Leave Specialist
About The Position
The Leave Specialist independently manages all leave of absence, disability, workers' compensation, and accommodation programs. This role serves as the subject matter expert on federal and state leave regulations and provides consultative support regarding leave administration, workplace accommodations, return-to-work planning, and compliance. The Leave Specialist manages leave requests from intake through return to work; administers applicable federal and New Jersey leave and disability programs; reviews medical documentation; coordinates approvals, extensions, recertifications, intermittent leave tracking, and return-to-work determinations; and facilitates the ADA interactive process. The role also administers workers' compensation claims, maintains OSHA records, coordinates benefits and pay with Payroll, maintains records in Dayforce or a similar HRIS, and prepares recurring reports. The Specialist analyzes trends, recommends process improvements, and develops and delivers training on leave administration and related programs.
Requirements
- Minimum 3–5 years of progressive experience administering leave of absence programs.
- Extensive knowledge of OSHA recordkeeping requirements.
- Experience managing FMLA, NJFLA, ADA, USERRA, Workers' Compensation, Paid Family Leave, and Temporary Disability Benefits within an HRIS.
- Experience with the ADA interactive process.
- Experience conducting employee and management training sessions.
- Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
- Ability to manage sensitive employee matters with confidentiality and discretion.
- Proficiency with technology and software such as Microsoft Excel, reporting tools and dashboards, and Smartsheet.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
- SHRM-CP, PHR, SHRM-SCP, or CEBS certification.
- Experience within a nonprofit, healthcare, or human services environment.
Responsibilities
- Independently manage the full lifecycle of leave requests, from intake through return to work.
- Administer FMLA, NJFLA, NJ Paid Family Leave, Temporary Disability Benefits, ADA-related leaves, Military Leave (USERRA), Workers' Compensation leaves, and personal leaves of absence.
- Review medical certifications and supporting documentation for compliance and completeness.
- Coordinate leave approvals, extensions, recertifications, intermittent leave tracking, and return-to-work determinations.
- Facilitate and document the ADA interactive process.
- Evaluate accommodation requests and collaborate with managers to identify reasonable accommodations.
- Coordinate return-to-work planning and transitional work arrangements.
- Maintain accommodation records in compliance with applicable regulations.
- Administer workers' compensation claims from initial injury through claim resolution.
- Coordinate with carriers, medical providers, employees, and supervisors.
- Maintain OSHA 300, OSHA 300A, and OSHA 301 records.
- Coordinate paid leave benefits, disability payments, PTO integration, and supplemental pay calculations.
- Partner with Payroll to reconcile leave-related pay discrepancies.
- Maintain leave, accommodation, and workers' compensation records in Dayforce or similar HRIS systems.
- Develop and distribute recurring leave, disability, workers' compensation, and accommodation reports.
- Analyze trends, identify process improvement opportunities, and present recommendations to leadership.
- Develop materials and facilitate training programs on leave administration, accommodations, disability programs, and workers' compensation.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage and flexible spending accounts.
- Employer-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance.
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
- Paid time off, holidays, medical leave, and PTO buy-back options.
- Direct deposit, payroll card, and Employee Assistance Program.
- Wellness program and referral bonus program.
- Paid orientation and ongoing training.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
