HR Generalist

We are looking for a Contract HR Generalist to support leave administration for a retail organization in Cincinnati, Ohio. This role will manage the full leave lifecycle internally, from intake and documentation review through return-to-work coordination, while ensuring accurate records and policy compliance. The position is well suited for an HR specialist who can balance employee support, detailed case management, and timely communication in a fast-paced environment.Responsibilities:• Manage employee leave cases from initial request through final resolution, including return-to-work coordination and case closure.• Prepare and distribute required notices, forms, status updates, and other leave-related communications within established deadlines.• Evaluate medical certifications and supporting documents, determine whether additional information is needed, and follow up to obtain complete records.• Guide employees and managers on leave eligibility, required paperwork, timelines, and next steps throughout the process.• Maintain accurate case notes, leave dates, status changes, and documentation in HR systems and tracking tools.• Partner with payroll, benefits contacts, and internal stakeholders to ensure leave activity is reflected correctly and issues are resolved promptly.• Monitor extensions, recertifications, documentation deadlines, and return-to-work requirements to keep cases moving efficiently.• Support reporting, audit preparation, and ongoing improvements to leave processes, forms, tracking methods, and employee communications.• Escalate high-risk or sensitive matters to HR leadership when interpretation or additional review is required.