Leave Management Specialist

DEPARTMENT:

JOB SUMMARY:

We are seeking a dedicated Leave Management Specialist to join our team and oversee all aspects of leave administration and disability programs within our organization. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of leave policies and regulations, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to effectively communicate with employees, management, and external partners.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage the entire leave process from initial request to return to work, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations as well as company policies
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees and managers regarding leave-related inquiries and provide guidance on available leave options
• Review and evaluate leave requests, including FMLA, CFRA, ADA, and other statutory leaves, ensuring proper documentation and approval processes are followed
• Coordinate with HR business partners, payroll, and benefits teams to ensure accurate and timely processing of leave-related paperwork and adjustments
• Maintain detailed and accurate records of employee leave balances, usage, and entitlements
• Provide guidance and support to employees navigating the leave process, including explaining eligibility criteria, coordinating return-to-work plans, and addressing any concerns or issues that arise
• Collaborate with external vendors, such as disability insurance providers, to facilitate smooth transitions between leave types and manage leave exhaustion scenarios
• Stay informed about changes in leave laws, regulations, and best practices, and ensure company policies and procedures are updated accordingly
• Participate in the development and delivery of training programs for managers and employees on leave policies and procedures

REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least three (3) years of experience in leave administration, disability management, or related HR field
• Strong knowledge of federal and state leave laws including FMLA, CFRA, ADA, FEHA, and state-specific regulations
• Experience interpreting medical documentation and assessing disability accommodations
• Experience conducting the ADA interactive process meeting to identify reasonable accommodations and analyzing essential job functions with proper documentation to ensure company compliance
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively interact with employees at all levels of the organization
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS software for data management and reporting
• Experience with leave exhaustion scenarios and managing transitions between different types of leave

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
• Certification in leave administration (e.g., Certified Leave Management Specialist)
  Prior experience using Sodales Solutions or similar leave management software
• Familiarity with disability insurance programs and workers' compensation laws
• Ability to adapt to changes in regulations and policies affecting leave management