Leave of Absence Specialist

Chefs Warehouse•Ridgefield, CT

About The Position

Position Summary: The Leave of Absence Specialist supports the administration of employee leave programs within the organization. This role is responsible for processing leave requests, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with company policies and applicable leave laws. The ideal candidate will work closely with employees, HR, payroll, and benefits teams to provide clear guidance and assistance throughout the leave process. What You’ll Do: Leave Program Support: Assist in the administration of leave of absence programs, including Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), state-specific leave policies, short-term and long-term disability, workers' compensation, personal leave, and other applicable leaves. Process and track employee leave requests, ensuring proper documentation and adherence to company policies and legal requirements. Maintain accurate leave records and update HR systems to reflect leave status and return-to-work dates. Provide employees with information on leave eligibility, required documentation, and next steps. Compliance & Documentation: Ensure leave requests comply with federal, state, and company policies by reviewing documentation and applying relevant guidelines. Maintain confidential and accurate records of leave requests, approvals, medical documentation, and related correspondence. Assist in generating reports related to leave trends and compliance as needed. Employee Communication & Support: Serve as a point of contact for employees seeking information about their leave options and processes. Communicate leave approvals, denials, and status updates in a clear and timely manner. Coordinate with HR and managers to support return-to-work processes and accommodations when necessary. Collaboration & Reporting: Work closely with HR, payroll, and benefits teams to ensure accurate leave tracking and payroll adjustments. Support ongoing process improvements in leave administration by identifying gaps or inefficiencies. Assist in preparing reports on leave usage and trends to support decision-making. About You: Associate’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent work experience). 1-3 years of experience supporting leave administration, benefits, or HR operations. Basic understanding of FMLA, ADA, workers' compensation, and other leave-related laws is preferred. Strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks. Proficiency with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook). Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain a high level of accuracy in leave tracking.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
1-3 years of experience supporting leave administration, benefits, or HR operations.
Strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks.
Proficiency with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain a high level of accuracy in leave tracking.

Nice To Haves

Basic understanding of FMLA, ADA, workers' compensation, and other leave-related laws is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist in the administration of leave of absence programs, including Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), state-specific leave policies, short-term and long-term disability, workers' compensation, personal leave, and other applicable leaves.
Process and track employee leave requests, ensuring proper documentation and adherence to company policies and legal requirements.
Maintain accurate leave records and update HR systems to reflect leave status and return-to-work dates.
Provide employees with information on leave eligibility, required documentation, and next steps.
Ensure leave requests comply with federal, state, and company policies by reviewing documentation and applying relevant guidelines.
Maintain confidential and accurate records of leave requests, approvals, medical documentation, and related correspondence.
Assist in generating reports related to leave trends and compliance as needed.
Serve as a point of contact for employees seeking information about their leave options and processes.
Communicate leave approvals, denials, and status updates in a clear and timely manner.
Coordinate with HR and managers to support return-to-work processes and accommodations when necessary.
Work closely with HR, payroll, and benefits teams to ensure accurate leave tracking and payroll adjustments.
Support ongoing process improvements in leave administration by identifying gaps or inefficiencies.
Assist in preparing reports on leave usage and trends to support decision-making.