Title: Human Resources Manager (Leaves of Absence)
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS: Under direction of the Director of Human Resources, is responsible for giving direction and active support to Chicago Park District employees. Helps managers with recruitment, selection, staffing, training, development, evaluation, discipline, and other personnel responsibilities. Conducts employee training and provides personnel support services to regions and departments, with a specific focus on administering leave policies and programs. Performs related duties as required.

REQUIRED TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of professional experience in personnel management, leaves management, or a related field.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience, such as a Master’s Degree in a related field with at least 3 years of relevant professional experience, or 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in personnel management, leaves management, or a closely related field.

PREFERRED TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• Professional HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR) preferred.
• Professional experience in a unionized environment preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated knowledge of dispute resolution techniques.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of public sector Human Resources administration in a Union environment; employee relations; recruitment and selection; classification; compensation; benefits administration; employee development and training; organizational development; and principles of public administration, management and supervision
• Strong negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with the capacity to build trust and rapport at all levels of the organization.
• Analytical mindset with proficiency in data analysis and reporting.
• Ability to work independently, handle multiple priorities, and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and HRIS or leave management systems.
• Familiarity with public sector HR operations in unionized environments.
• Ability to communicate human resource issues to managers.
• Ability to implement human resources programs in area.
• Training skills.
• Team support and management skills.

• Advises managers and supervisors regarding employee recruitment, selection, evaluation, staffing, and discipline processes.
• Develops and monitors career development and training programs for employees.
• Facilitates hiring processes in region by posting job openings, contacting candidates, scheduling and conducting interviews, and following through as needed.
• Ensures that employment practices in regions/departments are in agreement with appropriate union contracts and the District’s Code of Conduct.
• Ensures performance evaluations are completed objectively and in a timely manner. Facilitates employee discipline and maintains disciplinary records.
• Responds to employee complaints, concerns and grievances.
• Develops and supports career plans for employees.
• Conducts training to convey personnel policies to employees, in order for regions/departments to implement processes in accordance with central policies.
• Ensures compliance with federal and state employment laws by interpreting and administering employee leave policies and programs.
• Oversees the administration and management of various leave types for Park District staff, including but not limited to FMLA, VESSA, military leave, paid parental leave, and other statutory or organizational leave programs.
• Manages individual leave cases from intake to return-to-work, ensuring timely documentation, tracking, and follow-up.
• Coordinates with Payroll and Benefits teams to ensure accurate processing of paid/unpaid leave, benefits continuation, and return-to-work procedures.
• Oversees return-to-work planning, including fitness-for-duty certification, accommodation assessments, and compliance with ADA and related laws.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for employees and supervisors throughout the leave process, providing guidance, updates, and policy clarifications.
• Maintains detailed and confidential leave records in compliance with legal and internal requirements; participates in audits and reporting.
• Assists in the development, revision, and communication of leave policies; provides training to managers and employees on leave procedures and compliance obligations.