Leave Management Specialist

The Leave Management Specialist/Manager is responsible for the administration of all employee leave of absence programs and the company's ASO Short-Term Disability (STD) plan. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local leave laws, while providing a seamless and supportive experience for employees. The position serves as the subject matter expert for leave and disability management, working closely with employees, managers, HR, Payroll, and third-party administrators to maintain accuracy, consistency, and compliance in all leave processes.If you think you are the right match for the following opportunity, apply after reading the complete description.Key Responsibilities:Leave AdministrationAdminister the full range of leave programs, including FMLA, ADA, state family leave, personal, military, and company-specific leaves.Serve as the primary contact for employees and managers regarding leave requests, eligibility, documentation, and status updates.Manage all communications and documentation throughout the leave lifecycle, ensuring timely approvals and accurate tracking in the HRIS system.Coordinate return-to-work and accommodation processes in partnership with HR and management.ASO Short-Term Disability (STD) AdministrationOversee the administration of the company's ASO STD plan, ensuring consistent and compliant handling of all claims.Review and process STD claims, including verifying eligibility, coordinating medical certifications, and tracking payments.Partner with the third-party administrator (TPA) or carrier to monitor claim status, resolve issues, and ensure timely payments to employees.Reconcile STD claims and payments with Payroll and HR systems to ensure accuracy.Maintain confidentiality and sensitivity when managing medical and financial information.Compliance & Policy ManagementEnsure all leave and disability programs comply with FMLA, ADA, ERISA, and applicable state and local laws.Stay current on evolving legislation and best practices related to leave and disability management.Recommend policy updates or process improvements to align with legal requirements and organizational needs.Maintain detailed and accurate records for audits and reporting purposes.Employee & Manager SupportProvide guidance to employees regarding leave rights, STD benefits, and timelines.Educate managers and HR partners on leave procedures, documentation requirements, and best practices for supporting employees on leave.Facilitate the interactive process for ADA accommodations as needed.Data Analytics & ReportingTrack and analyze leave and STD utilization, trends, and costs to inform leadership decisions.Generate regular reports on leave usage, open cases, and return-to-work rates for HR and senior leadership.Identify opportunities to streamline processes and improve leave program efficiency.Cross-Functional CoordinationCollaborate with HR, Payroll, Benefits, and Safety teams to ensure cohesive administration and compliance.Coordinate with external vendors and third-party administrators managing STD or long-term disability (LTD) claims.Partner with Payroll to ensure accurate pay continuation, benefit deductions, and leave accrual adjustments.Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.3-5 years of experience in leave management, disability administration, or related HR functions; management experience preferred for Manager-level roles.Working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, ERISA, and state-specific leave laws.Experience administering ASO or self-insured STD plans required; knowledge of LTD coordination a plus.Proficiency in HRIS and leave management systems; experience with [Workday/ADP/UKG/etc.] strongly preferred.Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills. xhyhwjd Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism. Confidential