State of Connecticut, Department of Administrative Services
Leave of Absence Specialist
State of Connecticut, Department of Administrative Services, Hartford, Connecticut, us, 06112
Leave of Absence Specialist
Human Resources Specialist
Recruitment # 250923-0912MP-001
Location Hartford, CT
Date Opened 9/25/2025 12:00:00 AM
Salary $83,556 - $113,932/year* *(New hires to state service start at the minimum)
Job Type Open to the Public
Close Date 10/2/2025 11:59:00 PM
Go Back Apply View Benefits (https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/jobs/?b=Benefits)
Introduction
Are you an experienced leave administrator? Do your customers describe you as responsive, knowledgeable, and compassionate toward their leave of absence needs?
If so, the State of Connecticut (https://portal.ct.gov/) , Department of Administrative Services (DAS) (https://portal.ct.gov/das) has two exciting opportunities for you to join our Benefits and Leaves Team as a Leave of Absence Specialist (Human Resources Specialist (https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/specs/classspecdisplay.asp?ClassNumber=0912MP&R1=undefined&R3=undefined) )!
We recognize the value of our employees – their dedication to their profession and their commitment to providing a safe and thriving environment for our communities. We also understand that there are times when our employees find themselves needing to be away from work. This is where we come in. Our knowledgeable Team provides training, leave administration, and support to over 30 executive branch agencies by administering various leaves for pregnancy and bonding, treatments, recoveries from surgery or illness, and everything in between. Do your skills and interests fit in? If this sounds like something you want to be a part of, keep reading!
The Role:
You will work as part of a service delivery team providing first-rate support to employees, as well as partnering with Human Resources Business Partners, supervisors, and various other stakeholders and be responsible for:
Independently interpreting and administering leave programs and policies in accordance with the applicable federal and state employment laws (FMLA, ADA, Pregnancy Discrimination Act, etc.) as well as collective bargaining agreements.
Ensuring compliance with federal and state statutes regarding leave entitlements.
Providing effective and responsive communication with employees, agency human resources partners, bargaining unit representatives and other partners to ensure collaborative relationships.
Maintaining complete and accurate records of leave requests and supporting documentation.
Analyzing and resolving problem situations and taking appropriate action in collaboration with supervisor.
Other related duties as outlined in the Human Resources Specialist job specification (see above).
Position Details:
Full-time, 40 hours/week
Monday - Friday
Hybrid work opportunity
Located in Hartford, CT
What We Can Offer You:
Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview (https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/jobs/?b=Benefits) page!
Professional growth and development opportunities.
A healthy work/life balance to all employees (https://www.jobapscloud.com/ct/sup/EVPPDF123020.pdf) .
Selection Plan
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library (https://portal.ct.gov/das/home/services-for-state-employees/statewide-human-resources/applicant-reference-library?language=en_US) for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
BEFORE YOU APPLY:
Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.
Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69 (https://www.cga.ct.gov/2021/act/pa/pdf/2021PA-00069-R00SB-00056-PA.pdf) , resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.
AFTER YOU APPLY:
Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Hayley Newhouse at hayley.newhouse@ct.gov.
Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of professional human resources duties within a specialized service delivery team or a unit with statewide impact.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Proposes, formulates and implements program policies and operational procedures;
Screens, refers and recommends candidates for employment;
Interprets, administers and ensures compliance with human resources, employment and equal opportunity laws, regulations, policies and procedures;
Processes human resource records and transactions;
Develops new job classifications and new job classification series and uses job evaluation systems and methodologies to evaluate jobs and set salaries;
Communicates with agency human resources partners, bargaining unit representatives and other stakeholders to ensure cooperative relationships;
Implements and may assist in developing training programs;
Advises administrative officials, managers and supervisors regarding program policy and guidelines;
Develops materials for recruitment programs;
Collaborates with administrative officials in strategic planning to ensure alignment of activities with organizational goals and strategies;
Monitors and makes recommendations for emerging program needs;
Maintains human resources information systems;
Processes workers' compensation claims;
Provides assistance to employees in areas such as leaves (e.g., family, medical, military), and tuition reimbursement;
Conducts audits of agency transactions to ensure business rules are followed;
Analyzes and resolves problem situations and takes or recommends appropriate action;
Performs job audits, or other fact finding techniques, related to individual job classification and job classification studies;
Prepares or directs preparation of reports, manuals and correspondence;
Interprets and ensures adherence to collective bargaining agreements;
Participates in the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;
Ensures all records, files and folders are maintained, updated and digitized, where applicable;
May serve on human resources project teams involving the conduct of best practice research and the development and implementation of new systems, training initiatives and other projects with statewide impact;
Performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
Knowledge of
relevant state and federal laws, statutes, regulations, policies and procedures;
human resources management;
employment practices related to civil rights, equal employment opportunity, job classification, recruitment and selection, compensation and benefit programs, pay administration, workers compensation and labor relations;
Considerable
interpersonal skills;
oral and written communication skills;
conflict resolution skills;
Ability to
analyze and balance partners need with laws, regulations, policies, procedures and collective bargaining agreements;
strategically plan, including succession planning;
apply innovative solutions to organizational problems.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Seven (7) years of professional experience in human resources management or equal employment opportunity/affirmative action or labor relations management.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE
One (1) year of the General Experience must have been at the junior working level in human resources management or equal employment opportunity/affirmative action or labor relations management.
NOTE: For state employees this experience is interpreted at the level of a Human Resources Associate, Human Resources Generalist 1, or Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist 1.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED
College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
A Master's Degree in human resources management, labor relations, business administration, public administration or a closely related field or a law degree may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
For state employees one (1) year as a Human Resources Associate, Human Resources Generalist 1, or Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist 1 may be substituted for the General and Special Experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s Degree
Experience administering leaves under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in an organization with over 1,000 employees
Experience tracking leave usage in accordance with Federal and CT FMLA laws
Experience with Peoplesoft or Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS)
Experience advising individuals on matters related to leaves of absence
Experience prioritizing work assignments with competing deadlines
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.
Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
Conclusion
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.
Click on a link below to apply for this position:
Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. Apply Online
Human Resources Specialist
Recruitment # 250923-0912MP-001
Location Hartford, CT
Date Opened 9/25/2025 12:00:00 AM
Salary $83,556 - $113,932/year* *(New hires to state service start at the minimum)
Job Type Open to the Public
Close Date 10/2/2025 11:59:00 PM
Go Back Apply View Benefits (https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/jobs/?b=Benefits)
Introduction
Are you an experienced leave administrator? Do your customers describe you as responsive, knowledgeable, and compassionate toward their leave of absence needs?
If so, the State of Connecticut (https://portal.ct.gov/) , Department of Administrative Services (DAS) (https://portal.ct.gov/das) has two exciting opportunities for you to join our Benefits and Leaves Team as a Leave of Absence Specialist (Human Resources Specialist (https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/specs/classspecdisplay.asp?ClassNumber=0912MP&R1=undefined&R3=undefined) )!
We recognize the value of our employees – their dedication to their profession and their commitment to providing a safe and thriving environment for our communities. We also understand that there are times when our employees find themselves needing to be away from work. This is where we come in. Our knowledgeable Team provides training, leave administration, and support to over 30 executive branch agencies by administering various leaves for pregnancy and bonding, treatments, recoveries from surgery or illness, and everything in between. Do your skills and interests fit in? If this sounds like something you want to be a part of, keep reading!
The Role:
You will work as part of a service delivery team providing first-rate support to employees, as well as partnering with Human Resources Business Partners, supervisors, and various other stakeholders and be responsible for:
Independently interpreting and administering leave programs and policies in accordance with the applicable federal and state employment laws (FMLA, ADA, Pregnancy Discrimination Act, etc.) as well as collective bargaining agreements.
Ensuring compliance with federal and state statutes regarding leave entitlements.
Providing effective and responsive communication with employees, agency human resources partners, bargaining unit representatives and other partners to ensure collaborative relationships.
Maintaining complete and accurate records of leave requests and supporting documentation.
Analyzing and resolving problem situations and taking appropriate action in collaboration with supervisor.
Other related duties as outlined in the Human Resources Specialist job specification (see above).
Position Details:
Full-time, 40 hours/week
Monday - Friday
Hybrid work opportunity
Located in Hartford, CT
What We Can Offer You:
Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview (https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/jobs/?b=Benefits) page!
Professional growth and development opportunities.
A healthy work/life balance to all employees (https://www.jobapscloud.com/ct/sup/EVPPDF123020.pdf) .
Selection Plan
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library (https://portal.ct.gov/das/home/services-for-state-employees/statewide-human-resources/applicant-reference-library?language=en_US) for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
BEFORE YOU APPLY:
Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.
Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69 (https://www.cga.ct.gov/2021/act/pa/pdf/2021PA-00069-R00SB-00056-PA.pdf) , resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.
AFTER YOU APPLY:
Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Hayley Newhouse at hayley.newhouse@ct.gov.
Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of professional human resources duties within a specialized service delivery team or a unit with statewide impact.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Proposes, formulates and implements program policies and operational procedures;
Screens, refers and recommends candidates for employment;
Interprets, administers and ensures compliance with human resources, employment and equal opportunity laws, regulations, policies and procedures;
Processes human resource records and transactions;
Develops new job classifications and new job classification series and uses job evaluation systems and methodologies to evaluate jobs and set salaries;
Communicates with agency human resources partners, bargaining unit representatives and other stakeholders to ensure cooperative relationships;
Implements and may assist in developing training programs;
Advises administrative officials, managers and supervisors regarding program policy and guidelines;
Develops materials for recruitment programs;
Collaborates with administrative officials in strategic planning to ensure alignment of activities with organizational goals and strategies;
Monitors and makes recommendations for emerging program needs;
Maintains human resources information systems;
Processes workers' compensation claims;
Provides assistance to employees in areas such as leaves (e.g., family, medical, military), and tuition reimbursement;
Conducts audits of agency transactions to ensure business rules are followed;
Analyzes and resolves problem situations and takes or recommends appropriate action;
Performs job audits, or other fact finding techniques, related to individual job classification and job classification studies;
Prepares or directs preparation of reports, manuals and correspondence;
Interprets and ensures adherence to collective bargaining agreements;
Participates in the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;
Ensures all records, files and folders are maintained, updated and digitized, where applicable;
May serve on human resources project teams involving the conduct of best practice research and the development and implementation of new systems, training initiatives and other projects with statewide impact;
Performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
Knowledge of
relevant state and federal laws, statutes, regulations, policies and procedures;
human resources management;
employment practices related to civil rights, equal employment opportunity, job classification, recruitment and selection, compensation and benefit programs, pay administration, workers compensation and labor relations;
Considerable
interpersonal skills;
oral and written communication skills;
conflict resolution skills;
Ability to
analyze and balance partners need with laws, regulations, policies, procedures and collective bargaining agreements;
strategically plan, including succession planning;
apply innovative solutions to organizational problems.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Seven (7) years of professional experience in human resources management or equal employment opportunity/affirmative action or labor relations management.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE
One (1) year of the General Experience must have been at the junior working level in human resources management or equal employment opportunity/affirmative action or labor relations management.
NOTE: For state employees this experience is interpreted at the level of a Human Resources Associate, Human Resources Generalist 1, or Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist 1.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED
College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
A Master's Degree in human resources management, labor relations, business administration, public administration or a closely related field or a law degree may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
For state employees one (1) year as a Human Resources Associate, Human Resources Generalist 1, or Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist 1 may be substituted for the General and Special Experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s Degree
Experience administering leaves under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in an organization with over 1,000 employees
Experience tracking leave usage in accordance with Federal and CT FMLA laws
Experience with Peoplesoft or Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS)
Experience advising individuals on matters related to leaves of absence
Experience prioritizing work assignments with competing deadlines
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.
Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
Conclusion
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.
Click on a link below to apply for this position:
Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. Apply Online