Leave Specialist

Leave Specialist

The Leave Specialist manages all leave of absence and job accommodation processes for a workforce of about 3,300 employees across multiple shifts. This includes administering FMLA, ADA accommodations, state-specific leaves, military leave, bereavement, parental/bonding leave, intermittent leave, and employer-sponsored programs (STD/LTD). The role ensures accuracy, compliance, and timely communication by working closely with employees, managers, HR Site Leaders, Payroll, Safety, vendors, and other HR partners.

This role is remote within the following states: AZ, FL, GA, IL, KS, NC, NE, SD, TN, TX, WI, and WY. Candidates may reside in or relocate to any of these states. Relocation assistance will be provided.

Responsibilities

Primary point of contact for employees on leave-related matters

Partner with UNUM to process and update leave cases; participate in bi-weekly vendor calls. Create and maintain leave cases in the UKG Leave module.

Communicate procedures, timelines, and pay/benefit impacts clearly to employees and leaders.

Manage all phases of FMLA (continuous and intermittent).

Coordinate STD/LTD claims with carriers and align outcomes with leave status and payroll. Manage HSA/FSA payment processes during unpaid leave or upon return.

Administer state leave programs, military/USERRA, bereavement, jury duty, personal leaves, and company-specific leave programs.

Ensure accurate UKG time and attendance coding (LOA, intermittent hours) and reconcile with payroll for paid/unpaid status, arrears, offsets, and PTO.

Coordinate loan payments/repayments with Principal.

Oversee transitions from STD to LTD to COBRA/Direct Bill.

Participate in the ADA interactive process with HR Site Leaders and Safety, including essential job function review, restrictions, accommodations, and follow-up.

Support return-to-work planning, work restrictions, and transitional duty.

Collaborate with Benefits, Payroll, Safety, Workers' Compensation, Talent Acquisition, and HR Site Leaders to ensure aligned processes.

Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local leave laws; recommend updates as needed. Work with Legal/HR Compliance on escalated or complex cases.

Support audits by maintaining accurate, complete case documentation.

Identify trends (e.g., high intermittent leave in specific areas) and propose improvements.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, or related field and 2–3 years of leave/accommodation experience OR

3+ years of relevant experience (manufacturing or large hourly workforce preferred)

Strong knowledge of FMLA, ADA, USERRA, state leave laws, and STD/LTD programs.

Experience with intermittent leave, return-to-work processes, and accommodations in multi-shift settings.

Experience acting as the primary point of contact for employees on leave-related matters

Proficiency with UKG timekeeping systems and case management tools; strong Excel skills.

Excellent attention to detail, organization, confidentiality, and ability to manage high volumes.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to resolve issues, use sound judgment, and escalate appropriately.

Ability to manage high case volumes

Minimal travel (10-15%)

Experience in manufacturing, distribution, or other high-volume hourly environments preferred

Experience with union environments and leave-related provisions preferred

Let's Build the Future Together

At ERMCO, your ideas matter, your growth is supported, and your impact is real. Whether you're building on early career experience or launching your professional journey, you'll have the opportunity to learn, contribute, and grow in a manufacturing environment that values innovation and collaboration.

Join ERMCO and TRANSFORM your career!