Sr. Leave of Absence Specialist

Sr. Leave of Absence Specialist

Reporting to the Director of Human Resources and Executive Searches, the Senior Leave of Absence Specialist serves as the subject matter expert on leave administration, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Workers' Compensation, and other federally and state protected or University policy-covered leave programs. The position supports the organizations served by the Administrative Services & Strategic Executive Team (ASSET), including, but not limited to, Auxiliary Services; the Office of the Chancellor; the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor; Division of Undergraduate Education; International Affairs; Enrollment Services; Planning, Budget & Administration; Facilities Services; Planning, Design & Construction; and Health, Well-being & Safety. As one of two Senior Leave of Absence Specialists supporting a diverse employee population, this position provides expert consultation and ongoing support to employees (staff and faculty), supervisors, and departmental leadership regarding leave eligibility, rights, responsibilities, and available leave options. The incumbent evaluates and designates qualifying leave requests, monitors leave usage and tracking, ensures timely receipt and review of required documentation, and provides ongoing guidance throughout the leave process. Interprets and applies applicable federal and state laws, University of California policies, and collective bargaining agreements while consulting, as appropriate, with Central Human Resources, Disability Management, Workers' Compensation, Academic Personnel, and campus human resources partners. The position plays a key role in promoting consistent interpretation and administration of leave policies and practices across all ASSET-supported organizations. In addition, the Senior Leave of Absence Specialist serves as the ASSET representative on campus-wide leave-related committees and workgroups, providing subject matter expertise and advocating for the interests of ASSET-supported departments while contributing to the development of consistent, compliant, and effective leave administration practices.

The full salary range for the Senior Leave of Absence Specialist is $68,500 - $121,900 annually. However, the expected pay scale for this position is up to $90,000 annually. We base salary offers on a variety of considerations, such as education, licensure and certifications, experience, and other business and organizational needs.

Applicants must have current work authorization when accepting a UCR staff position. Currently, we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for staff. As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Educational Requirements

Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training - Required

Experience Requirements

4 - 7 years of related experience. - Required

2 - 3 years of experience administering employee leave programs, preferably within a higher education or similarly complex organizational environment. - Preferred

Experience with the University of California, Riverside's systems, policies, and procedures related to leave administration and leave management for staff and faculty. - Preferred

Special Conditions

Must pass background check before start date. - Required

Minimum Requirements

Thorough knowledge of FMLA, CFRA, PFL, PDL, Workers Comp, Military Leave, ERISA, HIPAA and applicable state and federal laws.

Working knowledge of rules and regulations affecting employee benefit programs.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and safeguard information.

Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively and with confidence.

Skill and sensitivity in dealing with others. Ability to handle difficult and complicated issues with professionalism and sound judgement.

Strong organizational and time management skills.

Ability to build relationships, collaborate and problem solve across all levels of the organization.

Critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Ability to provide high level of service and adapt to shifting priorities.

Knowledge of computer databases and Windows software.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of UCR human resources related systems such as UCPath, HRMS, ServiceNow.

Knowledge of UC policies and UCR local procedures.

Knowledge and ability to apply Academic Personnel policies related to leaves of absence for Senate faculty, non-Senate academic appointees, and academic student employees.

Knowledge of Collective Bargaining Agreements and their implications on leave laws, policies and procedures