in UTS 157 may be required to perform the position's essential functions.The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee must frequently stand and walk. The employee must regularly sit; use hands to feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee must lift and move up to 10pounds.The noise level for this work environment is usually moderate.In keeping with its access, excellence, and impact mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to a learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment.The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employee’s or prospective employee’s right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972. Inquiries—including the filing of a Formal Complaint or reporting an incident—about the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, who can be reached by phone at (915) 747-8358, by email at titleix@utep.edu , or by mail at 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, TX, Kelly Hall, Room 223C.For accommodation information for employees and applicants with disabilities, please contact UTEP's Equal Opportunity Office at eoaa@utep.edu .