Leave Specialist

Human Resource Leave Specialist*** This is an on-site position ***Summary of Position: The Human Resource Leave Specialist position provides advanced level human resource expertise for leave of absence and workers' compensation administration, accommodations, as well as assisting with employee safety initiatives.The Leave Specialist is responsible for ensuring compliance with state and federal leave of absence laws. Included in these responsibilities are identifying leave types, approving or denying requests for leave, calculating short term disability pay, monitoring leave duration, ADA compliance, coordinating return to work, and ADA interactive conversations.The Leave Specialist is responsible for workers compensation claims including, ensuring claims are opened timely, meticulously following the appropriate processes for each open claim, keeping workers compensation records up to date, and maintaining a good relationship and open communication with workers compensation adjusters. Responsible for annual OSHA logs.Finally, the position requires a caring, compassionate professional with an HR background, strong organization and communication skills, who will thrive in a challenging, fast-paced environment. This person will also strongly support the HR team by being cross-trained in other areas of HR.Qualifications Education: Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources or related field required. Completion of specialized certification or training on FMLA/leave administration a plus. Professional Certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP) desired.Experience: Two years of progressively more responsible work experience and demonstrated knowledge of HR laws, FMLA, CFRA, PDL, SDI, ADA, Workers' Compensation and other federal regulations pertaining to administering leaves of absence preferred. HRIS experience preferred.Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Extensive knowledge of HR and leave of absence regulations. Ability to demonstrate good interpersonal, active listening and customer service skills with compassion. Ability to develop strong relationships with employees and management at all levels of the organization. Ability to exhibit a high level of confidentiality. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritize many tasks and complete them with accuracy and efficiency. Proficiency in computer skills and relevant software. Advanced problem solving and communication skills, and leadership qualities. Strong Microsoft Suite skills, including Word and ExcelPhysical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Frequently required to walk, stand, sit, and talk or hear. Occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.Working Conditions The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Normal office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate while in the office.Essential Functions Provides consistently exceptional care at all times. Communicates with employees regarding their need for leave and/or modified work schedules. Ensures employees are aware of their responsibilities and of any documentation and notice required to qualify for and take leave. Responsible for following up with employees on the necessary paperwork. Handles the medical leave administration process from the employee's initial notice of the need for leave to the return to work. This includes gathering and completing all required paperwork, determining leave eligibility, designating leave appropriately, requesting medical certification as needed, and accounting for intermittent and reduced schedule leave use, keeping the company in compliance. Maintains complete and accurate records of leave and accommodation requests in accordance with legal requirements and documentation of best practices. Maintains reasonable communication with employees on leave to facilitate smooth and timely return to work. Advises managers and employees on the interaction of leave laws with paid time off, workers compensation, and short-term and long-term disability coverage(s). Communicates with department managers regarding their employees on leave while maintaining medical confidentiality. Works closely with workers' compensation insurance reps to ensure claims are being handled timely and to answer their questions. Evaluates all work-related accident reports. Assists with a safety and wellness program aimed at reducing the incidence of worker's compensation-related injuries. Handles timecards for employees on LOA, ensuring employees are paid accurately and do not receive more than 100% of pay between ETO, Sick, short- and long-term disability payments. Leads accommodation interactive discussions. Responsible for the OSHA log and annual posting. Enforces compliance with applicable Federal and State OSHA regulations to prevent citations and penalties. Assembles appropriate medical information and facts regarding claims for cases pending litigation. Responsible for annual labor law poster distribution and any posted changes throughout the year. Preserves confidentiality of employee medical documentation and files. Maintains knowledge of all applicable leave and accommodation laws, staying up to date on changes. Functions as a backup to the HRIS Analyst. Provides support in the tracking of data and communication of benefits and payments while an employee is on a leave of absence. Identifies issues and concerns as they arise and proactively recommends a plan for resolution. Respond to the needs of the department by performing other duties as necessary.Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.