Leave of Absence & Accommodations Specialist

MBK Real Estate Companies

103d • $90,000 - $110,000

About The Position

MBK Real Estate is hiring a Leave of Absence & Accommodations Specialist to join our team at our Corporate Office in Irvine, CA! This role will be hybrid with 3 days in office and 2 days remote. The Leave of Absence and Accommodation Specialist is responsible for owning and administering employee leave programs and managing workplace accommodation requests in compliance with federal, state, and local laws, as well as company policies. This role serves as a key point of contact for employees navigating leave of absence (LOA) and accommodation processes, including but not limited to FMLA, ADA, workers’ compensation, parental leave, military leave, and personal leave. This position requires exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and strong communication abilities to handle sensitive situations professionally and confidentially.

Requirements

• Associate’s or Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• HR certification such as PHR, SHRM-CP, or LOA/Accommodation certifications.
• 4+ years of experience managing employee leave programs and/or accommodations for California is required.
• Multi-state experience is preferred.
• Experience with Workday or other HRIS platforms and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Knowledge of FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, and other applicable employment laws.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with professionalism and tact.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions independently, using good judgment and critical thinking in ambiguous situations.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines simultaneously.
• Able to explain complex and sensitive information clearly and compassionately to employees and managers.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of employee leave programs, including FMLA, STD, LTD, ADA, workers’ compensation, and other statutory and company-sponsored leaves.
• Provide excellent customer service by responding promptly to inquiries and guiding employees through the LOA application process and their rights and responsibilities.
• Communicate with employees on required documentation (e.g. medical certifications) and keep them informed about their leave status, benefit implications, and return-to-work processes.
• Coordinate return-to-work plans, including any necessary fitness-for-duty certifications or transitional accommodations.
• Maintain accurate tracking of leave eligibility and usage, including job-protected leave entitlements.
• Coordinate with third-party administrators, insurance providers, and healthcare professionals to ensure accurate leave and benefits management.
• Review and process medical certifications and documentation, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and company policies.
• Advise managers on how to handle employee absences or work restrictions and ensure that management decisions during an employee’s leave or accommodation period are compliant and consistent.
• Serve as the subject matter expert on accommodations, providing guidance and support to managers on the process.
• Review accommodation requests and medical documentation, coordinate any required medical assessments, and document each step of the interactive process in compliance with ADA guidelines.
• Advise managers to ensure approved accommodations are implemented properly and follow up to evaluate effectiveness.
• Ensure all ADA accommodation decisions are made in a timely, fair, and consistent manner, and communicate outcomes to all stakeholders with sensitivity.
• Lead the implementation of a new leave and accommodations management system, including gathering data, configuring and testing the system, and planning the rollout.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee leave and accommodation records.
• Educate employees and managers on leave and accommodation processes, policies, and rights.
• Develop and distribute clear communications or training materials (FAQs, guides, checklists) to promote understanding of the leave programs and the accommodation process.
• Stay current on relevant federal, state, and local leave and accommodation laws and recommend updates to company policies as needed.
• Work closely with the broader People & Culture (HR) team, as well as Payroll and Benefits, to ensure seamless coordination.
• Collaborate with legal counsel or compliance specialists on complex cases to ensure decisions mitigate risk.
• Conduct audits, reporting, and analytics related to leaves and accommodations.
• Participate in HR projects related to improving LOA/ADA processes or updating policy handbooks, and contribute to fostering an inclusive workplace that supports employees during leaves and accommodations.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries with opportunities for growth.
• 401(k) retirement plan with up to 4% employer matching.
• Comprehensive industry leading medical, dental and vision insurance.
• Company-provided life, disability and AD&D insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Generous paid time off including vacation and sick time, holidays, and bereavement leave.
• Leadership development, training, and personal coaching.
• Education loan assistance and scholarships.
• Daily living, financial and legal services.
• Childcare and eldercare assistance.
• Employee discounts.
• Health and wellness resources that include virtual yoga, mindfulness, and financial readiness for employees and their family members.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees