Overview
The Leave Specialist provides administrative and transactional support services for employees' leave of absence requests. Services include advising employees and managers on all leave of absence policies and processes (i.e. FMLA, Military, Jury, Bereavement, ADA Accommodations, company-specific leaves, etc.), support for HR Team, Payroll/HRIS updates, employee and manager communications, case tracking, and coordination and support for all leave of absence cases and workers' compensation claims. Effectively coordinates all cases/claims to include general administration, comprehensive case management and program compliance with the Family and Medical Leave Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and all related employment laws. Performs exemplary customer service and assistance to employees, managers, and HR business partners. Maintains positive relationship with Leave of Absence vendor.
Job Description

• Direct liaison between employees, managers and vendors to ensure optimal employee experience for all leaves of absence and workers' compensation related matters
• Effectively interpret FMLA, Non-FMLA, ADA and Workers' Compensation implications as they relate to leaves of absences/disabilities.
• Handle administration and processing of ADA requests in compliance with applicable law and company policy.
• Exercise discretion and judgment while managing requests for leaves of absence throughout the leave process. This includes making case decisions, tracking in accordance with allotted entitlement, performing necessary follow-up to employees, managers and vendors, and completing the return-to-work process.
• Process and verify unemployment insurance claims and provide support in workers' compensation claims process, including return-to-work program oversight.
• Educate employees and managers on leave practices and policies, as needed, and implement effective return-to-work management through engaged communication.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for phone, emails, and mail communications with employees, management and human resources staff regarding all leaves of absence and related processes.
• Maintain accurate records of employee leaves in full legal compliance.
• Create and maintain leave trends, including current leaves, returns from leave, and intermittent leave implications (pay, benefits, return to work, etc.).
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.
• Demonstrate behaviors which are aligned with the organization's desired culture and values.

Ideal Candidate will have the following:

• Experience in a high-volume, fast paced environment on a national level
• In depth knowledge of Family Medical Leave Act, Military Leaves, Americans with Disabilities Act, Workers' Compensation and other applicable federal and state laws and company leave policies
• Working knowledge of integration of leaves, payroll and benefits
• Highly organized and able to think systematically to structure the work and design in a logical flow
• Must be a proactive problem solver and team player who is detail-oriented and flexible; a self-starter requiring minimal supervision with the ability to support requests from multiple directions
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters appropriately
• Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office products (Word/Excel), HRIS Systems (Ultipro is a plus), use of Google suite and internet and website navigation required
• Energetic, driven personality with a demonstrated ability to take initiative, successfully handle and prioritize multiple competing assignments and effectively manage deadlines
• Professional, articulate and able to use good independent judgment and discretion
• Ability to communicate and make recommendations to management