Benefits Specialist

Position Overview 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. Salary Range: $68,500 – $121,900 annually (current expected pay up to $90,000). Applicants must have current work authorization for a UCR staff position; we do not sponsor visas. Responsibilities Evaluate and designate qualifying leave requests; monitor leave usage and tracking; ensure timely receipt and review of required documentation; and provide ongoing guidance throughout the leave process. Interpret and apply applicable federal and state laws, University of California policies, and collective bargaining agreements while consulting with Central Human Resources, Disability Management, Workers' Compensation, Academic Personnel, and campus human resources partners. Promote consistent interpretation and administration of leave policies and practices across all ASSET-supported organizations. Serve as ASSET representative on campus-wide leave-related committees and workgroups, providing subject matter expertise and advocating for the interests of ASSET-supported departments. Requirements Educational Requirements Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training. Experience Requirements 4 – 7 years of related experience. 2 – 3 years of experience administering employee leave programs, preferably within a higher education or similarly complex organizational environment. Preferred Qualifications Experience with the University of California, Riverside's systems, policies, and procedures related to leave administration and leave management for staff and faculty. 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. Additional Information UCR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under state or federal law. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor. For information about our generous employee benefits package, visit Employee Benefits Overview . #J-18808-Ljbffr