HR Specialist

Innovative Defense Technologies (Idt) - Arlington, VA

Full-time

Arlington, VA

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT) is seeking a highly professional, confidential, and organized HR Specialist to join our team in Arlington, VA. This role is pivotal in the administration of our leave programs, which include medical, disability, parental, military, and other special leaves. The HR Specialist will ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, as well as company policies and procedures, while providing guidance and support to employees and managers throughout the leave process. This position is part of the Benefits Team within the HR department and reports to the Sr. Benefits Manager. All applicants must be able to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Security Clearance. The HR Specialist will be responsible for reviewing and processing leave requests and documentation, communicating with employees and managers regarding leave eligibility, approval, duration, and return to work status. Maintaining accurate and updated records of leave statuses in the HRIS system and other databases is essential. The role also involves coordinating with payroll, benefits, and other HR functions to ensure timely and accurate payment and continuation of benefits for employees on leave. Monitoring and tracking leave usage and trends, generating reports as needed, and providing education and training to employees and managers on leave policies and procedures are also key responsibilities. Additionally, the HR Specialist will review semi-monthly labor reports to ensure accuracy of leave code usages, work with third-party administrators to manage FMLA and Disability leaves, and stay abreast of current laws and regulations related to leave administration. Handling complex and sensitive leave issues with discretion and confidentiality is crucial, as is remaining current on market analysis, best practices, trends, and metrics related to employer and state paid leave requirements. Collaboration with other HR staff and external vendors to provide quality service to employees and managers is also expected.

Responsibilities

• Review and process leave requests and documentation.
• Communicate with employees and managers regarding leave eligibility, approval, duration, and return to work status.
• Maintain accurate and updated records of leave statuses in the HRIS system and other databases.
• Coordinate with payroll, benefits, and other HR functions to ensure timely and accurate payment and continuation of benefits for employees on leave.
• Monitor and track leave usage and trends and generate reports as needed.
• Provide education and training to employees and managers on leave policies and procedures.
• Review semi-monthly labor report to ensure accuracy of leave code usages.
• Work with our third-party administrators to manage FMLA and Disability leaves.
• Stay abreast of current laws and regulations related to leave administration, and update policies and procedures accordingly.
• Handle complex and sensitive leave issues with discretion and confidentiality.
• Remain current on market analysis, best practices, trends and metrics as it pertains to employer and state paid leave requirements.
• Collaborate with other HR staff and external vendors to provide quality service to employees and managers.

Requirements

• BS/BA Degree required.
• At least 5 years of experience in HR/Benefits administration.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to leave administration, such as FMLA, ADA, USERRA, and state-specific laws.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Experience using HRIS Systems, preferably ADP.
• Experience working with third party vendors on leave administration.
• Knowledge of human resources concepts, practices, policies, and procedures.

Nice-to-haves

• Relevant coursework in Human Resources preferred.