Manager of ADA & Leaves presso Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

About the Department

The Manager of ADA & Leaves will coordinate and administer all aspects of employee leaves to ensure compliance with company policies, federal and state leave regulations, while providing instruction, guidance and excellent customer service to employees, managers, and human resources professionals. This position will also be responsible for performance management and supervision of professional level leave personnel and third-party administrator (TPA). 

Position Duties

• Manage and supervise all aspects of the MBTA Leave Units personnel. 
• Oversee the full administration of the MBTA's leave of absence program delivery including, Sick Leave, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Paid Family and Medical Leave Act (PFMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Small Necessities Leave Act (SNLA), Domestic Violence Leave (DVL) Policy, COVID leave including Massachusetts Emergency Paid Sick Leave (EPSL), maternity, military, personal leaves of absence, and any leave of absence programs provided  by   law,   and MBTA policy, or collective bargaining agreement insuring compliance with same.
• Counsel and educate employees on all applicable MBTA leave of absence policies, forms, systems, and practices. 
• Develop performance measurement criteria and measure financial and non-financial success of the TPA.  
• Manage TPA effectiveness in improving employee availability through proactive case management and implementation of innovative leave management programs.
• Provide staff with instruction on how to handle difficult claims. Works with Legal counsel, Labor Relations, Workers Compensation, and EAP as necessary.
• Evaluate current Leave policies and procedures to determine if revisions are necessary due to administrative priorities, legislation, and collective bargaining or to improve operational efficiencies.
• Design, modify and implement all leave related policies and programs.
• Keep abreast of medical leave and related leave statutory/regulatory changes, advisories, and best practices.
• Develop and conduct training to ensure MBTA employees and managers understand MBTA Leave policies and procedures.
• Maintain standards to ensure compliance of communications that occur throughout the leave process 
• Review and monitor the work of the Leave Units for customer service, timeliness, accuracy, completeness, and conformance with all Human Resources related policies and programs.
• Design, modify, and implement all leave-related policies and programs. Work with outside contractors and consultants as necessary.
• Compile and maintain documents and reports pertaining to Employee Availability and Leave Unit activities.
• Coordinate with managers, Labor Relations, Legal and other departments regarding Leave related activities and case management.
• Investigate possible instances of abuse, review with outside counsel and TPA, and recommendation for a plan of action.
• Work with department managers to implement and monitor programs to improve employee availability.
• Audit systems, processes, and procedures to ensure consistent and accurate leave practices. 
• Assist in the development and implementation of new information systems for the Leave Unit.
• Assist in the administration of all human resources related programs and services. Respond to customer, employee, and vendor inquiries in a professional and courteous manner.
• Uphold the rights and interests of MBTA while building and maintaining an effective relationship with employees.
• Assist in the management of a workforce by ensuring the fair and consistent application and strict adherence to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of MBTA including the EEO, Antidiscrimination and Antiharassment and Antiretaliation policies.
• The ability to supervise and work effectively with a diverse workforce.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Supervision

• Supervises individual contributors.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Five (5) years of experience managing and/or administrating leave of absence programs. 
• One (1) year supervisory, managerial, and/or leadership experience.
• Effective organizational, analytical, confidentiality, quantitative, multi­tasking and time management skills.
• Ability to prioritize work.
• The ability to use Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, PeopleSoft, or mainframe applications.
• The ability to pass: background screenings; and the MBTA’s medical requirements, including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screening.
• The ability to handle sensitive and confidential information in an appropriate manner. 
• Excellent customer service, interpersonal, presentation and conflict resolution skills. Ability to provide internal and external customers with a courteous and professional experience.

Other Qualifications

• A high school diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement. 
• An Associate’s degree from an accredited institution and an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
• A Master’s degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general experience. 
• A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one (1) year of experience.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Human Resources, Business, Communications, or a related field.
• Additional years of experience handling leave of absence programs. Experience managing a leave program TPA.