Leave of Absence Specialist - SWBC PEO

SWBC is seeking a talented individual to oversee and manage the entire leave of absence process and coordinates the support for all workers’ compensation claims. Ensures accurate compliance with all federal regulations related to Family Medical Leave (FMLA), State leave laws, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Military and Personal Leave. Provides exemplary customer service and assistance to employees, managers, and HR business partners relative to leave and accommodation cases/requests.

Essential duties include the following:

• Reviews and approves/denies leave cases based on relevant medical information. Coordinates and organizes all medical information and ensures HIPAA and Employee Privacy guidelines are closely monitored and effectively executed.
• Point of contact for leave programs in alignment and under the general direction and guidance of HR leadership and the legal department.
• Administers leave requests, sends required notices, forms and letters, determines leave eligibility and creates/maintains complete and accurate leave files. Determines if employee is eligible for the leave, calculates duration of leave and monitors activity during leave to ensure employee does not exceed allowed time. Communicates and updates manager on status of leave and any updates provided relative to return to work or modified duty. Develops communications to managers and employees.  
• Coordinates with Benefits Team for employees on leave to ensure proper benefit tracking.
• Coordinates leaves concurrent with disability, including but not limited to short-term disability (STD)/long-term disability (LTD) programs, and workers compensation benefits, engaging other stakeholders as appropriate including benefits and legal staff. Updates employee records in Prism and tracking hours used/taken. Coordinates with clients to ensure that pay for associates is accurate and correct.
• Responsible for maintaining current knowledge of federal and state leave laws and regulations; propose revisions to internal documents, policies and communications as necessary to ensure company compliance.
• Assists in the creation and facilitation of leave administration training programs.
• Performs all other duties as assigned or required.

Serious candidates will possess the minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Psychology, or related field of study from an accredited four-year college or university preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working in benefits administration, data analysis, or related required.
• Experience and knowledge of short-term disability and FMLA claim processes is a plus.
• Certified Leave Management Specialist designation preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to gather and analyze information, determine a course of action and implement the selected course of action.
• Effectively interprets FMLA and ADA implications as they relate to leaves of absences/disabilities.
• Possess strong ethical values and ability to maintain confidential information.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize multiple tasks, attention to detail and strong follow-up skills
• Strong analytical skills, ability to solve problems and make reasonable logical decisions
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate in potentially stressful situations.
• Ability to quickly learn company policies, procedures and benefit offerings.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Ability to build credibility and trust with employees, HR and management.
• Strong communication skills with all levels of the organization to ensure all parties understand their responsibilities during an individual’s absence.
• Works collaboratively within and across business units and demonstrates proves experience with conflict management and influencing skills.
• Demonstrates strong judgment by anticipating the consequences of actions and weighing multiple, sometimes conflicting priorities
• Strong proficiency with software including Microsoft office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Workday or other HR system.