What are the responsibilities and job description for the Leave Specialist position at Easterseals New Jersey?
About Us: Since 1948, Easterseals New Jersey has worked to meet the continuously growing needs of people with disabilities and their families.
What You’ll Do
The Leave Specialist is responsible for independently managing all leave of absence, disability, workers' compensation, and accommodation programs. Serves as the subject matter expert for federal and state leave regulations and provides consultative support regarding leave administration, workplace accommodations, return-to-work planning, and compliance.
Key Responsibilities Include
Easterseals Is An Equal Opportunity Employer
As one of our core values, we strive to provide equal opportunity to all of our employees without regard to their age, gender, religion, race, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability which is unrelated to the ability to perform essential job functions, unfavorable military discharge (except dishonorable), veteran status, marital status, parental status, genetic information, source of income or other legally protected categories in accordance with applicable law with regard to receipt of services, appointment or election to voluntary office or hiring for, assignment to, or promotion in staff positions.
What You’ll Do
The Leave Specialist is responsible for independently managing all leave of absence, disability, workers' compensation, and accommodation programs. Serves as the subject matter expert for federal and state leave regulations and provides consultative support regarding leave administration, workplace accommodations, return-to-work planning, and compliance.
Key Responsibilities Include
- Independently manage the full lifecycle of leave requests from intake through return to work.
- Administer FMLA, NJFLA, NJ Paid Family Leave, Temporary Disability Benefits, ADA-related leaves, Military Leave (USERRA), Workers' Compensation leaves, and personal leaves of absence.
- Review medical certifications and supporting documentation to ensure compliance and completeness.
- Coordinate leave approvals, extensions, recertifications, intermittent leave tracking, and return-to-work determinations.
- Facilitate and document the ADA interactive process.
- Evaluate accommodation requests and collaborate with managers to identify reasonable accommodations.
- Coordinate return-to-work planning and transitional work arrangements.
- Maintain accommodation records in compliance with applicable regulations.
- Administer workers' compensation claims from initial injury through claim resolution.
- Coordinate with carriers, medical providers, employees, and supervisors.
- Maintain OSHA 300, OSHA 300A, and OSHA 301 records.
- Coordinate paid leave benefits, disability payments, PTO integration, and supplemental pay calculations.
- Partner with Payroll to reconcile leave-related pay discrepancies.
- Maintain leave, accommodation, and workers' compensation records in Dayforce or similar HRIS systems.
- Develop and distribute recurring leave, disability, workers' compensation, and accommodation reports.
- Analyze trends, identify opportunities for process improvement, and present recommendations to leadership.
- Develop materials and facilitate training programs regarding leave administration, accommodations, disability programs, and workers' compensation to improve organizational understanding of offerings and processes.
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
- Certification: SHRM-CP, PHR, SHRM-SCP, or CEBS certification, preferred.
- Experience: Minimum 3-5 years of progressive experience administering leave of absence programs.
- Extensive knowledge of OSHA recordkeeping requirements and experience managing FMLA, NJFLA, ADA, USERRA, Workers' Compensation, Paid Family Leave, Temporary Disability Benefits within HRIS, and the interactive process.
- Experience conducting employee and management training sessions; strong presentation and facilitation skills. Ability to manage sensitive employee matters with confidentiality and discretion.
- Experience within a nonprofit, healthcare, or human services environment, preferred.
- Skills: Proficiency with technology and software such as: Microsoft Excel, reporting tools and dashboards, Smartsheet.
- Competitive Pay & Benefits – Including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
- Employer-Paid Coverage – Life, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Retirement Savings – 403(b) Plan with Employer Match
- Generous Time Off – Paid Time Off, Holidays, Medical Leave, and PTO Buy-Back Options
- Convenience & Support – Direct Deposit, Payroll Card and Employee Assistance Program
- Wellness & Recognition – Wellness Program and Referral Bonus Program
- Training & Development – Paid Orientation and Ongoing Training
Easterseals Is An Equal Opportunity Employer
As one of our core values, we strive to provide equal opportunity to all of our employees without regard to their age, gender, religion, race, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability which is unrelated to the ability to perform essential job functions, unfavorable military discharge (except dishonorable), veteran status, marital status, parental status, genetic information, source of income or other legally protected categories in accordance with applicable law with regard to receipt of services, appointment or election to voluntary office or hiring for, assignment to, or promotion in staff positions.