Leave Specialist

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Leave Specialist is responsible for administering all aspects of employee leaves of absence, including FMLA, state and local leave laws, company-specific leaves, military leave, and disability (short-term and long-term). This role serves as the primary point of contact for employees regarding leave inquiries, ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, and maintains accurate records. The Leave Specialist guides employees and managers through the leave process, ensuring a smooth and supportive experience while upholding company policies and legal obligations.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all employee leave inquiries, providing clear and accurate information regarding eligibility, rights, and responsibilities.
• Administer all types of leaves of absence, including but not limited to FMLA, state and local family/medical leaves, short-term disability (STD), long-term disability (LTD), military leave, parental leave, bereavement leave, and other company-specific leaves.
• Coordinate with employees, managers, healthcare providers, and third-party administrators (TPAs) to facilitate accurate and timely leave management.
• Partner with Payroll to ensure accurate pay during leaves, benefit deductions, and return-to-work adjustments.
• Collaborate with the Benefits team to manage benefits continuation during leaves and COBRA eligibility.
• Work closely with HR Business Partners and managers to ensure clear communication regarding employee leave status and return-to-work plans.
• Liaise with external vendors (e.g., STD/LTD carriers, EAP) for claim management and employee support.
• Maintain comprehensive, accurate, and confidential records of all leave cases, including medical documentation, communications, and approvals in the HRIS and/or case management system.
• Ensure data integrity and compliance with privacy regulations (e.g., HIPAA).

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• 3 to 5 years of experience in accommodation administration.
• Strong knowledge of FMLA, ADA, state leave laws, and disability programs.
• Experience with HRIS and Leave management systems.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational abilities.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• CLMS or CPDM certification preferred.