Diedra Tyson
Summary
HR and Leave of Absence professional with a strong background in human resources and benefits administration. Expertise in HR laws and practices facilitates effective change management and resolution of complex employee relations issues. Proven ability to develop collaborative business relationships and drive employee engagement across all organizational levels. Recognized for strategic problem-solving skills and a commitment to exceptional customer service, resulting in enhanced operational efficiency and achievement of organizational goals.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. HR Leave of Absence Administrator
FirstCash, Inc.
Fort Worth
01.2025 - Current
- Executed successful leave and accommodation processes, enhancing operational efficiency across departments.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop integrated procedures that achieved department objectives.
- Managed entire leave process for FMLA, short-term disability, long-term disability, paid family leave, and military leave.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local regulations regarding leave practices.
- Analyzed leave data to identify trends and recommend process improvements.
- Facilitated interactive process for reasonable accommodations under ADA guidelines.
- Partnered with HR, payroll, and benefits teams to ensure accurate employee pay and benefits continuation.
- Maintained accurate and confidential employee leave records in compliance with legal standards.
HR/Leave of Absence Administrator
FirstCash, Inc.
Fort Worth
04.2023 - 01.2025
- Trained employees on absence tracking systems, procedures, business policies, and best practices.
- Assessed current processes to identify improvement opportunities and presented recommendations to management.
- Developed efficient work schedules for support staff to enhance productivity.
- Managed daily LOA Team operations and streamlined administrative procedures.
- Prepared correspondence for FMLA and ADA communications, processing all ADA accommodation requests.
- Facilitated timely service delivery by expertly managing customer support needs.
- Cultivated relationships with third-party vendors and internal stakeholders for smooth LOA processing.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline processes and improve departmental efficiency.
Leave Of Absence Specialist
Next Step Recruiting, LLC (Contract)
Fort Worth
12.2022 - 04.2023
- Guided managers in implementing reasonable accommodations for employees returning from leave.
- Developed reports on leave trends to support management review and decision-making.
- Processed leave requests, ensuring timely approval or denial based on eligibility criteria.
- Coordinated leaves of absence in compliance with company policies and federal regulations.
- Participated in audits to verify accuracy of leave records and documentation.
- Prepared correspondence to communicate decisions regarding leave requests and extensions.
- Educated employees on rights under FMLA, ADA, and other applicable laws.
- Collaborated with payroll to ensure accurate payment adjustments during employee absences.
HR Project Manager
Signature Consultant (Bank of America-Contract)
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Facilitated communication of project requirements and updates on COVID-19 and FFCRA protocols.
- Served as primary contact for teams and management to ensure effective information exchange.
- Drove change management initiatives through comprehensive project documentation and deliverables.
- Maintained accuracy in data transmission between management and employees.
- Developed and documented processes and procedures to enhance operational efficiency.
- Conducted audits and reconciliations to verify compliance with benefit plan eligibility and regulations.
Benefits/Leave of Administrator
BW Gas & Convenience, LLC; dba Yesway
Fort Worth
06.2021 - 12.2022
- Administered employee benefits programs in compliance with vendor contracts.
- Reviewed and approved qualifying life events for applicable benefits plan changes.
- Responded and processed medical support orders for child support enforcement orders.
- Facilitated communications and transmission of accurate data between the company, employees, health and welfare and voluntary program vendors.
- Responded to employee questions regarding benefit and 401(k) plan provisions and enrollment changes.
- Audited monthly data transmission to vendors and reconciliation of monthly invoices for timely payment.
- Processed COBRA notifications and maintain related records according to regulatory requirements.
- Developed benefit communication materials, conduct new employee benefit orientation and open enrollment education sessions.
- Performed various audits and reconciliations to ensure compliance with benefit plan eligibility requirements and applicable regulations.
- Coordinated employee leaves of absence with employees, managers, and third parties.
Benefits Coordinator
Berry Appleman & Leiden, LLC
Richardson
09.2020 - 06.2021
- Managed COVID self-reports from employees and managers to ensure compliance.
- Drafted office communications regarding COVID protocols for enhanced clarity.
- Processed administrative support requests to facilitate operations efficiently.
- Assisted with health and welfare plans, ensuring alignment with employee needs.
- Reviewed and processed Life Events to update employee records accurately.
- Advised on leaves of absence requests while monitoring compliance with policies.
- Conducted HRIS testing during annual open enrollment for system reliability.
- Monitored and responded to incoming benefit inquiries via email and phone.
Accommodation Specialist
Pier 1 Imports
Fort Worth
01.2018 - 12.2019
- Facilitated interactive processes with Associates, direct Supervisor, and HR Business Partners.
- Applied state and federal laws to ensure compliance in leave management.
- Processed leave requests, determining eligibility and approval for associates.
- Collaborated with HR Business Partners on requests and work restrictions for associates.
- Managed separations for associates unable to perform essential job functions.
- Communicated updates on work status with Risk Management.
- Made informed separation decisions regarding employment status.
- Oversaw file reviews of LOA Coordinators' caseload to ensure efficiency.
Education
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Business Management
Northwood University
Cedar Hill, Texas06.2009
Associate in arts (A.A.) - Arts
Tarrant County College
Arlington, Texas12.2005
Skills
- Flexibility
- Subject matter expertise
- Time management
- Template design
- Attention to detail
- Project management
- Employee supervision
- Quality control
- Data management
- Process improvement
- Resource optimization
- Written and verbal communication
- Leave administration
- Regulatory compliance
- Data analysis
- Decision-making
- Document management
- Problem-solving
- Presentation development
- Documentation and reporting
- Team leadership
- Timesheet processing
- Email organization
- Task delegation
Hr Systems
- UltiPro/UKG
- PeopleSoft
- Ceridian
- Lawson
- ExponentHR
- Workday
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Sr. HR Leave of Absence Administrator
FirstCash, Inc.
01.2025 - Current
HR/Leave of Absence Administrator
FirstCash, Inc.
04.2023 - 01.2025
Leave Of Absence Specialist
Next Step Recruiting, LLC (Contract)
12.2022 - 04.2023
HR Project Manager
Signature Consultant (Bank of America-Contract)
01.2022 - 12.2022
Benefits/Leave of Administrator
BW Gas & Convenience, LLC; dba Yesway
06.2021 - 12.2022
Benefits Coordinator
Berry Appleman & Leiden, LLC
09.2020 - 06.2021
Accommodation Specialist
Pier 1 Imports
01.2018 - 12.2019
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Business Management
Northwood University
Associate in arts (A.A.) - Arts
Tarrant County College