Leave Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:

The Leave Specialist is responsible for administering and managing all employee leave programs, including FMLA, ADA, short-term and long-term disability, work in conjunction with workers' compensation, and other applicable state and federal leave laws. This role ensures compliance with regulatory requirements while delivering exceptional service to employees and managers throughout the leave process.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Serve as the subject matter expert for leave programs and policies, ensuring compliance with FMLA, ADA, PWFA, and other applicable laws.
• Manage end-to-end leave cases, including initiation, eligibility determination, documentation review, approval/denial, and return-to-work coordination.
• Administer short-term disability, manage timecards for employees on leave, and oversee benefits adjustments and invoicing to ensure accurate payroll processing, and benefit administration.
• Maintain accurate records in HRIS and case management systems; ensure confidentiality of medical and personal information.
• Communicate proactively and professionally with employees, managers, and HR partners to provide updates and guidance throughout the leave process.
• Collaborate with benefits team to integrate leave with disability and workers' compensation programs.
• Generate reports and metrics related to leave utilization and compliance.
• Stay current on federal, state, and local leave regulations and recommend process improvements.
• Manage termination processes for employees in compliance with company policy and legal requirements.
• Train supervisors on leave policies and procedures, compliance requirements, and best practices.
• Deliver presentations and facilitate discussions comfortably with groups of employees and leaders.
• Effectively manage a high-volume caseload while maintaining accuracy and timeliness.
• Interpret and explain human resources policies, procedures, standards, or regulations.
• Assist with special projects and other duties as assigned.
• Perform all job responsibilities in alignment with the industry's best security practices and regulatory guidelines to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of protected health information and other sensitive company data.
• Become familiar with and abide by the Corporate Compliance Program and all corporate policies, including the Privacy and Security policies.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Work with other departments within PathGroup and subsidiaries.
• Nothing in the job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & LICENSURE:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.

REQUIREMENTS:

• 2+ years of experience in leave administration or HR compliance.
• Strong knowledge of FMLA, ADA, and other leave-related laws.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Experience in HRIS and case management systems (e.g., Pulpstream and ADP) preferred.
• Customer-focused approach with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities to manage complex leave scenarios.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.