Leave, Accommodations, & Benefits Specialist

Rice University Minimal Template External Career Site•Houston, TX

6h•$75,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Rice University’s Human Resources team is seeking a Leave, Accommodations, and Benefits Specialist to support employees through some of their most important workplace moments. In this role, you’ll administer employee leave requests and workplace accommodations that require specialized expertise, including those related to FMLA, ADA, state and local leave laws, and short-term disability. You’ll partner closely with the Benefits team to assist with health and welfare benefits administration, helping ensure processes are smooth, compliant, and employee-centered. The ideal leave, accommodations, & benefits specialist candidate is a compassionate, detail-oriented professional with a strong foundation in FMLA, ADA, employee benefits, and leave administration. They are skilled in guiding faculty and staff through sensitive and complex processes, including FMLA, STD, ADA accommodations, and return-to-work procedures. This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree
In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
2 or more years of experience in leave or benefits administration
In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
Strong knowledge of FMLA and ADA laws, claims processes, and regulatory compliance
Ability to interpret changes in legislation and regulatory updates, and effectively communicate their impact to campus constituents
Knowledge of multi-state regulations
Proficiency in Excel
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
Ability to interpret various health and disability plans
Attention to detail and focus on accuracy
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality
Collaboration both in and out of the department

Nice To Haves

5 years of experience in FMLA/ADA leave administration
Certified Benefits Professional (CBP)
PHR or SHRM-CP preferred

Responsibilities

Coordinates and processes FMLA and ADA leaves with other leaves
Communicate with employees regarding their need for various types of leave and accommodations
Instructs faculty and staff on requirements to apply and qualify for STD, WC, FMLA, and ADA
Maintains reasonable communication with employees to facilitate return to work and coordinates with supervisors/managers
Ensures timely leave reporting and documentation accuracy
Manages claims in coordination with third-party administrators
Serves as the primary contact for FMLA/ADA cases, maintaining communication with faculty, staff, departments, external partners, and other University stakeholders
Guides employees regarding Rice’s leave policies, procedures, and benefits, including Paid Time Off
Delivers ongoing education and training to faculty, staff, supervisors, and managers on FMLA/ADA procedures and policies
Stays up to date and knowledgeable on federal, state, and local leave laws and industry best practices
Applies subject matter expertise in resolving benefit issues at the plan level or at the employee level in a manner that meets the university’s total reward strategy
Takes a new perspective on existing solutions
Represents the highest level, non-managerial, escalation level in resolving employee benefit issues
Participates in compliance reporting and communication development
Participates in the strategy, design, and revision of benefit communications and training materials and HR / Benefits website
Oversees HR and vendor management for assigned caseload
Has accountability for processes for assigned areas
Acts as a resource for faculty, and staff benefits teams
Other duties as assigned