Leave of Absence Specialist (Hybrid)

First American • Santa Ana, CA

10d • $31 - $41 • Hybrid

About The Position

Join a team that puts its People First! Since 1889, First American (NYSE: FAF) has held an unwavering belief in its people. They are passionate about what they do, and we are equally passionate about fostering an environment where all feel welcome, supported, and empowered to be innovative and reach their full potential. Our inclusive, people-first culture has earned our company numerous accolades, including being named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for ten consecutive years. We have also earned awards as a best place to work for women, diversity and LGBTQ+ employees, and have been included on more than 50 regional best places to work lists. First American will always strive to be a great place to work, for all. For more information, please visit www.careers.firstam.com. This role is responsible for managing a variety of leave of absence cases across multiple states and business units, including intermittent, maternity, paternity, family care, short‑term disability, and other complex leave types. The position ensures all cases are administered in accordance with company policies and fully compliant with applicable state and federal regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or Business Administration preferred
• 2–3 years of HR experience required
• Minimum of 3 years of experience managing leave administration, preferably in a multi‑state environment
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively via email and virtual meetings
• Proven ability to build credibility and trust with employees, HR partners, and leadership
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly with all levels of the organization to ensure alignment during employee absences
• Collaborative approach with experience navigating across business units; skilled in conflict management and influencing without authority
• Strong judgment and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to anticipate outcomes and balance multiple competing priorities
• Solid understanding of HR benefits practices, policies, and procedures
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word and Excel required)
• Knowledge of FMLA, ADAAA, STD, WC, LTD, HIPAA, and related leave and disability regulations
• Highly detail‑oriented with strong organizational and follow‑through skills

Nice To Haves

• PHR, SPHR, CEBS, or other HR certification preferred

Responsibilities

• Manage leave cases of varying types for multiple business units in multiple states, including but not limited to: intermittent, maternity, paternity, family care, short-term disability, & unpaid leaves that are often complex in nature
• Ensure leaves are being handled according to Company policy and procedures as well as in compliance with state & federal requirements
• Determine if employee is eligible for the leave, ensure appropriate documentation is completed, calculate duration of leave and monitor activity during leave to ensure employee does not exceed allowed time
• Coordinate leaves that are concurrent with disability and workers compensation benefits, engaging other stakeholders as appropriate including Benefits, Payroll, HR and Legal staff
• Responsible for accurately tracking and managing administrative details and documentation using standardized forms and processes (i.e., FMLA paperwork is completed and in good order)
• Investigate issues appropriately, identify root cause, and make recommendations for those involved to resolve the issues
• Communicate, educate and advise the employee and the employee's manager on policies and procedures with the intent of making expectations as clear as possible
• Deliver excellent customer service, acting as a primary contact to the employee and their manager in preparation for and during the leave
• Be the leave subject matter expert when partnering with all other key stakeholders (HR manager/generalist and business managers) on the Leave of Absence process
• Partner with the HR Manager/Generalist, and Legal when appropriate, on escalated problem resolution as it relates to the leave
• Ensure that appropriate and timely follow-up information is provided to employees in response to requests for information (e.g. documents, forms)
• Provide the necessary communication and plan materials to employees and HR throughout the leave (leave notification letters, approval letters, information packets, return to work plan, etc.)
• Work with Legal, HR Manager/ Generalist, returning employee, and his/her manager, as appropriate, to ensure that any required workplace accommodations are triaged for continued case management and implementation
• Participate as a member of the team to implement and design best practice leave administration process
• Participate in leave-specific project initiatives as necessary (i.e. leave training, communications enhancements, etc.)
• Recommend policy and procedure changes as needed
• Attend ongoing training as needed to remain current on leave laws
• Some travel may be required
• Works under general supervision applying well established techniques, procedures or specific standards.
• Work reviewed for soundness of judgment and overall accuracy

Benefits

• First American offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, PTO/paid sick leave and other great benefits like an employee stock purchase plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level