Leave of Absence Manager

TAGG Logistics/Hub Group•Oak Brook, IL

17h•$85,000

About The Position

The Leave of Absence Manager will oversee the administration of various leave programs, including FMLA, ADA, PWFA, USERRA, parental leave, personal leave, military leave, state and local leave programs, and disability-related leaves. This role involves facilitating the intake of leave requests, ensuring proper notices and forms are provided, and managing claims from initiation through return-to-work. The manager will handle complex and escalated leave cases, ensuring consistent application of company policies and laws. They will serve as the primary point of contact for employees, managers, HR, Payroll, Safety, Legal, and vendor partners, maintaining clear and professional communication throughout the leave process. Additionally, the role supports return-to-work and fitness-for-duty processes, including DOT regulations for drivers, and contributes to continuous improvement efforts in leave administration. The manager will also lead the interactive process for ADA and other workplace accommodation requests, evaluating requests, coordinating reasonable accommodations, and maintaining accurate documentation. Vendor management includes serving as the primary contact for third-party vendors, conducting audits, resolving issues, and participating in vendor evaluations. Compliance and risk management involve ensuring adherence to all relevant laws and policies, monitoring legislative changes, auditing cases, and partnering with Legal and HR to mitigate risk. Consultation services are provided to employees, managers, and HR teams on leave, disability, accommodation, and return-to-work matters.

Requirements

5+ years of progressively responsible experience administering leave of absence, disability, and workplace accommodation programs in a high-volume environment.
Demonstrated experience managing complex ADA accommodations and leading the interactive process.
Experience managing third-party leave administration vendors and disability carriers.
Experience supporting a multi-state workforce and diverse employee populations, including drivers, warehouse employees, hourly employees, and corporate team members.
Advanced knowledge of federal and state leave laws, including FMLA, ADA, PWFA, USERRA, and applicable state and local leave requirements, as well as group disability benefit plans.
Strong understanding of return-to-work programs, fitness-for-duty requirements, and DOT requirements affecting drivers.
Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and complex cases.
Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Ability to work effectively in a highly confidential environment and appropriately safeguard sensitive information.
Excellent customer service, written communication, interpersonal, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to handle difficult conversations with professionalism.
Ability to influence and collaborate effectively without direct supervisory authority.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
Prior experience with Oracle HCM, Dayforce, or another HRIS is highly desired.

Responsibilities

Oversee the administration of leave programs, including but not limited to FMLA, ADA, PWFA, USERRA, parental leave, personal leave, military leave, state and local leave programs, and disability-related leaves.
Facilitate the intake of leave requests, ensure applicable notices and forms are provided by vendor, and oversee claims from initiation through return-to-work.
Manage complex and escalated leave cases while ensuring consistent application of Company policies and applicable laws across employee populations.
Serve as the primary point of contact and escalation resource for employees, managers, HR Advisors, Payroll, Safety, Legal, and vendor partners.
Establish and maintain accurate, timely, and professional written and verbal communications with employees throughout the leave process.
Coordinate return-to-work and fitness-for-duty processes with employees and managers, including adherence to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations for drivers.
Support continuous improvement efforts and process enhancements within leave administration programs.
Lead the interactive process for ADA and other workplace accommodation requests, including coordination with the employee, manager, healthcare provider, Human Resources, and internal Legal counsel.
Evaluate accommodation requests and coordinate reasonable accommodations while balancing employee needs, operational requirements, and legal obligations.
Maintain complete and accurate accommodation documentation and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.
Track accommodation requests and ensure appropriate follow-up occurs in a timely manner.
Provide guidance to managers and HR teams regarding accommodation responsibilities, documentation, and best practices.
Serve as the primary contact for third-party leave administration vendors and disability carriers.
Conduct regular audits and operational reviews of vendor processes, leave cases, and documentation quality.
Escalate and resolve complex employee, claim, and operational issues with vendor partners and drive corrective action when service gaps are identified.
Participate in vendor evaluations, implementations, renewals, and process optimization initiatives.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local leave laws, disability programs, and Company policies.
Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and recommend policy, communication, or process updates as needed.
Audit leave cases and documentation for accuracy, consistency, data integrity, and regulatory compliance.
Partner with Legal, Human Resources, and business leaders to mitigate risk and resolve complex leave and accommodation matters.
Maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive employee and medical information.
Serve as a trusted advisor to employees, managers, HR teams, and business leaders on leave, disability, accommodation, and return-to-work matters.
Provide guidance to HR and management teams on leave policies, procedures, legal requirements, and manager responsibilities.