Senior Leave of Absence Specialist

The RMR Group•Newton, MA

6d•$84,000 - $104,000

About The Position

The Senior Leave of Absence Specialist is responsible for managing and administering all aspects of employee leave programs, including federal, state, and company-specific policies. This role ensures compliance with applicable laws (FMLA, ADA, PFML, Workers Compensation and state-specific regulations) and provides expert guidance to employees and managers throughout the leave process. The specialist serves as a subject matter expert and escalation point for complex leave cases.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) or equivalent.
3 - 5 plus years related experience or equivalent.
Commitment to excellence and high standards.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Strong organizational, problem-solving and analytical skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and workflow.
Versatility, flexibility and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.
Experience with FMLA, Leaves of Absence, ADA and Workers Compensation is required.
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
Acute attention to detail.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Good judgment with the ability to make timely and sound decisions.
Ability to deal effectively with a diverse population of individuals at all organizational levels.
Proven ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Nice To Haves

HRIS experience, particularly with the ADP Workforce Now system, is a plus.

Responsibilities

Manage end-to-end leave processes, including intake, eligibility determination, documentation, and return-to-work coordination.
Administer leaves under FMLA, PFML, ADA accommodations, short-term disability (STD), long-term disability (LTD), and company policies.
Ensure accurate tracking and reporting of leave cases in ADP and vendor systems.
Process employee workers’ compensation claims and invoices and prepare quarterly reports for Accounting and Real Estate Services.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal, state, and local leave laws and ensure compliance.
Ensure adherence to OSHA regulations related to workplace safety and employee health during leave and return-to-work processes.
Partner with Legal and HR leadership to update policies and procedures as regulations change.
Audit leave cases for accuracy and compliance.
Serve as primary point of contact for employees and managers regarding leave options, timelines, and requirements.
Provide empathetic and clear communication throughout the leave process.
Educate managers on their responsibilities during employee leaves.
Liaise with third-party administrators for disability and PFML claims.
Coordinate with Payroll to ensure accurate pay continuation, deductions, and benefit premiums during leave.
Generate and analyze leave metrics to identify trends and recommend process improvements.
Prepare compliance reports and support audits as needed.
Handle escalated or sensitive cases, including ADA accommodations and overlapping leave entitlements.
Collaborate with HRBP and Legal on complex scenarios.
Support entry of new hires, terms, changes and other data maintenance in HR Systems and ensure necessary information is provided to Payroll.

Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life & Disability Insurance
Health Savings Account (HSA) & Flexible Spending Plans (FSA)
401(k) Plan with Employer Match
Holidays, Vacation & Sick Time
Parental Leave
Tuition Assistance
Matching Gift Program
Wide Array of Voluntary, Employee-Paid Benefits to choose from including Critical Illness & Accident Insurance, Identity Theft Protection & Pet Insurance