Leave & Accommodation Specialist

Job Description

Job Title: Leave & Accommodation Specialist

Job Summary:
The Leave & Accommodation Specialist is a key member of our Benefits Team, reporting directly to the Senior Manager, Leave & Disability. This role is responsible for managing and coordinating team members-facing leave and accommodation requests within a centralized, insourced model. The Specialist provides advanced expertise in leave administration, ADA accommodations, and statutory paid leave programs, ensuring seamless coordination across multiple workstreams and business lines. They will proactively engage with team members, managers, and cross-functional leaders to deliver exceptional service, ensure compliance, and effectively manage complex leave and accommodation scenarios.

This position also involves proactive case management, continuous process improvement, and the ability to prioritize competing priorities in a fast-paced environment, contributing to the overall success of the Benefits Team.

Key Responsibilities

• Reporting Relationship:
• Report directly to the Senior Manager, Leave & Disability, collaborating to support strategic and operational goals for the Leave and Accommodation program.
• Act as a critical contributor to the Benefits Team by ensuring team members benefits align with organizational goals and compliance requirements.
• Employee-Facing Leave & Accommodation Coordination:
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees and managers for leave and accommodation-related inquiries, providing timely and accurate guidance.
• Educate employees on their leave and accommodation options, statutory entitlements, and required documentation to support their requests.
• Lead the interactive process for ADA accommodations, partnering with team members, managers, and healthcare providers to identify and implement reasonable solutions.
• Case Management:
• Manage a high-volume, complex caseload of leave and accommodation requests, ensuring accurate tracking, timely follow-up, and resolution.
• Prioritize and coordinate cases across multiple workstreams, balancing the needs of diverse team members populations and business units.
• Maintain accurate documentation in case management systems, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and company policies.
• Expertise in Statutory Paid Leave & Benefit Integration:
• Administer and coordinate leave programs, including FMLA, state-specific paid leave programs, short- and long-term disability, and company-paid leave policies.
• Analyze and navigate the intersection of statutory paid leave benefits with company-provided benefits to ensure accurate integration and compliance.
• Act as a subject matter expert on leave policies and processes, advising on updates and staying informed of regulatory changes.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Partner with leaders across business groups and segmented business lines to address unique needs, resolve escalations, and provide strategic insights.
• Work closely with HR, Legal, Benefits, and site leadership to ensure consistent communication and alignment on leave and accommodation processes.
• Coach and advise managers on compliance requirements, team members support strategies, and best practices for managing leave and accommodations.
• Compliance & Reporting:
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local leave and accommodation laws, including FMLA, ADA, and applicable state-specific regulations.
• Prepare and analyze case management reports, identifying trends and opportunities to improve processes and employee satisfaction.
• Process Improvement:
• Identify and implement process enhancements to streamline workflows, reduce manual tasks, and improve the overall team members experience.
• Develop and deliver training, FAQs, and other resources to team members  and managers, fostering awareness and understanding of leave and accommodation programs.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Rehabilitation Services, Business Administration, or related field preferred; equivalent work experience accepted.
• 5-7 years of progressive experience managing leave and accommodation requests in a mid- to large-sized organization.
• Extensive experience coordinating statutory paid leave programs and understanding their intersection with company-provided benefits.
• Skills & Competencies:
• Exceptional case management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple complex cases simultaneously.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state leave laws (e.g., FMLA, ADA, USERRA), statutory paid leave programs, and short- and long-term disability benefits.
• Proven ability to collaborate with leadership across multiple business groups and segmented business lines to address diverse needs and challenges.
• High attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced environment.
• Superior communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information proactively, clearly, and effectively to team members, managers, and senior leaders.
• Technical Proficiency:
• Experience with multiple HRIS and case management systems, with a preference for ADP, Dayforce, LeaveSource, AbsenceSoft, or similar platforms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel for reporting and analysis.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Certification in Rehabilitation Counseling, Leave, Disability Management, (e.g., CRC, CLMS, CPDM) or HR-related certifications (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR).
• Familiarity with California leave laws and other multi-state regulations.