Leave of Absence Specialist - Human Resources

Sharp HealthCare•San Diego, CA

24d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is responsible for administering and managing the full leave of absence process from request to return-to-work, including facilitating the interactive process when applicable. The leaves of absence may include, but are not limited to, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL), United Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), and accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). This position ensures applicable tools, processes, and policies stay current and appropriate based on applicable federal and state laws. This position reports to the Manager, Leave of Absence and works closely with employees and internal departments, including Benefits, Workers' Compensation, Payroll, Human Resources Operations, and site department management, to ensure high customer satisfaction and timely and accurate processing of leaves across Sharp HealthCare. Work will be performed in a high energy, fast-paced work environment with frequent interruptions due to employee or customer inquiries. Provides service excellence, discretion, and professionalism with sensitive matters.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field preferred OR a combination of education and equivalent work experience will be considered - Required.
3 years progressive and relevant Human Resources work experience and knowledge of HR policies and procedures and Leave Administration.
When submitting your application, please include cover letter that speaks to your work experience with employee leave of absence process from request to return-to-work to include facilitating the interactive process when applicable.
Knowledge of applicable state and federal laws and regulations. These include FLSA, EEO/AA, ADA, Workers' Compensation regulations, DFEH, EEOC, FMLA and CFRA.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail to handle and track a high volume of leave or accommodation requests.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact and effectively communicate verbally and in writing with leaders and employees at all levels within Sharp HealthCare.
Requires accepting criticism, dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations, maintaining a positive attitude in a fast-paced environment.
Strong critical thinking, judgement and analytical skills, especially in complex, ambiguous and nuanced situations, and ability to explain and teach complex concepts in terms that can be understood by a wide audience.
Ability to build human connections easily and emotional intelligence and objective empathy in responding to and navigating complex LOA situations.
The ability to see situations from all perspectives and work through conflicts for the best possible outcomes for everyone involved.
Learning and growth mindset, including understanding trends and continuously seeking to improve and elevate the experience for employees.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.
Ability to effectively multi-task and work both successfully independently and as a team member.
Provides service excellence, discretion and professionalism with sensitive matters.
Strong written and verbal communications skills and ability to communicate clearly, factually and with compassion though multiple mediums, e.g., in-person, phone, email).

Nice To Haves

Professional in Human Resources (PHR) - HR Certification Institute.
Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) - HR Certification Institute.
Certified Leave Management Specialist (CLMS) issued by Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC) is required within 180 days of hire. Renewal is required every 2 years.
Proficiency in Workday software system preferred.

Responsibilities

Serves as the first point of contact in handling federal, state and Sharp HealthCare leaves of absence (FMLA, CFRA, PDL, USERRA, ADA), including consultations with team members, both verbally and written, upon the need for a requested leave.
Communicates with employees regarding their need for leave and/or a modified work schedule and proactively anticipates and clearly answers employee questions.
Ensures that employees are aware of their responsibilities and the documentation and notice requirements needed to qualify for and take leave.
Maintains reasonable communication with employees on leave to facilitate smooth and timely return to work, relays communication between employees and their managers during leave within reason.
Handles intake of leave requests, preparing and sending required notices, forms and letters, evaluating health certification information, determining leave eligibility, conducting interactive process discussions, initiating and managing team member leaves of absences, while ensuring appropriate documentation and adherence to and compliance with all applicable federal and state leave requirements.
Coordinates the support for all leaves of absence and accommodations.
Effectively coordinates and communicates with all internal parties regarding all cases/claims.
Escalates complex LOA and accommodation cases to LOA Manager.
Oversees the return-to-work process for employees returning from extended FMLA, CFRA, workers’ compensation, disability or other leave(s).
Facilitates other leave requests, which may include complex accommodation requests and interactive meetings under the ADA/FEHA.
Ensures accurate processing and status in the Workday HRIS and internal leave tracking tools, including protecting personal information of team members.
Assists Manager with drafting and/or recommending revisions to company leave policies to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Maintains complete and accurate records of leave and accommodation requests and time taken in accordance with specified legal requirements and documentation of best practices.
Maintains knowledge of all applicable leave and accommodation laws including the FMLA, CFRA, PDL, ADA, FEHA and state and local laws.
Develops and recommends improvements to leave of absence processes to improve workflow and overall customer satisfaction.
Facilitates leave of absence training and education sessions to Sharp HealthCare departments and leaders both upon request and proactively.
Provides guidance to all levels of the organization within area of responsibility for large, varied groups of employees.
Advises managers and employees on the interaction of leave laws with paid time off, workers’ compensation, state disability and paid leave benefits, and long-term disability benefits.
Escalates questions related to benefits administration and paid leave supplementation to the Benefits department as appropriate.
Performs other related duties as assigned.