Specialist Leave Management

Serves as the subject matter expert for the leave of absence program in alignment and under the general direction and guidance of HR leadership and the legal department. Manages leave of absences, return to work in accordance of federal, state and Company regulations.

Position Responsibilities:

May include;

• Interpret and administer leave programs and policies in accordance with the applicable federal and state employment laws (FMLA, STD, LTD, ADA, USERRA, Pregnancy Discrimination Act, etc.). Ensure that the workers’ compensation program is managed in accordance with applicable OSHA and workers compensation laws.

• Assist associates with leave of absence requests and guides them through the process.

• Independently approve and/or deny leave cases based on relevant medical information based on federal, state, and/or company policies. Coordinate and organize all medical information and ensure that HIPPA and Employee Privacy guidelines are closely monitored and effectively executed.

• Elevate concerns and consult with the HR manager as needed.

• Manage all administrative aspects of leave to include tracking hours used/taken and working closely with the HR service Center and Payroll to ensure that pay for associates is accurate and correct.

• Work closely with associates to ensure that all relevant completed medical documentation is submitted for timely review. Maintain appropriate, accurate and timely responses with all associates on leave and coordinates all aspects of return to work for associates on leave.

• Maintain relevant timely communication with the managers regarding what to expect about duration, return to work dates, extensions, etc.

• Partner with HR Business Partners by providing information to support employment decisions when approved leave time is exhausted or according to policy.

• Produce and manage reporting metrics and analytics for all leave cases.

• Keep up to date on FMLA legislative compliance

• Assist HR team members with general HR tasks such as updating employees files, filing, answer questions, handling new hire paperwork, updating employee information, etc.

• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Nature & Scope:

• Applies advanced knowledge of job area typically obtained through advanced education and work experience

• Manages projects and processes while working independently and with limited supervision

• Coaches and reviews the work of lower-level professionals

• Problems faced are difficult and sometimes complex; takes a new perspective on existing solutions

Knowledge & Skills:

• Ability to analyze information and convert related activities into a comprehensive work plan.

• Ability to effectively and professionally communicate and make recommendations to upper management

• Ability to identify basic problems and procedural irregularities, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.

• Ability to multi-task and drive multiple projects.

• Excellent customer service skills and ability to manage difficult and stressful situations.

• Proficient computer skills – MS Office – Excel, Outlook, Word

• Experience with HRIS systems

• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities

• Demonstrated ability to deal with confidential information.

• Demonstrated problem solving, time management and priority setting skills.

• High level of integrity, empathy and performance.

• Keep abreast of al all FMLA Legislative Compliance.

• Ability to work flexible schedule when necessary.

Experience:

• Four years’ experience in Human Resources

• Four years’ experience in managing leave cases (FMLA)

Education/Certification:

• Associate’s Degree in related field

People Management: No

Physical Requirements / Work Environment: Must be able to perform essential responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodations.

Reports To: Manager, HR

The Company provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of a person’s race, color, religion (including religious dress or grooming practices), creed, national origin (including language use restrictions), citizenship, uniform service member or veteran status, ancestry, disability, physical or mental disability (including HIV/AIDS), medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, request for protected leave, marital status, sex, pregnancy, age (over 40), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law. The Company will comply with all federal and state regulations and statutes pertaining to individuals with disabilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.