LOA & Disability Manager

PetSmart • Phoenix, AZ

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

Works as part of the Leave of Absence team to manage and provide guidance on complex leave of absence and disability accommodation cases across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, supporting Field, Distribution Center, and Home Office associates. This role manages a caseload of intermediate to complex FMLA, ADA, and state leave cases, including escalated matters. The position evaluates medical, legal, and business information to determine appropriate outcomes, ensuring compliance while balancing operational needs.
Partners closely with HR, Legal, Risk, and business leaders to mitigate risk, support decision-making, and maintain business continuity. This role operates with a high degree of independence and plays a key role in identifying trends, educating stakeholders, and improving processes. Responsible for maintaining accurate case documentation and data integrity within the LOA system.

Requirements

• 2+ years of experience in leave of absence, disability, or benefits administration
• Knowledge of federal and state leave laws, including FMLA and ADA, with a general understanding of related regulations such as HIPAA and ERISA
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret regulations and apply them to real-world situations
• Ability to balance compliance requirements with business needs and make sound, independent decisions
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to influence and navigate sensitive situations
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with a high level of attention to detail
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to build effective relationships across functions and levels
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Ability to research and stay current on evolving leave laws and accommodation practices

Nice To Haves

• Experience managing complex or escalated leave and accommodation cases preferred
• Experience with HR systems (e.g., SAP) and case management tools preferred

Responsibilities

• Manages a caseload of LOA and ADA matters, including complex and escalated cases. Serves as a point of escalation for LOA Specialists and other areas of the business
• Evaluates information from associates, leaders, and medical providers to determine leave eligibility and accommodation options, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and company policies
• Manages complex FMLA cases and provides guidance on federal and state leave laws. Monitors regulatory changes and assesses potential impact to the business
• Leads ADA cases, including the interactive process, documentation review, case analysis, and accommodation recommendations in partnership with HR, Legal, Risk, and business leaders
• Makes independent, compliant decisions that balance associate needs with business operations and risk considerations
• Communicates effectively with associates and leaders, including in sensitive or high-emotion situations
• Analyzes case data to identify trends, conduct root cause analysis, and recommend solutions to improve processes and reduce risk
• Builds strong cross-functional partnerships and provides education and guidance to leaders and HR on LOA and ADA practices
• Maintains accurate and timely case documentation and ensures data integrity within the LOA case management system
• Contributes to process improvements, policy updates, and team knowledge sharing. Participates in projects as needed

Benefits

• Pet-friendly environment, bring your pets to work and enjoy the on-site dog park!
• On-Site Events & Adoptions, enjoy community-building opportunities, including pet adoption days, seasonal celebrations, family events, art events, & holiday festivals
• “Top Dog” gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists, personal trainers, and wellness spaces
• “Sit & Stay” Café serving fresh breakfast and lunch options, snacks, & more
• “Lil Paws” NAEYC-accredited onsite childcare facility providing high-quality early education
• Paid Volunteer Opportunities to spend time doing good for causes close to heart
• Print Center and Business Services, Dry Cleaning, Mother's Rooms, Sustainable Infrastructure & more

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees