EMPLOYEE RELATIONS-LEAVE ADMINISTRATION in Hattiesburg, Mississippi at Forrest General Hospital

Employee Relations:

• Research and recommend the adoption of the best human resources practices
• Monitor compliance with applicable federal and state employment regulations, and advise the manager regarding areas of noncompliance.
• Advise Leadership regarding compliance with human resources policies and practices as well as provide coaching to Leadership regarding employee relations issues.
• Educate leadership regarding employment laws, including documentation required for employee human resources files
• Investigates employee relations cases and assures appropriate documentation is received for the HR file. Documentation will include (not inclusive list):
  • employee statements,
  • camera footage,
  • copies of patient charges, if warranted
  • pictures or screenshots
• Carry out termination meeting when warranted. Thoroughly document details regarding termination meeting.
• Scan documents into personnel records.
• Maintains a comprehensive weekly activity log (OneNote) detailing all tasks and interactions, including but not limited to:
  • phone calls, emails, manager complaints and coaching, employee concerns,
  • HRIS issues,
  • attendance adjustments,
  • timecard unlock requests,
  • termination and accommodations meetings,
  • corporate compliance matters,
  • drug screenings,
  • open employee relations investigations,
  • demotion/position change meetings,
  • employee office visits,
  • document scanning/indexing,
  • FMLA and medical leave documentation (including provider certification submissions),
  • Approved and denied leaves of absence
  • Authorizations for leave requests processing,
  • Return-to-work tracking and leave case updates,
  • Miscellaneous meetings/activities,
  • and unemployment claims and hearings.
• Provide training and assistance to KRONOS Workforce Attendance users.
• Provide input into the design and management of the HealthStream job performance/competency assessment process and provide assistance to HealthStream Competency Center users.
• Assist the Manager in development and delivery of employee and leadership development programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Leave Administrator:

• Serves as the primary contact for all leaves of absence processes: FMLA, Medical Leave, Military Leave, and Special Leave.
• Maintains Leave records in Kronos/UKG system by:
  • Opening/Closing leaves in a timely manner,
  • Updates case notes in leave file in a timely manner.
  • Adds Leave time to Calendar in UKG/Kronos system,
  • Coordinates with the Worker’s Compensation group to document all leaves due to an employee’s on-the-job injury.
• Process status changes in Lawson for leaves of absence in a timely manner. Notifies Benefits group, HR Compensation Analyst, and Payroll group of status changes as required.
• Oversees process for Family Medical Leaves (FMLA):
  • Determines if employee is eligible for FMLA
  • Sends required documentation to the employee and healthcare provider in a timely manner
  • Notifies the employee’s manager of the dates of FMLA, and appropriate recording of benefit time on timecard
  • Ensures the employee has a healthcare provider’s clearance to return to work before resuming duties.
• Runs reports in UKG/Kronos to enter leave time and check for undocumented leaves of absence
• Serves as primary contact with health care providers (HCP) when it becomes necessary to seek additional information or needed documentation for the leave process.
• Scans leave documents into employee records on a timely basis.
• Discusses regulatory questions and/or problematic leave cases with the Manager. Apprises Manager when a need for possible ADA accommodation consideration is indicated.
• Serves as back-up for Regional HR Managers at regional hospitals when they are unable to perform their duties related to leave administration.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Performance Expectations:

Employee Relations:

Core Responsibilities & Outcomes

• Manages employee relations cases promptly, ensuring fair, consistent, and compliant resolutions.
• Conducts thorough, well-documented investigations into workplace concerns.
• Maintains accurate and confidential employee records and case files.
• Interprets and applies company policies consistently across situations.

Communication & Service

• Responds to employee and manager inquiries in a timely, professional manner.
• Demonstrates strong conflict-resolution and active listening skills.
• Provides clear guidance to managers on handling employee issues.
• Builds trust while maintaining neutrality and confidentiality.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensures adherence to federal, state, and company employment laws and policies.
• Identifies potential risks and escalates issues appropriately.
• Supports audits and maintains documentation aligned with legal requirements.

Collaboration & Support

• Partners with HR, leadership, and legal teams on complex employee matters.

Leave Administrator:

Core Responsibilities & Accuracy

• Administers employee leave programs (e.g., FMLA, ADA, state/local leaves, company policies) accurately and consistently.
• Reviews and processes leave requests, certifications, and documentation with a high level of detail.
• Tracks leave balances, eligibility, and return-to-work dates without errors.
• Maintains complete, organized, and confidential records.

Timeliness & Case Management

• Acknowledges and processes leave requests within established timelines.
• Manages caseload efficiently, ensuring deadlines for notices, follow-ups, and determinations are met.
• Proactively follows up on missing or incomplete documentation.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensures all leave practices comply with federal, state, and local laws, as well as company policies.
• Identifies potential compliance risks and escalates appropriately.
• Prepares and maintains audit-ready documentation.

Communication & Employee Support

• Clearly explains leave options, rights, and responsibilities to employees and managers.
• Provides timely, empathetic, and professional responses to inquiries.
• Communicates status updates and next steps throughout the leave process.

Coordination & Collaboration

• Partners with HR, payroll, benefits, and managers to ensure seamless leave administration.
• Coordinates return-to-work processes, including fitness-for-duty or medical release requirements when applicable.

Systems & Reporting

• Accurately inputs and updates data in HRIS or leave management systems.
• Generates reports on leave usage, trends, and key metrics.
• Identifies opportunities to improve processes and system efficiency.

Continuous Improvement

• Stays current on leave laws and best practices.
• Recommends process improvements to enhance employee experience and compliance.

Qualifications:

Education/Skills

A bachelor's degree in human resources management, business or behavioral sciences is required. Will accept 4 years of Human Resources experience in lieu of a degree. Must be computer-literate.

Work Experience:

Minimum of 5 years previous experience in Human Resources required.

Certification/Licensure-DUE UPON HIRE

• Senior Level HR Certification (SHRM_SCP or SPHR)

Preferred