Specialist, Leave of Absence

City

Irvine

State

California

Job Location

Irvine Regional Office (Derian)

Position Type

Regular

The Leave of Absence Specialist functions as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert for associates and leaders across both corporate and operations teams, with primary accountability for the end-to-end administration of Leave of Absence (LOA) and ADA accommodation programs. This role provides high-touch support throughout each stage of the leave and accommodation lifecycle, ensuring a seamless, compliant, and empathetic employee experience. In addition, the Leave of Absence Specialist partners cross-functionally to deliver general HR guidance, maintain regulatory compliance, and drive operational excellence across HR programs.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Manage LOA and ADA cases from intake through return-to-work, including eligibility evaluations, documentation management, communication, and case tracking.
• Facilitate the ADA interactive process by reviewing essential job functions, coordinating discussions with stakeholders and HRBPs, assessing accommodation options, and documenting outcomes.
• Act as the primary point of contact for associates, managers, and the third-party leave administrator (Tilt) to ensure accurate case setup, timely processing, and consistent communication.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local leave and disability regulations such as FMLA, CFRA, ADA/ADAAA, PDL, and FEHA, while staying current on evolving requirements.
• Safeguard confidentiality of medical information and sensitive associate data in accordance with organizational policies and privacy standards.
• Collaborate with HR leadership, Payroll, Benefits, Legal, and operational partners to ensure efficient, accurate, and compliant case handling.
• Manage a high-volume caseload while providing proactive support, clear expectations, and a service-oriented approach to associates and managers.
• Provide guidance on HR programs, leave policies, ADA requirements, and general employment matters to enhance employee and manager understanding under supervision.
• Recommend process improvements to streamline LOA/ADA workflows and strengthen HR operational effectiveness.
• Respond to associate inquiries related to HR policies, procedures, leave programs, accommodations, and other HR topics.
• Partner with HR colleagues to resolve issues, reinforce a positive employee experience, and coordinate cross-functional solutions.
• Provide administrative support, reporting, and execution of HR initiatives and special projects as needed.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional HR experience, including direct responsibility for LOA management and exposure to ADA processes within an organization supporting a California and Washington employee population of 1,000+ (experience with California leaves required, Washington a plus).
• Strong analytical capabilities with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and provide actionable recommendations.
• Proven ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and professionally with diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated experience operating effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with competing priorities.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems (Workday a plus) and comfort navigating multiple technology platforms.

WHAT THE JOB REQUIRES:

• Deep understanding of federal, state, and local leave laws and disability regulations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and handle sensitive matters with discretion.
• Strong organizational skills with the capability to balance a large case portfolio while meeting deadlines and service expectations.
• Consistent demonstration of conflict-resolution skills, professional resilience, and diplomacy when working with associates and leaders.
• Flexibility to adapt to evolving business needs, regulatory changes, and process enhancements.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE TABLE:

• A collaborative mindset with a genuine interest in building strong partnerships across the organization.
• A customer-centric approach grounded in empathy, responsiveness, and solution-oriented thinking.
• Ability to influence and guide managers through complex leave and accommodation scenarios with professionalism and confidence.
• Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, paired with exceptional attention to detail.
• A proactive approach to continuous improvement, coupled with the ability to identify opportunities to elevate HR processes, employee experience, and operational efficiency.
• Effective facilitation and presentation skills to educate stakeholders on policies, programs, and best practices.

#LI-Hybrid

#LI-AA1

All full-time regular associates are offered competitive salaries, experience career growth, and are eligible for benefit packages that include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, 401k employer match, excellence rewards, wellness programs, and much more. With our Sunday property operations office closures, 10 paid holidays, and 15 PTO days, work/life balance is a priority! Additionally, most positions are eligible for a housing discount of 20%.

Essex provides great communities in which to live, work and invest. We are a purpose-driven company, and we pride ourselves on promoting an internal culture of growth and opportunity by engaging, enabling, and empowering our teams. Working at Essex is not a destination. It is a journey where you can confidently build your career.

The pay range for this position is $81,000.00 - $114,000.00 per year. New hires generally start between $81,000.00 - $99,000.00 per year. The final salary offer will be determined after reviewing relevant factors, including but not limited to skill sets; relevant experience; internal equity; and other business and organizational needs.

This role is also eligible to participate in Essex’s discretionary Annual Bonus program that is commensurate with the level of the position.