Leave Management Specialist

We are seeking a dedicated Leave Management Specialist to join our team and oversee all aspects of leave administration and disability programs within our organization. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of leave policies and regulations, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to effectively communicate with employees, management, and external partners. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: Manage the entire leave process from initial request to return to work, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations as well as company policies Serve as the primary point of contact for employees and managers regarding leave-related inquiries and provide guidance on available leave options Review and evaluate leave requests, including FMLA, CFRA, ADA, and other statutory leaves, ensuring proper documentation and approval processes are followed Coordinate with HR business partners, payroll, and benefits teams to ensure accurate and timely processing of leave-related paperwork and adjustments Maintain detailed and accurate records of employee leave balances, usage, and entitlements Provide guidance and support to employees navigating the leave process, including explaining eligibility criteria, coordinating return-to-work plans, and addressing any concerns or issues that arise Collaborate with external vendors, such as disability insurance providers, to facilitate smooth transitions between leave types and manage leave exhaustion scenarios Stay informed about changes in leave laws, regulations, and best practices, and ensure company policies and procedures are updated accordingly Participate in the development and delivery of training programs for managers and employees on leave policies and procedures REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS: At least three (3) years of experience in leave administration, disability management, or related HR field Strong knowledge of federal and state leave laws including FMLA, CFRA, ADA, FEHA, and state-specific regulations Experience interpreting medical documentation and assessing disability accommodations Experience conducting the ADA interactive process meeting to identify reasonable accommodations and analyzing essential job functions with proper documentation to ensure company compliance Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively interact with employees at all levels of the organization Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS software for data management and reporting Experience with leave exhaustion scenarios and managing transitions between different types of leave Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field Certification in leave administration (e.g., Certified Leave Management Specialist) Prior experience using Sodales Solutions or similar leave management software Familiarity with disability insurance programs and workers' compensation laws Ability to adapt to changes in regulations and policies affecting leave management This keeps the substance of the original Stater Bros. posting intact while removing the page-break language and making the sections much easier to scan on LinkedIn. #J-18808-Ljbffr