Leave of Absence Specialist

Job Summary

The Leave of Absence Specialist advises employees and managers on the organization's leave programs, including maternity or paternity leave, medical or disability leave, military leave, or unpaid leave. Analyze leave claims or requests, determines employee eligibility, assists managers in the development of alternate work arrangements or coordination of coverage, and manages employee return to service or separation. Record leaves and adjust time or pay in the HRIS or payroll systems as needed. Ensure compliance with internal and external policies and regulations. The position reports to Manager, Benefits and is an individual contributor. The Leave of Absence Specialist interacts with employees at all business units and levels within Region North America (NAM) organization.
*This position requires working onsite at our Lake Zurich, IL site 3 days per week.Responsibilities

• Administer all family medical leaves (FMLA) in accordance with organizational policies, applicable employment laws, and state/federal regulations. Certify, track, and determine eligibility for leaves. Verify employees requesting leave receive proper paperwork and completed paperwork is submitted timely.
• Accountable for leave of absence program for multiple sites; act as a subject matter expert to assist other Fresenius Kabi NAM locations with leave processes or issue resolution.
• Work closely with vendor and participate in monthly status calls and annual utilization meetings.
• Process benefits or benefit payments for eligible employees on leave accurately and on time.
• HRIS data entry including leave initiation, processing applicable vacation for unpaid leaves, and return from leave.
• Reconcile benefit payments against vendor deductions to determine if additional money is owed or if money is due back to employee.
• Act as front-line responder to employees’ and HR partners’ leave-related questions or issues. Effectively handle issue resolution, working with HR partners and payroll, if applicable.
• Provide guidance to EHS team on worker’s compensation leaves that run concurrently with state and federal leave programs.

Job Requirements

• Associate’s degree required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field strong preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in leave of absence processing, employee benefits, and/or human resources; or equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.
• HR or LOA experience in plant or manufacturing setting is preferred.
• Workday or other cloud based HRIS system experience is highly desirable.
• Intermediate skills in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Communicate effectively with employees and vendors, verbally and in writing.
• General understanding of employee benefits as they relate to leaves of absence, including short/long term disability, COBRA, state disability pay, ADA, FMLA, etc.

Additional Information

We offer an excellent salary and benefits package including medical, dental and vision coverage, as well as life insurance, disability, 401K with company match, and wellness program.

Fresenius Kabi is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, disabilities, or protected veteran status.