Leave Manager, JC #9564 (Clerk of the Circuit Court)

Cook County•Chicago, IL

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Leave Manager, reporting directly to the Director of Personnel Services, is responsible for managing and administering all non-occupational leaves of absence for both union and non-union employees, as well as tracking occupational leaves. This role involves the day-to-day administration of various leave requests, including medical, FMLA, military, unpaid personal leaves, jury duty, and bereavement. Key responsibilities include reviewing FMLA paperwork for legal compliance, verifying eligibility, balancing payroll, maintaining medical documentation for disability claims, and communicating with departments and employees regarding leave decisions and expectations. The Leave Manager ensures adherence to federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and coordinates leaves of absence with the Comptroller, Labor Relations, and department managers and union representatives. This position also serves as a liaison between the Department of Risk Management and the Cook County Pension Board, and coordinates with any outsourced third-party administrators.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Two (2) years of full-time HR work experience in leave management, benefits, worker’s compensation, or labor relations.
Thorough knowledge of federal, state and local regulations regarding Employee Benefits.
Thorough knowledge of current guidelines and other employment law regarding accommodation, protection of rights and special provisions for employees covered by the American with Disabilities Act as well as the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Knowledge of benefit administration including solid design, strategy and implementation within a large organization and unionized environment.
Knowledge of medical terminology as it may be used in connection with reading and understanding medical records and filing reports with state and federal agencies.
Ability to apply analytical skills in financial management for review of costs relative to benefits administration.
Ability to manage and administer all leaves of absence for union and non-union employees.
Knowledge of HRIS and payroll functions.
Strong technical ability with Microsoft Suite Products: Word, Excel, Outlook and Access.
Excellent writing skills with ability to complete forms accurately and precisely as well as compose letters and reports.
Excellent organizational and communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills and customer service skills.
Strong critical thinking, fact-finding, and multi-tasking skill sets.
Ability to work with set timelines, interruptions, changing priorities and busy work environment.
Ability to ensure a high level of confidentiality is maintained in regard to employee records.

Nice To Haves

Current employee of the Clerk’s Office.
Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
Three (3) years of full-time HR work experience in leave management.

Responsibilities

Develops policies and procedures to assist the Clerk’s Office in the management of employee absence; manages and administers leaves for union and non-union employees.
Develops and monitors best practices related to leave administration and makes recommendations to implement if appropriate.
Acts as a liaison between third-party administrators, Human Resources, Risk Management and the Cook County Pension Board to facilitate communications regarding employee leaves of absence and provides general guidance and direction.
Acts as a liaison for the Clerk’s Office with union representatives regarding non-duty related leave of absence requests and denials.
Works with departments within the Clerk’s Office in order to evaluate personal leave of absence requests and makes recommendations regarding disposition.
Communicates decisions and ongoing expectations with employees and departments. Consults with and advises employees and department heads regarding policies and procedures for taking non-duty related leaves of absence including FMLA, maternity, disability, personal leave, etc.
Collaborates with appropriate departments to ensure employee receives the correct compensation while absent from work.
Acts as a liaison between Human Resources, department managers, and associates to resolve issues.
Ensures exceptional customer service by responding timely and accurately.
Coordinates the return to work process following non-occupational illnesses or injuries.
Interprets absence policies demonstrating a thorough understanding of leave process and all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
Develops and conducts training on leave of absence policies as required.
Maintains accurate records and confidential employee information.
Confers with Human Resources and department managers regarding alternative work arrangements and/or accommodations.
Receives and processes paperwork and follow-up as needed.
Tracks employee leaves and generates monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
Understands and acts as advocate for employees out on leave to ensure compliance with all federal, state and local laws.
Proactively works with supervisor/manager of employees on non-duty related leaves of absence and verifies return to work.
Performs other duties as assigned or required.