JOB TITLE: Leave Coordinator

DEPARMENT: Human Resources

LOCATION: John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital

SHIFT: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

ThispositionisexemptfromCareerServiceundertheCCHPersonnelRules.

Job Summary

UnderdirectionoftheHROperationsManager,theLeaveCoordinatoradministersandprocessesall unionandnon-unionleaveofabsence(LOA)requestsforCookCountyHealth(CCH).LOAsinclude medical and non-medical leaves, paid and unpaid leaves, leaves that are coordinated with other departments/entities and those that are handled entirely by Human Resources.The Leave Coordinatorinterpretsabsencepoliciesbydemonstratingathoroughunderstandingofleaveprocess andallapplicablestateandfederalregulationsregardingleavelaws.Thispositionrequirestheability to handle a high volume of leave and accommodation requests from employees in a thorough, streamlined, and professional manner.

Typical Duties

• Understands LOA requirements, policies, procedures and rationale for all medical and non-medical leaves available for employees at CCH, including paid and unpaid benefits and the terms, requirements and conditions thereof in a manner that can be conveyed to employees, supervisors, leaders and others in a clear and appropriate manner. Leaves include those from federal law (FMLA, ADA, USERRA, etc.), state law (VESSA, Paid Military leave, Jury duty leave, etc.) and those granted by the hospital system for union and non-union employees (Sick Leave, Bereavement, Educational leave, etc.) Disability, Military-related leaves, Personal/Emergency leaves, Jury Duty, Bereavement and Workers Compensation.
• Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the leave process for the different types of leaves and conveys that understanding to employees who have varying levels of understanding of the leave process.
• Determines employee eligibility for LOA in accordance with all applicable state and federal regulations regarding leave laws.
• Communicates decisions and ongoing expectations promptly with employees and departments in a professional manner through writing and conversations; refers to policies and procedures, as necessary, to further support LOA requirements.
• Responsible for implementing requirements for employee compliance related to notice, eligibility, certification, and return to work in an accurate and timely manner.
• Maintains accurate records in an organized manner to allow for quick research and responses to HR, supervisors and other interested parties, and to prevent errors in employee time which can impact the employee's job protection, benefits and compensation.
• Provides guidance to employees through in person and phone meetings and interactions, email from personal account and LOA shared inbox by answering questions promptly to support needs of employees and supervisors.
• Conducts leave training for departmental managers and leaders.
• Processes LOA requests, decisions, and return to work requirements for all leaves.
• Coordinates LOA with Disability (managed by Pension Fund) by taking care of HR responsibilities in a prompt manner and providing guidance to employees on distinction between LOA and Disability.
• Coordinates LOA with Risk Management for Workers' Compensation claims to make sure employees understand the need to request leave with HR as well.
• Coordinates LOA and return to work with Employee Health Services and the EEO department and the employee if restrictions are involved.
• Responsible for any Human Resource Information System data entry with regard to leaves, accrual adjustments, and changes related to seniority date in connection with a leave.
• Initiates pre-disciplinary meeting/process for employees who do not return from leave.
• Monitors, audits and analyzes LOAs to ensure that ongoing claim management are within service standards.
• Serves as subject matter expert for all LOA informational inquiries, end-to-end processes and policy basics and has the ability to communicate these matters in a clear manner.
• Supports other departments by providing information in response to grievances, complaints or other forms of investigation.
• Provides leadership, support and supervision to staff in the absence of Senior HR Coordinator.
• Interacts with third party leave vendors to support claim validation or status changes.
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality and ensures HIPAA compliance.
• Supports Human Resources by developing and conducting formal and informal training of LOA policies as needed.
• Coordinates the return-to-work process following any leave of absence (approved or unapproved).
• Contacts Employee, Payroll, Labor Relations, Union representative and any other entities necessary to resolve concerns.
• Reports to HR to address day to day leave related processes and the ability to manage the balance workflow following periods of time-off from work.
• Ensures familiarity with computer-based technology to help administering leave including use of Microsoft Office, Adobe, Scanners, Printers, Fax Machines, as well as Time and Attendance Systems and Leave tracking information systems.
• Performs other duties and/or assignments as directed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with Three (3) years of leave management experience related to FMLA, and other federal, state, and/or company leaves.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Preferred Qualifications

*Master's degree from an accredited college or university with One (1) year of leave management experience related to FMLA, and other federal, state, and/or company leaves

• Three(3)LeaveofAbsenceAdministrationorBenefits.
• Prior experience in a healthcare environment.
• Prior experience in a union environment.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Knowledge of all applicable federal and state regulations regarding leave laws including FMLA, ADA, disability, and workers compensation.
• Knowledge of HIPAA compliance.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills necessary to communicate with all levels of staff composed of diverse cultures and age groups.
• Strong interpersonal and customer services skills
• Demonstrates good computer and typing skills.
• Demonstrate good phone and email etiquette skills with strong response times.
• Demonstrate analytical and organizational, problem-solving, critical thinking and conflict management/resolution skills.
• Demonstrate attention to detail, accuracy and precision.
• Ability to monitor, audit and analyze all LOAs for union and non-union employees.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to prioritize, plan and organize projects and tasks.
• Ability to perform accurate and reliable data collection for reporting.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and composure when challenged.
• Ability to escalate complex issues as necessary to resolve concerns.

Physical and Environmental Demands

This position is functioning within a healthcare environment.The incumbent is responsible for adherence to all hospital and department specific safety requirements.This includes but is not limited to the following policies and procedures:complying with Personal Protective Equipment requirements, hand washing and sanitizing practices, complying with department specific engineering and work practice controls and any other work area safety precautions as specified by hospital wide policy and departmental procedures.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the personnel so classified.

For purposes of the American with Disabilities Act, "Typical Duties" are essential job functions.

VETERAN PREFERENCE

PLEASE READ

When applying for employment with the Cook County Health & Hospitals System, preference is given to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for not less than 6 months of continuous service.

To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must:

• Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
• Identify self as a Veteran on the employment application by answering yes to the question by answering yes to the question, "Are you a Military Veteran?"
• Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation at time of application filing. Please note: If you have multiple DD214s, 215s, or NGB 22S, please submit the one with the latest date. Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (Before 9/11) or the Department of Homeland Security (After 9/11). Discharge papers must list and Honorable Discharge Status. Discharge papers not listing an Honorable Discharge Status are not acceptable.

OR

A copy of a valid State ID Card or Driver's License which identifies the holder of the ID as a Veteran, may also be attached to the application at time of filing.

If items are not attached, you will not be eligible for Veteran Preference

VETERANS MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS OR APPLICABLE STATE ID CARD OR DRIVER'S LICENSE AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.

MUST MEET ALL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF APPLICATION FILING.

Benefits Package

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link:

*Degrees awarded outside of the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States' territories and Canada must be credentialed by an approved U. S. credential evaluation service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Original credentialing documents bust be presented at time of interview.

*Please note all offers of Employment are contingent upon the following conditions: satisfactory professional & employment references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure/certifications and the successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen.

*CCHHS is strictlyprohibitedfromconditioning,basingorknowinglyprejudicingoraffectinganytermoraspectofCountyemploymentorhiringuponorbecauseofanypoliticalreasonorfactor.

COOK COUNTY HEALTH & HOSPITALS SYSTEM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER