Leave Specialist

Bassett Healthcare Network•Cooperstown, NY

About The Position

The best thing about this role Are you looking to make a difference by improving the health of our patients? Here you will find an innovative culture that is patient-focused and dedicated to making a difference. We are committed to helping the population we serve, and our communities, achieve optimum health and enjoy the best quality of life possible. What you'll do Under the direction of the Benefits Manager, the Leave Specialist will serve as subject matter expert and oversee and administer leave requests and accommodations requiring specialized attention, particularly those arising under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), New York State and local leaves, workers' compensation and short- and long-term disability plans. Identifies opportunities for and assists with implementation of process improvements. Communicates with employees regarding their needs for leave and/or modified work schedules. Ensures that employees are aware of their responsibilities and of any documentation and notice required to qualify for and to take leave. Handles the FMLA leave administration process from the employee's initial notice of the need for leave to the return to work. This includes gathering and completing all required paperwork, determining leave eligibility, designating leave as FMLA-qualifying, requesting medical certification as needed, and accounting for intermittent and reduced schedule leave use. 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. Advises managers and employees on the interaction of leave laws with paid time off, workers' compensation, and short-term and long-term disability benefits. Oversees the return-to-work process for employees returning from extended FMLA, workers' compensation, or other leave(s). Responsible for initiation and completion of interactive process related to leaves and return to work. Facilitates other leave requests, which may include accommodation requests under the ADA. Administers PTO and Sick Time programs as they relate to leaves of absence. Drafts and/or recommends 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 in accordance with specified legal requirements and documentation of best practices. Preserves confidentiality of employee medical documentation and files. Maintains knowledge of all applicable leave and accommodation laws including the FMLA, ADA, and state and local laws. Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

4 year/Bachelor degree in Business, Human Resources or related field, required
Experience may be considered in lieu of education
Minimum 3 years of leave and/or benefit administration experience, knowledge of leave requirements including legal protections afforded by the FMLA, ADA and other applicable laws, required
Analysis & Evaluation
Attention to Detail
Build Relationships
Computer Skills
Communication
Multi-Tasking
Time Management
Sedentary work: exerting up to 10 lbs of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
Occasional: balancing, crouching, kneeling, lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, standing, stooping, visual acuity, walking
Frequent: talking
Constant: grasping, hearing, repetitive motion, talking, seeing/monitor/computer use, typing/clerical/dexterity, visual acuity.

Nice To Haves

Previous healthcare experience, preferred
Certified Leave Specialist, Professional Human Resources Professional, and/or Society of Human Resource management - Certified Professional, preferred

Responsibilities

Oversee and administer leave requests and accommodations requiring specialized attention, particularly those arising under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), New York State and local leaves, workers' compensation and short- and long-term disability plans.
Identifies opportunities for and assists with implementation of process improvements.
Communicates with employees regarding their needs for leave and/or modified work schedules.
Ensures that employees are aware of their responsibilities and of any documentation and notice required to qualify for and to take leave.
Handles the FMLA leave administration process from the employee's initial notice of the need for leave to the return to work. This includes gathering and completing all required paperwork, determining leave eligibility, designating leave as FMLA-qualifying, requesting medical certification as needed, and accounting for intermittent and reduced schedule leave use.
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.
Advises managers and employees on the interaction of leave laws with paid time off, workers' compensation, and short-term and long-term disability benefits.
Oversees the return-to-work process for employees returning from extended FMLA, workers' compensation, or other leave(s).
Responsible for initiation and completion of interactive process related to leaves and return to work.
Facilitates other leave requests, which may include accommodation requests under the ADA.
Administers PTO and Sick Time programs as they relate to leaves of absence.
Drafts and/or recommends 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 in accordance with specified legal requirements and documentation of best practices.
Preserves confidentiality of employee medical documentation and files.
Maintains knowledge of all applicable leave and accommodation laws including the FMLA, ADA, and state and local laws.
Performs other duties as assigned