Leave and Benefits Coordinator - Human Resources Specialist 1

Job Details

Working Title: Leave and Benefits Coordinator
Job Class: Human Resources Specialist 1
Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

• Job ID: 94029
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, may be eligible for some telework
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 05/06/2026
• Closing Date: 05/12/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Employment and Economic Development Department - Confidential
• Division/Unit: Human Resources Operations
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $25.67 - $37.26 / hourly; $53,598 - $77,798 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 217 - Confidential/Unrepresented
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has an opportunity to serve as the primary leave management coordinator for the employees of DEED. Bring your talents to the highly collaborative Human Resources team at DEED. This position is responsible for oversight and administration of leave of absence requests including Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Minnesota Paid Leave (MPL), and other related leave of absence requests including absences related to disability, worker’s compensation, and leave accommodations. This position is responsible for compliance with and integration of State and Federal leave policies, laws and collective bargaining contract and plan language into their daily work. The person in this position serves as the main agency resource to advise both supervisors and employees on leaves of absence and related benefits and coordinates other information related to the leave planning process. This position also serves as a Designated Department Insurance Representative (DDIR) for DEED and processes personnel transactions.

This position requires a solutions and relationship-driven approach by actively partnering with leaders, employees, Human Resources (HR) team members, and other stakeholders dedicated to fulfilling DEED's mission to empower the growth of the Minnesota economy for everyone.

This position is telework eligible. Staff are provided with the tools and equipment to be successful in a virtual work environment. Please note, the telework policy could change with notice based on business needs.

This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.

One (1) year of experience in Human Resources or a related field which demonstrates interpreting and applying criteria related to Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and other leaves of absence, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Workers Compensation, or any and other forms of employee benefits or claims.

Applicants that meet the above minimum qualifications will be further evaluated on the following:

• Experience interpreting and applying laws, statutes, regulations and procedures and using that information to answer and resolve complex customer service questions
• Experience working with Microsoft office products, SharePoint, and HR Information Systems (HRIS) to accurately and efficiently process requests
• Knowledge of principles and practices of human resource management in the areas of FMLA and leaves of absence
• Knowledge of data privacy practices and ability to handle sensitive employee information with discretion and professionalism
• Skill in resolving leave-related issues, discrepancies in payroll/benefits, and navigating complex personnel situations
• Ability to build positive working relationships and work effectively with a variety of customers, employees, and stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience coordinating and administering employee leaves of absence in accordance with the State of Minnesota personnel laws, rules, administrative procedures, labor contracts and plans
• Experience applying and interpreting State of Minnesota bargaining unit agreements and plans, HR laws, rules, administrative procedures, and processes
• Experience with Statewide Employee MAnagement (SEMA4) and/or other HR Information Systems
• Experience developing and delivering training to various audiences
• Knowledge of employment laws including ADA, FMLA, Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USSERA), and Government Data Practices
• Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Criminal Background Check
• Employment Records Check (current and former State employees only)
• Employment Reference Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Driver’s License and Records Check

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Application Details

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Connect 700 Program

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Talent Acquisition at talent.acquisition.deed@state.mn.us.

Veterans

To be considered with Veteran's Status, you MUST indicate this on your application and submit a copy of your DD-214 form and other required documentation to talent.acquisition.deed@state.mn.us by the closing date.

Recently Separated Veterans (RSV): Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five RSV applicants who apply and meet the qualifications for a vacancy shall be granted an interview.

Certain Disabled Veterans: Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a non-competitive basis.

See the above links for criteria and eligibility.

Current State Employees

• Please apply via Self Service.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Amber Yang at amber.yang@state.mn.us.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.

The Department of Employment and Economic Development is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer, and encourages all qualified candidates to apply for job opportunities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application and search tools, please contact Karen Lilledahl at Karen.Lilledahl@state.mn.us. Please indicate what assistance is needed.

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