Lead Leave & Disability Specialist

DescriptionValero is the best-in-class producer of essential fuels and products that are foundational to modern life. We invite you to join our ~10,000 employees to drive exceptional results for our company, the energy industry and our community.A Lead LDA Specialist serves as the organization's lead subject matter expert and strategic partner for complex leave and disability matters, providing consultative guidance that supports regulatory compliance, operational effectiveness, risk mitigation, and business objectives. This role leads the evaluation and resolution of complex leave and disability cases, balancing regulatory requirements, operational needs, and employee experience considerations. Leveraging expertise in FMLA, disability programs, accommodations, and return-to-work practices, the Lead LDA Specialist analyzes medical and claim-related information to support informed decision-making, mitigate risk, and drive consistent, compliant outcomes.At Valero, this role performs duties that support our commitment to advancing the future of energy through innovation, ingenuity, and unmatched execution, including: Serves as the primary subject matter expert and consultative resource to Human Resources, business leaders, and leave administration teams on complex leave and disability matters, ensuring consistent application of policies, regulatory requirements, and best practices.Leads the review and adjudication of complex leave and disability claims, applying clinical, regulatory, and policy expertise to ensure accurate, consistent, and compliant decision-making.Analyzes medical documentation, functional capacity evaluations, and claim-related information to assess eligibility, determine benefit entitlement, evaluate the appropriateness of recovery and return-to-work timelines, and challenge unsupported or inconsistent medical recommendations through appropriate clinical review and follow-up.Partners with employees, healthcare providers, HR Business Partners, and operational leaders to address complex employee situations, support business operations, and facilitate successful return-to-work transitions.Identifies and proactively addresses claim risks, barriers to recovery, accommodation considerations, and compliance concerns to support positive employee and organizational outcomes.Coordinates with internal stakeholders and external clinical resources, including independent medical examiners, peer reviewers, and functional capacity evaluators, to support comprehensive claim assessment and timely resolution.Evaluates claims for potential occupational injury/illness, ADA accommodation, or other intersecting employment considerations and facilitate appropriate referrals and escalation as needed.Serves as the highest level operational escalation point for complex, sensitive, high-risk, or precedent-setting cases requiring advanced analysis, stakeholder consultation, and sound judgment.Leads continuous improvement initiatives by identifying trends, emerging issues, and opportunities to strengthen processes, enhance service delivery, improve compliance outcomes, and advance best practices in leave and disability administration.Provides expert guidance, consultation, and informal mentorship to team members while developing and delivering training and education for HR partners, managers, and other stakeholders to promote effective and compliant program administration.Maintains complete, accurate, and audit-ready documentation of claim activity, communications, determinations, and case actions within the leave management system.This position is salaried exempt status, which means you are not eligible for overtime pay.QualificationsMinimum Requirements:High School diploma or GED required.8 years of advanced experience independently reviewing and determining eligibility for FMLA, STD, and other leave programs required.Able and willing to work on-site, in-person at the Valero San Antonio location, required.Preferred Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a related field preferred.Experience serving as a senior-level leave and disability subject matter expert in a corporate environment preferred.Experience administering or coordinating leave programs in a large, multi-state employer environment preferred.Knowledge of Workers' Compensation coordination, return-to-work processes, and Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) programs preferred. Experience leading or influencing process improvement initiatives related to leave administration, compliance, service delivery, or operational effectiveness preferred.Certified Leave Management Specialist (CLMS), PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or similar certification preferred. Need more reasons to work for a company that is both professionally challenging and culturally rewarding? Take a look at some of our best-in-class benefits:Competitive Pay and Annual Bonus Program100% match on 401(K) up to 7%, with immediate vestingCompany-sponsored Pension PlanComprehensive Healthcare and Wellness ProgramsOnsite Daycare CenterOnsite Employee and Family Wellness Centers (Physician & Pediatrician)Onsite PharmacyState-of-the-art 24-hour Fitness Center free for employees and spouses with access to Tennis and Basketball FacilitiesOnsite cafeteria open for breakfast and lunchSprawling campus with walking paths and access to biking trailsBenefits described above are highlights only, subject to an employee’s eligibility and work location.Position level and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.Valero's employees and team-focused culture drive our success. We’re invested in our dedicated workforce through a comprehensive, customizable benefits package, while supporting a caring culture that delivers a rewarding work environment built on teamwork, excellence and career growth. To explore the ways we build a stronger team, visit Valero.com/Careers.Valero is an EEO Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected status, including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.Please be advised, if you are viewing this position on a website that lists an estimated salary rate/range, it was not provided by Valero. Valero’s market specific salary rate/range will be provided during the recruiting process and tends to be higher than what is estimated by such websites. The posting may close earlier than the advertised date based on applications received.Note: Valero’s pre-employment process includes successful completion of a background check and hair-analysis drug screen.Job Field: Human Resources