Leave & Accommodations Specialist

Dare to bring your unique perspective? At Novogradac, we value individuals who bring unique perspectives and bold ideas. If you’re eager to contribute to an inclusive, innovative environment where your personal and professional growth is encouraged and supported, we invite you to explore this exciting opportunity with us. Position Summary The Leave & Accommodations Specialist manages a variety of responsibilities within the employee relations function of the human resources department, with primary responsibility for administering the leave of absence and accommodations programs. This role manages the processes related to FMLA, ADA, and state leave compliance, while providing guidance and support to employees and managers throughout the process. This position also supports employee relations activities, including assisting with intake, documentation, and performance management-related processes. This position may also flex into other functional areas of HR in order to provide assistance and/or back-up support. The Leave & Accommodations Specialist reports to the Employee Relations Manager. The firm has one available position in either Long Beach, CA, Austin, TX, Portland, OR, Dover, OH, or Atlanta, GA. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Leave of Absence & Accommodations Responsible for administering the company’s Leave of Absence (LOA) program, including providing required paperwork, tracking requests/approvals/return-to-work, case management, and maintaining confidential LOA files. Ensure the integrity of the leave of absence process, including owning the LOA materials and templates, ensuring compliance with applicable federal and states laws, and supporting consistent and timely administration. Assist in building processes, trainings, and resource materials to help support employees and managers through the leave of absence process. Provide guidance in a professional and compassionate manner to managers and employees regarding leave policies. Responsible for managing requests for employee accommodations (ADA), including facilitating the interactive process between employee and manager as well as reviewing supporting documentation and identifying/recommending appropriate accommodations, as necessary. Complete regular leave of absence reports; assist in monthly tracking of turnover data. Maintain accurate and organized records in HRIS systems and electronic files. Serve as the primary point of contact for the workers’ compensation process, managing claims as they arise and developing procedures and documentation as needed. Stay up to date on relevant leave of absence and employment laws. Employee Relations Conduct exit interviews and provide feedback to supervisors, escalating issues as appropriate. Assist in the intake, documentation, and preliminary review of employee relations concerns, escalating matters as appropriate. Support employee relations cases by gathering information, preparing documentation, tracking case progress, and maintaining accurate records. Conduct intake of employee concerns received by email, phone, or via the company’s case management system. Act as witness or note-taker, when needed, for employee relations cases being managed by the Employee Relations Manager or Assistant Director of HR. Provide support to the Employee Relations Specialist in the performance review process, which may include preparation, setup, and conducting HR review and approval of feedback as needed. General Support compliance-related projects as needed, including handbooks, policies, and workplace safety initiatives. Provide back-up support to the HR department for coverage or other special projects as needed. Perform other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Demonstrated knowledge of FMLA, ADA, Worker’s Compensation, and applicable state leave compliance. Display strong analytical skills, including the ability to gather information, conduct analyses, present findings, and create solutions. Must have strong skills in writing/documentation, assessing employee needs and situations, take a coaching/collaborative approach, and recommend appropriate actions. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, in particular the ability to analyze and interpret complex HR policies and law and translate them clearly to staff at all levels of the organization. Complete work accurately with strong attention to detail. Ability to develop rapport with a variety of personalities, collaborate with internal and external departments, maintain a calm and professional demeanor during stressful situations, and effectively defuse escalated personnel situations. Ability to effectively prioritize a fast‑paced and varied workload, effectively manage a variety of concurrent and shifting priorities. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive work‑related information. Strong computer skills, including solid skill in the Microsoft Office suite (prefer advanced skill in Excel) and familiarity with a variety of HR software programs (Paychex Flex and Workday, preferred). Able to work evenings and weekends based on position needs. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in related area plus a minimum of 2‑3 years combined experience managing leaves of absence and accommodations processes. HR Generalist and/or HRBP experience would be considered in lieu of specialised roles. Preferred Qualifications 1‑2 years of experience directly managing employee relations cases. Experience working in a multi‑state organization. Prior experience working in a professional services firm. HRCI/SHRM certification is desirable. Why work with us? Novogradac is committed to fostering a welcoming workplace where all employees feel valued and empowered to grow. We believe in offering a supportive, balanced work environment that encourages professional growth and work‑life integration. We Are Proud To Offer Increased number of paid holidays per year Competitive salaries with continuous review of market conditions Flexible working hours and work arrangements Remote and hybrid opportunities Inclusive workplace, providing strong professional growth and development opportunities The Benefits Of Joining Our Team Strong growth opportunities Competitive benefits package 401(k) package with firm profit‑sharing Strong emphasis on quality work‑life integration Dress for your day policy Resources of a national firm Opportunities to engage with our active Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), affinity groups, and advance your career within a supportive, inclusive environment Compensation: $60,000 to $80,000 depending on experience. More is possible if experience dictates. Don't meet every single qualification? After reviewing this job posting, are you hesitating to apply because you don’t meet all the listed requirements? At Novogradac, we are dedicated to building a workplace supported by unique perspectives and experiences, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may still be the right candidate for this or one of our other roles. Get to know us better! We’re Novogradac, a national certified public accounting and consulting firm headquartered in San Francisco. Founded in 1989, the allied group of Novogradac companies has grown to more than 800 employees and partners with more than 25 offices throughout the country. Novogradac is one of the nation’s top 40 certified public accounting and consulting firms and is a recognized leader in real estate and community development. Novogradac provides publicly and privately held national enterprises with a full spectrum of audit, tax, valuation, expert witness and litigation support, property compliance and general consulting services and works extensively in the affordable housing, community development, historic preservation and renewable energy fields. Ready to learn more? To be considered for this position, interested candidates must apply via our company website. Commitment to Inclusion Novogradac is committed to ensuring a fair and inclusive recruitment process, making reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities or special needs throughout the application process. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to apply, as we believe that unique perspectives strengthen our ability to achieve excellence. At Novogradac, we offer a variety of Employee Resource Groups and Affinity Groups to provide all employees with opportunities to connect, collaborate, and support one another in the workplace. Equal Opportunity Employer Novogradac & Company LLP offers a progressive work environment, competitive pay and an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, life/disability insurance, commuter flex accounts and a 401(k). Novogradac and Company LLP is an equal opportunity employer. Novogradac’s culture is centered on education, acceptance, innovation and opportunity. We value diversity and respect the different perspectives that each of our employees bring to Novogradac no matter their age, race, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation. We are committed to creating an equitable and inclusive workplace for our entire workforce. By submitting an application with us, you are providing Novogradac with personal information. 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