LOA (Leave of Absence) Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:

• Administer the end-to-end processing and monitoring of all leave of absence requests, including medical (FMLA/CFRA), personal, military (USERRA), and parental leaves.
• Manage the ADA Interactive Process by engaging with employees to identify potential workplace accommodations; analyze medical restrictions against essential job functions and document all "good faith " efforts to accommodate.
• Act as the liaison between the employee and department managers for Workers' Compensation claims; ensure timely filing of DWC-1 forms and track "lost time " versus "restricted duty " status.
• Serve as a subject matter expert to guide employees through the application process, explaining eligibility for state-specific benefits (e.g., CA SDI/PFL) and company-sponsored Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (STD/LTD).
• Partner with Payroll to ensure accurate benefit integration (e.g., topping off SDI with sick/vacation time) and maintain real-time employee status accuracy within the designated timekeeping system.
• Coordinate with the 3 rd part vendor to transition back to work by coordinating fitness-for-duty certifications and managing temporary or permanent work restrictions through collaborative "stay-at-work " or "light duty " programs.
• Respond to government disability and leave requests, including inquiries and documentation requests from the Employment Development Department (EDD).
• May travel to other facilities within the SoCal region as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management

EDUCATION/TRAINING/ EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of professional HR experience, dedicated to leave administration.

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES:

• Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or SHRM-CP certification preferred.
• Completion of specialized leave management training (such as CLMS - Certified Leave Management Specialist) is a significant plus.
• Current CA Driver's License required

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrates knowledge and ensures compliance with The Joint Commission and Title 22 standards and guidelines.
• Demonstrates compliance with healthcare policies and procedures at all times.
• Ability to set priorities and appropriately organize workload and complete assignments in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates ability to relate to clinical personnel and medical staff, as well as ability to interact well with the public.
• Must know PC and applications.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and advanced experience with HRIS platforms (e.g., Workday, UKG, or Lawson).
• Must maintain strict confidentiality at all times.