Employee Relations-Leave of Absence Specialist

About the position

As a Leave of Absence Specialist, you will oversee and manage the company leave of absence program. You will manage leave requests and accommodations arising under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other state and local leave laws. You will have a deep understanding of local, state, and federal leave laws (CA, WA and OR), the process of managing leave and disability accommodations, the interaction between leave laws and the workers compensation process, and the responsibilities of engaging in the interactive process. You will provide expert advice, leadership, and mentorship to the Operations, People, and the Issue Resolution teams. This is a great role for someone with Leave of Absence expertise looking to learn about other areas of employee relations including worker's compensation, internal investigations, and risk management. This is a hybrid role with the expectation to be in the office at least two days a week. The primary office locations are San Francisco and/or Manhattan Beach with the possibility of working out of our other local club locations in accordance with business needs. The role will report to the Associate General Counsel.

Responsibilities

• Support associates in navigating the leave of absences and ADA accommodation processes consistent with state and federal law as well as company policies.
• Engage with associate, manager, and business partners throughout the life cycle of the leave, from initiation to return to work, answering questions and mentoring throughout the process, including engaging in the interactive process.
• Communicate with associates regarding their need for leave and/or modified work schedules and ensure that associates are aware of their responsibilities and documentation requirements and review any impact to pay and benefits.
• Guide associates in the claim filing process for state leave programs, disability claims and workers compensation.
• Review and analyze medical documentation and provide follow up.
• Make recommendations and determinations for leaves, leave extensions, and accommodations and coordinate with associates returning from leave.
• Track and support associate leaves within Zendesk and partner with Payroll to ensure accurate pay during leave.
• Maintain complete, timely, and accurate records of leave and accommodation requests in accordance with company policy and state and federal laws.
• Identify inefficiencies and develop solutions in the leave and disability management process.
• Drive timely closure of open cases/concerns.
• Partner with Operations, People and Legal teams to ensure proper handling and disposition of cases.
• Work with various business groups, including the People, Operations and the Legal teams on associate leave and disability management training.
• Serve as subject matter authority for the leave programs in alignment with company policies.
• Collaborate with legal and compliance partners on regulatory/employment liability issues as they relate to leave, disability and/or accommodation.
• Maintain current knowledge of all applicable leave and accommodation laws including FMLA, ADA, state, and local laws.
• Manage associate data and statements in a highly confidential manner.
• Analyze leave activity and determine trends/recommendations for proactive actions.
• Foster an effective, inclusive work environment/culture and relationships, balancing associate advocacy with stewardship of company goals and values.
• Responsible for file maintenance in adherence with the company's document retention process.
• Perform any additional associate relations tasks, as needed.

Requirements

• Deep understanding of local, state, and federal leave laws (CA, WA and OR).
• Experience managing leave and disability accommodations.
• Knowledge of the interaction between leave laws and the workers compensation process.
• Ability to engage in the interactive process.
• Expertise in providing advice and mentorship in leave of absence matters.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in employee relations, including worker's compensation, internal investigations, and risk management.
• Familiarity with Zendesk or similar case management systems.