• Develops policies and procedures to assist the Adult Probation Department in the management of employee absence; manages and administers leaves for union and non-union employees.
• Develops and monitors best practices related to leave administration and makes recommendations to implement if appropriate.
• Tracks employee leaves and generates monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
• Acts as a liaison between third-party administrators, Human Resources, Risk Management and the Cook County Pension Board to facilitate communications regarding employee leaves of absence and provides general guidance and direction.
• Communicates decisions and ongoing expectations with employees and departments. Consults with and advises employees and department heads regarding policies and procedures for taking non-duty related leaves of absence including FMLA, maternity, disability, personal leave, etc.
• Collaborates with appropriate departments to ensure employee receives the correct compensation while absent from work.
• Acts as a liaison between Human Resources, supervisors and Deputy Chiefs to resolve issues.
• Ensures exceptional customer service by responding timely and accurately.
• Receives and processes paperwork and follow-up as needed.
• Coordinates the return-to-work process following non-occupational illnesses or injuries.
• Interprets absence policies demonstrating a thorough understanding of leave process and all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
• Develops and conducts training on leave of absence policies as required.
• Maintains accurate records and confidential employee information.
• Tracks employee leaves and generates monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
• Proactively works with supervisor/manager of employees on non-duty related leaves of absence and verifies return to work.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

1. Establish residency in the State of Illinois within 90 days of hire.
2. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
3. Three (3) years of full-time HR work experience in leave management, benefits, worker’s compensation, or labor relations.
4. Thorough knowledge of current guidelines and other employment law regarding accommodation, protection of rights and special provisions for employees covered by the American with Disabilities Act as well as the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
5. Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint programs.
6. Have excellent oral and written communication skills, and superior command of English grammar. 
7. Ability to perform a variety of tasks, prioritizing based on the Director’s need, and ability to change assignments on short notice.
8. Demonstrate sensitivity to issues of confidentiality and professionalism.
9. Knowledge of benefit administration including solid design, strategy and implementation within a large organization and unionized environment.
10. Possess the ability to exercise independent judgment within prescribed limits and complete miscellaneous projects and problem solving.
11. Knowledge of medical terminology as it may be used in connection with reading and understanding medical records and filing reports with state and federal agencies
12. Possess the ability to work independently and within a team structure.
13. Ability to manage and administer all leaves of absence for union and non-union employees.
14. Demonstrate strong multitasking, organizational and time management skills.
15. Possess the ability to complete all duties as assigned.

• On a continuous basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time in front of a computer screen.
• Able to ambulate throughout the office.
• Intermittently twist to reach equipment or supplies surrounding desk.
• Perform simple grasping and fine manipulation.
• Strength to lift files weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Use telephone and computer keyboard on a daily basis.

• Cover Letter addressed to Chief Probation Officer Megan Volker, addressing work experience and the qualifications for this position.
• Applicant’s current resume.

THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY- OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE and ADULT PROBATION DEPARTMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

1. Employee are required to establish and maintain residency with the State of Illinois within six(6) months of hire.
2. The duties listed are not set forth for the purpose of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the duties to be performed under the job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee’s line of work.