LOA Specialist

Administers and manages an assigned caseload of leave of absence cases from initiation through return to work.

Provides comprehensive case management, general administration, and program compliance with the Family and Medical Leave Act and all related federal and state employment laws.

Serves as an escalation point for complex cases and delivers exemplary customer service and assistance.

Essential Duties



* Maintains an up-to-date knowledge of all government regulations and laws and advises employees on company policy, guidelines, and documentation requirements.


* Serves as the subject matter expert for the leave program in alignment and under the general direction and guidance of HR leadership and the legal department.


* Interprets and administers leave programs and policies in accordance with the applicable federal and state employment laws (FMLA, ADA, USERRA, Pregnancy Discrimination Act, etc.).


* Independently approves and/or denies leave cases based on relevant medical information.

Coordinates and organizes all medical information and ensures that HIPAA and Employee Privacy guidelines are closely monitored and effectively executed.


* Manages complex, escalated, and concurrent leave cases end-to-end, including intermittent leaves, accommodations under the ADA interactive process, and cases involving multiple overlapping programs.


* Manages all administrative aspects of leave cases, including tracking hours used/taken and working closely with the HR Local and Payroll to ensure that pay for associates is accurate and correct.


* Works closely with associates to ensure that all relevant completed medical documentation is submitted for timely review.

Maintains appropriate contact with all employees on leave and coordinates all aspects of return to work for employees on leave.


* Manages STD/LTD programs and State Paid Leave programs through the third-party administrator (Unum).

Ensures that these program claims are coordinated with FMLA or general medical cases and reconciled between the TPA and internal systems.


* Produces and manages reporting metrics and analytics for all leave cases; identifies trends and recommends process improvements.


* Partners closely with HRBPs on all related cases/claims.

Meets regularly to review the status of cases/claims and develops legally sound strategies for a mutually beneficial resolution.


* Partners closely with all HR Locals, Administrators, and Direct Supervisors on all leave cases.

Meets regularly to review case status and develops strategies for resolution.


* Provides guidance and day-to-day support to LOA Coordinators and assists in the creation and facilitation of leave administration training programs.


* Performs all other duties as assigned or required.

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience


* 2-4 years of experience in leave of absence administration, benefits, or a related HR discipline.


* Working knowledge of FMLA, A...