Department Leave Specialist

Jefferson County CO•Golden, CO

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department Leave Specialist (SO) is responsible for case management work for qualified employee leaves of absence under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Short Term Disability (STD), Long Term Disability (LTD), American with Disabilities Act (ADA), and workers’ compensation claims. This includes leaves of absence for employees who are not eligible for FMLA, and/or on modified duty assignments. Coordinates the leave process and advises employees throughout their leave, tracks leave hours, responds to questions, and ensures that records and documentation comply with established laws and regulations. Provides training and guidance to supervisors. Works closely with county’s Human Resources, Payroll, and Safety and Compliance staff.

Requirements

Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations related to FMLA, STD/LTD, ADA, HIPAA, and Workers’ Compensation.
High School Diploma required.
Minimum of three years of relevant experience (leave administration, HR, benefits, workers’ compensation, disability case management, or related fields).
A combination of education, experience, and training may be considered.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to advise employees and explain complex processes.
Intermediate technical, reading, writing, and math skills.
Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
Able to work under general direction, independently apply policies, and escalate complex issues as needed.
Background check required
Light work, including occasional lifting up to 20 lbs. and frequent walking or standing.

Nice To Haves

College level classes in human resources
Experience with public sector
Experience with Workday software.

Responsibilities

Handles the FMLA 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 as FMLA qualifying, requesting medical certification as needed, and accounting for intermittent and reduced schedule leave use.
Reviews confidential or sensitive intake documentation for compliance with leave policy, guidelines, and legal requirements.
Communicates with employees regarding needs for leave and/or modified work schedules.
Advises employees and supervisors of leave types and interactions of leave laws.
Ensures that employees are aware of their responsibilities and of any documentation and notice required to qualify for and to take leave.
Communicates employees’ work status to management.
Escalates complex and challenging cases for appropriate guidance.
Manages employees’ disability accommodation requests and associated processes under the ADA ensuring compliance with federal and state laws in accordance with County policies.
Collaborates with disability partners to assess eligibility for ADA programs.
Transitions cases to ADA in situations of FMLA exhaustion or when an employee does not meet eligibility requirements.
Partners with county Human Resources to manage employees on short term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) programs.
Partners with Safety and Compliance to track employees with workers’ compensation claims and cases.
Uses leave management and HRIS programs to manage cases, records, and track documentation and communications.
Opens, manages, and creates follow-up tasks for new FMLA and other leave of absence claims.
Processes other absences requests for those employees who do not qualify for FMLA (according to established guidelines), including determining eligibility for various leave programs and providing employees with appropriate and timely notice.
Coordinates and tracks modified duty assignments for employees unable to perform the essential functions of their job due to a personal or workers’ comp injury.
Works with division chiefs to ensure modified duty assignments correspond with employees’ work restrictions.
Produces and manages reporting metrics and analytics for all leave cases and claims.
Presents reports as requested.
Other duties as assigned.