Leave of Absence Specialist

Looking for a chance to do meaningful work that touches millions? Come join the hardest working, nonprofit health plan in California and help us shape the future of health care. Blue Shield of California's Mission is to ensure all Californians have access to high-quality care at an affordable price. Blue Shield is focused on improving health care delivery by working closely with providers and making it more accessible, affordable and customer‑centric. Being a mission‑driven organization means we do much more than serve our 4 million members: we were the first health plan in the nation to limit our annual net income to 2 percent of revenue and return the difference to our customers and the community, and since 2005 we have contributed more than $325 million to the Blue Shield of California Foundation to improve community health and end domestic violence. We also believe that a healthier California begins with our employees, so we provide them with resources to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle through our award‑winning wellness program, Wellvolution. We're hiring smart thinkers and doers who want to work for a leader and innovator in the challenging, ever‑changing healthcare space. Come and help us make health care better for everyone. Description: Job Summary: The Leave of Absence Specialist supports the effective administration and communication of Blue Shield's Leave of Absence (LOA), Disability, and American's with Disabilities ACT (ADA/ADAAA) programs such as FMLA, CFRA, PDL, WC, military, school activities, civic duty, and bereavement, as well as, CA Sick Leave, Kin Care and SF Paid Parental Leave. With the support of the LOA Supervisor and a third‑party leave of absence and disability administrator the LOA Specialist serves as the subject matter expert for the leave and ADA programs ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal laws. The LOA Specialist is the primary point of contact for managers and employees for escalated inquiries and requests for policy interpretation. Job Duties: Responsible for the day to day facilitation of Blue Shield's leave of absence programs. Addresses inquiries on policies and programs from employees, managers, HR business partners and employee relations via email, phone, instant messenger and the case management tool. Interprets and clarifies Blue Shield's leave of absence and sick leave policies to address inquiries from employees, managers, HR business partners and employee relations via email, phone, instant messenger and the case management tool. Liaison with the leave of absence and disability administrator to ensure proper administration of leaves of absence and time off programs consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, as well as, with company policy. Provides guidance and clarification to Blue Shield's central HR service center (HR:Connect) on employee and manager inquiries. Provides direction to other departments including IT, security, payroll and HR to resolve matters impacted by an employee LOA. Timely manages the accurate entry of new leaves of absence into the HRIS system identifying any discrepancies requiring review with the leave/disability third‑party administrator. Administers the return to work process including the timely and accurate entry of return to work dates into the HRIS system. Manages and provides direction on denied leaves of absence. Manages requests for reasonable accommodation under the ADA/ADAAA. Conducts vendor, security access and HRIS audits to ensure accuracy of records and resolves discrepancies in a timely manner. Prepares and conducts training for employees and managers on leave of absence policies and programs. Works to improve the leave of absence and sick leave processes including recommendation of new practices. Other projects and duties as assigned. Qualifications: Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology or a related field preferred. PHR or SHRM-CP preferred. 3‑5 years of experience in a leave of absence or related position that included administration of both continuous and intermittent leaves and workplace accommodations. Special Knowledge/Skills: Extensive knowledge of administration of federal and state leave programs and applicable laws, including, but not limited to FMLA, CFRA, and PDL. General understanding of other HR benefits, laws and practices, including, but not limited to various disability benefits, ADA/ADAAA, HIPAA, USERRA. Professionalism and confidentiality are essential, with a strong commitment to providing outstanding customer service to employees during a time of need. The drive to meet the expectations of a fast‑paced work environment. Ability to have high focus on attention to details, able to manage multiple competing deadlines and priorities. Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively to balance day to day responsibilities with project goals and deliverables. Excellent organizational, analytical, interpersonal and oral/written communications skills are required. Must be comfortable with public speaking and addressing larger audiences. Knowledge of Workday and/or Oracle is a plus. #J-18808-Ljbffr