Leave of Absence Specialist
About The Position
Leave of Absence Specialist Senior Reporting directly to the Health and Welfare Benefits Manager, this position is responsible for coordinating the employee leave program in partnership with third-party administrators who manage FMLA and short-term disability, while assisting with the administration of ADA workplace accommodations. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and company policies, monitors case activity for accuracy and timelines, and provides guidance to team members, managers, and HR partners. In the Role Partners with team members, HR partners, management, and third-party administrators to ensure leave of absence cases are handled accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with policies and regulations; researches and resolves issues accordingly. Engages with team members throughout the interactive process of ADA and PWFA accommodation requests, providing guidance and support to ensure a smooth experience. Initiates and tracks the ADA interactive process by sending required documentation, coordinating with employees, HR partners, and management, and exploring alternative solutions and making recommendations to ensure fair, consistent, and compliant outcomes. Processes a high volume of leave actions in payroll, timekeeping, and HR systems, ensuring accurate data entry and maintenance to support compliance and audits. Reconciles and analyzes payroll files or resolves individual pay inquiries related to leaves. Identifies opportunities to streamline leave and accommodation workflows, recommending process enhancements to improve efficiency and the team member experience. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of leave laws, PWFA, and ADA regulations. Partners with the Workers’ Compensation vendor to process employee claims. Serves as the subject matter expert for the leave programs in alignment with and under the general direction and guidance of HR leadership and Legal. Processes state disability claims as necessary. Ensures compliance with state and federal leave laws, providing support and project execution when new laws develop. Participates in or drives special projects or assignments as needed.
Requirements
- 3+ years of experience in U.S. disability/leave administration and ADA accommodation.
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
- Deep understanding and application of federal and state disability and paid family leave laws (i.e., ADA, FMLA, PWFA, CFRA, HIPAA, etc.) in a multi-state environment.
- Independent worker who can regularly exercise discretion, handle conflict, and be firm when required.
- Exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze complex questions and determine the best course of action or recommendation.
- Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with employees at all levels.
- Ability to take initiative and make decisions under pressure.
Nice To Haves
- Workday experience preferred.
- Project management skills.
- Experience in a high-volume environment or large employer.
- Experience administering a CA VDI plan is a plus.
Responsibilities
- Partners with team members, HR partners, management, and third-party administrators to ensure leave of absence cases are handled accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with policies and regulations; researches and resolves issues accordingly.
- Engages with team members throughout the interactive process of ADA and PWFA accommodation requests, providing guidance and support to ensure a smooth experience.
- Initiates and tracks the ADA interactive process by sending required documentation, coordinating with employees, HR partners, and management, and exploring alternative solutions and making recommendations to ensure fair, consistent, and compliant outcomes.
- Processes a high volume of leave actions in payroll, timekeeping, and HR systems, ensuring accurate data entry and maintenance to support compliance and audits.
- Reconciles and analyzes payroll files or resolves individual pay inquiries related to leaves.
- Identifies opportunities to streamline leave and accommodation workflows, recommending process enhancements to improve efficiency and the team member experience.
- Maintains up-to-date knowledge of leave laws, PWFA, and ADA regulations.
- Partners with the Workers’ Compensation vendor to process employee claims.
- Serves as the subject matter expert for the leave programs in alignment with and under the general direction and guidance of HR leadership and Legal.
- Processes state disability claims as necessary.
- Ensures compliance with state and federal leave laws, providing support and project execution when new laws develop.
- Participates in or drives special projects or assignments as needed.
Benefits
- Health and wellbeing options for team members and their dependents
- Up to 4% matching 401(k)
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan (10% share discount)
- Tuition reimbursement
- Continuing education
- Bonus-eligible
- Paid time off
- Paid volunteer time
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
