Leave and Accommodations Specialist bei Jazwares

Job Summary: 

The Leave and Accommodation Specialist is responsible for administering and coordinating leave of absence and workplace accommodation programs in compliance with company policy, federal, state, and local regulations. This role serves as the primary point of contact for employees, managers, and third-party vendors regarding leave and accommodation requests, ensuring a consistent, confidential, and employee-focused process.

Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Evaluates, coordinates, approves and processes leaves of absence from employees under FMLA, and Military Leave, and as accommodations under the ADA and PWFA.

• Researches, responds, and documents frequently asked questions related to leaves of absence, assigns priorities to calls or emails based on timeliness of needed response, or escalates major legal issues to management for assistance, while maintaining compliance with federal and state laws.

• Serve as the liaison between employees, managers, HR Business Partners, and the third-party leave vendor to ensure accurate and timely processing of leave requests.Serves as primary liaison between supervisor and employees, related to requests for leaves of absence.

• Interprets policies and regulations in accordance with applicable federal and state employment laws (FMLA, ADA, USERRA, PWFA, etc.).

• Communicates interpretation of policies, regulations and leave of absence procedures to employees and managers. 

• Provides ongoing case management for all leave of absence requests, to include return to work matters. 

• Enters and updates leaves of absence in designated system/database, and spreadsheets, including compiling, copying, sorting, filing, scanning and faxing documents for each case. 

• Obtains and verifies authentication/medical certifications from healthcare providers in relation to requests for leave.Requests clarification of information required as necessary. 

• Develops and maintains a tracking system for all leaves of absence.

• Assists in the development, execution and presentation of training programs.

• Collaborates with HR partners, and other relevant stakeholders in order to resolve any escalated employee relations issues that may arise during the leave of absence process.

• Develops and generates reports to measure and analyze utilization and other trends.

• Maintain accurate documentation and records related to leaves and accommodations in compliance with company policy and applicable laws.  

• Provides regular leave updates to department leadership and advises management regarding escalated problem areas. 

• Partner with payroll to ensure pay and benefits are administered correctly during leave periods. 

• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies related to leaves and accommodations.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.  

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Knowledge of the Family and Medical Leave Act, American with Disabilities Act, Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.

• Ability to accurately prepare and maintain records, files, reports and correspondence.

• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally verbally and in writing.

• Must have exceptional organizational skills to track and monitor leaves, extensions, return to work, and workplace accommodations. 

• Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.

• Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work under pressure while meeting deadlines.

• Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.

• Ability to work independently and/or in a collaborative environment.

• Experience working with third-party leave administration vendors.

• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Powerpoint and Outlook) and/or Google Suite (Google docs, forms, calendar, email), experience using UKG preferred.

• Must have effective presentation skills. 

• Ability to communicate and deal effectively with diverse individuals at all organizational levels in a professional manner. 

Manages People:  No 

Education and Experience: 

• Associate’s degree in human resources or other relevant field  (Bachelor’s preferred). 

• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience.

• Strong knowledge of FMLA, ADA, state-specific leave laws, and disability programs.  

• Must have experience managing all types of employee leave of absences in a multi-state environment. 

• Experience with employees/employer in California (preferred).  

Certification and Licensing:

CEBS - Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (preferred).  

Schedule: Regular office hours

• May be required to occasionally work some weekends and holidays based on business needs. 

• May be required to occasionally participate in calls with domestic/global office’s outside of normal working hours. 

Travel:

• 10% - 15% Travel to offices. 

Physical Requirements: 

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. 

#updated09-25