Leave Specialist

ERMCO

10d

About The Position

The Leave Specialist manages all leave of absence and job accommodation processes for a workforce of about 3,300 employees across multiple shifts. This includes administering FMLA, ADA accommodations, state‑specific leaves, military leave, bereavement, parental/bonding leave, intermittent leave, and employer-sponsored programs (STD/LTD). The role ensures accuracy, compliance, and timely communication by working closely with employees, managers, HR Site Leaders, Payroll, Safety, vendors, and other HR partners.

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of FMLA, ADA, USERRA, state leave laws, and STD/LTD programs.
• Experience with intermittent leave, return‑to‑work processes, and accommodations in multi‑shift settings.
• Proficiency with UKG timekeeping systems and case management tools; strong Excel skills.
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, confidentiality, and ability to manage high volumes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to resolve issues, use sound judgment, and escalate appropriately.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in manufacturing, distribution, or other high‑volume hourly environments.
• Experience with union environments and leave‑related provisions.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary contact for all leave requests.
• Partner with UNUM to process and update leave cases; participate in bi‑weekly vendor calls. Create and maintain leave cases in the UKG Leave module.
• Communicate procedures, timelines, and pay/benefit impacts clearly to employees and leaders.
• Manage all phases of FMLA (continuous and intermittent).
• Coordinate STD/LTD claims with carriers and align outcomes with leave status and payroll. Manage HAS/FSA payment processes during unpaid leave or upon return.
• Administer state leave programs, military/USERRA, bereavement, jury duty, personal leaves, and company‑specific leave programs.
• Ensure accurate UKG time and attendance coding (LOA, intermittent hours) and reconcile with payroll for paid/unpaid status, arrears, offsets, and PTO.
• Coordinate loan payments/repayments with Principal.
• Oversee transitions from STD to LTD to COBRA/Direct Bill.
• Participate in the ADA interactive process with HR Site Leaders and Safety, including essential job function review, restrictions, accommodations, and follow‑up.
• Support return‑to‑work planning, work restrictions, and transitional duty.
• Collaborate with Benefits, Payroll, Safety, Workers’ Compensation, Talent Acquisition, and HR Site Leaders to ensure aligned processes.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local leave laws; recommend updates as needed. Work with Legal/HR Compliance on escalated or complex cases.
• Support audits by maintaining accurate, complete case documentation.
• Identify trends (e.g., high intermittent leave in specific areas) and propose improvements.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with bonus eligibility.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement plan, paid time off, and other company‑sponsored programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees