HR Manager – Leave Management, Worker’s Compensation & Occupational Health

Sheppard Pratt Careers•Towson, MD

About The Position

This role is responsible for managing all employee leave programs, overseeing the workers' compensation process, and developing occupational health and safety programs. The HR Manager will ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, partner with leadership to identify and mitigate risks, and promote a culture of safety and wellbeing. This position requires strong knowledge of HR policies, employment laws, and a proactive approach to employee health and safety.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Occupational Health, or a related field.
5+ years of progressive HR experience, with direct responsibility for leave management and workers’ compensation.
Strong knowledge of employment laws, leave regulations, and occupational health and safety standards.
Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion and professionalism.

Nice To Haves

HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR, or equivalent).
Experience managing occupational health or safety programs in a regulated environment.
Experience working with HRIS, claims management systems, and data reporting tools.

Responsibilities

Manage all employee leave programs, including medical, family, disability, and statutory leaves (e.g., FMLA, parental leave, sick leave, and accommodations).
Ensure accurate tracking, documentation, and reporting of leave usage.
Serve as subject matter expert on leave policies, eligibility, and compliance requirements.
Advise managers and employees on leave-related issues with empathy and confidentiality.
Coordinate return-to-work and reasonable accommodation processes.
Oversee the end-to-end workers’ compensation process, including injury reporting, claim management, and case resolution.
Act as primary liaison with insurance carriers, third-party administrators, legal counsel, and medical providers.
Monitor claim trends, costs, and outcomes; implement strategies to reduce claims and associated expenses.
Ensure timely and accurate reporting in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Support modified duty and return-to-work programs.
Develop, implement, and maintain occupational health and safety programs aligned with regulatory standards (e.g., OSHA or local equivalents).
Partner with operations and leadership to identify workplace hazards and implement preventative measures.
Coordinate health screenings, wellness initiatives, and occupational medical services as required.
Lead investigations into workplace incidents and recommend corrective actions.
Promote a culture of safety, health, and wellbeing across the organization.
Ensure compliance with all applicable employment, health, and safety laws and regulations.
Develop, review, and update HR policies related to leave, safety, and employee health.
Prepare documentation and support audits, inspections, or regulatory inquiries.
Partner with HR colleagues, managers, and executives to align programs with business needs.
Provide training and guidance to leaders on leave management, injury prevention, and employee wellbeing.
Use data and metrics to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.