LOA Specialist

What You’ll Do The Leave Specialist is responsible for managing and administering all employee leave programs across a multi-state workforce, including company-sponsored and state-mandated benefits such as Short-Term Disability (STD), Long-Term Disability (LTD), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), state disability programs, personal leaves, and other unprotected leave requests. All leave programs are administered internally without the use of a third-party vendor. This role ensures compliance with company policies and all applicable federal, state, and local leave regulations. The Leave Specialist serves as a primary resource for employees and managers throughout the leave process, providing guidance, coordinating leave activities, maintaining accurate documentation, and ensuring timely case management. The position works closely with the Field HR Support Team to deliver high-quality service, meet established service level expectations, and support overall business objectives through effective leave administration and case management. Maintains in-house excel spreadsheets tracking Leaves of Absence and ADA requests. A third‑party administrator is not used. Partners with management regarding Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation requests. Provides communication, forms, job descriptions and related information as appropriate per established guidelines. Conducts the interactive process with associates during request for accommodations (both stay at work accommodations and continuous leave as an accommodation). Coordinates State disability program administration as applicable. Ensures coordination with State and/or insurance vendor to achieve correct disability payments for Associates. Completes related audit reports as required. Coordinates workers’ compensation claims with regard to timely communications and accurate tracking of status regarding return‑to‑work, FMLA, ADA, compliance and related issues, as assigned. Completes payroll‑related processes by reconciling reports with vendor and HR system to ensure correct disability payments. Prepares, maintains and provides leave status and eligibility census reports, including weekly, monthly, and ad hoc reports as required. Ensures the integrity of related data in the company’s HR system. Provides accurate and timely reporting and communication with business partners, including vendors, Payroll, HRIS, Risk Management, and Legal, as necessary to ensure the correct execution of leave programs. Advises managers and employees on the interaction of leave laws with paid time off, and short‑term and long‑term disability benefits. Maintains email and voice mail logs of contacts and resolution of issues. Maintains excellent records of all transactions, communications and resolutions to issues that would allow reconstruction of history in the case of an appeal or dispute on coverage. Delivers excellent customer service to Applegreen associates. Maintains knowledge of all applicable leave and accommodation laws including the FMLA, ADA, and state and local laws. Tracks benefit premium payments during leaves of absence using excel spreadsheets and makes appropriate termination decisions where needed. Coordinate with vendors to ensure timely and accurate benefit invoice payments. Monthly ACA classification review and follow up steps. Assists with special projects as needed. Essential Experience & Skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software. Strong knowledge of benefit programs including how to manage medical leaves and FMLA. Requirements Experience with ADP Workforce Now and UKG a plus 5 years of human resource experience in leave/ADA management required. Experience managing leave programs directly for an employer rather than through a third‑party administrator (TPA) preferred. Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field preferred. Completion of specialized certification or training on FMLA/leave administration a plus. Experience administering leave programs in a multi‑state environment with varying state leave, disability, and paid leave requirements. Extensive knowledge of the leave requirements and other legal protections afforded by the FMLA, ADA, and other applicable laws and how they interact with each other. Ability to speak, read, and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, and policy documents, as well as converse comfortably with coworkers and vendors. Able to sit for an extended period of time; occasionally bend, twist, lift and carry at least 10 pounds. Use of keyboard, mouse, and phone. Benefits You Receive Hybrid position with three days per week worked in our Glen Rock NJ office location and two days per week worked remotely. Paid Time Off 401(k) with Company Match Earned Wage Access – Pay on Demand Education Assistance Employee Referral Bonus Pet Insurance Applicants to this position must be authorized to work for any employer in the US without sponsorship. We are not providing sponsorship for this position. #J-18808-Ljbffr Applegreen Travel Plazas