Human Resource Leave & Disability Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY: The Human Resource Leave & Disability Specialist performs daily HR functions related to employee leave and benefits administration. This role is responsible for administering FMLA, ADA accommodations, unemployment, Workers' Compensation, short- and long-term disability, and other leave programs while ensuring compliance with company policies and applicable federal, state, and local laws.

• Administer and document FMLA and other leave requests, including ADA, state, and local leave laws.
• Manage Workers' Compensation claims and communicate with insurance carriers.
• Track employee leave and ensure compliance with company policies and legal requirements.
• Coordinate short-term and long-term disability programs.
• Oversee return-to-work programs and accommodations.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and confidential employee medical and leave records in compliance with ADA, HIPAA, and other privacy regulations.
• Advise managers and employees on the interaction between leave laws, paid time off, Workers' Compensation, and disability benefits. Perform routine tasks required to administer and execute human resource programs, including but not limited to compensation, benefits, and leave; disciplinary matters; disputes and investigations; performance and talent management; productivity, recognition, and morale; occupational health and safety; and training and development.
• Handles employment-related inquiries from applicants, employees, and supervisors, referring complex and/or sensitive matters to the appropriate staff.
• Maintains compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations and recommends best practices; reviews policies and practices to maintain compliance. This includes required and not required audits and reports.
• Preserves confidentiality of employee medical documentation and files.
• Maintains knowledge of legal and regulatory changes, trends, and other developments affecting retirement benefits.
• Filing the documentation.
• Participate in organizational events as needed, including occasional schedule flexibility.
• Support and participate in internal and external audits as required, including preparing documentation, responding to audit inquiries, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and organizational policies.

FMLA/ Leave

• Oversee and administer leave requests and accommodations requiring specialized attention, particularly those arising under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), state and local leave laws, and short-term or long-term disability plans.
• Communicate with employees regarding their needs for leave and/or modified work schedules. Ensures that employees are aware of their responsibilities and of any documentation and notice required to qualify for and to take leave.
• Handled the FMLA leave administration process from the employee's initial notice of the need for leave to the return to work. This includes gathering and completing all required paperwork, determining leave eligibility, designating leave as FMLA-qualifying, requesting medical certification as needed, and accounting for intermittent and reduced schedule leave use.
• Maintains reasonable communication with employees on leave to facilitate smooth and timely return to work; relays communication between employees and their managers during leave within reason.
• Advises managers and employees on the interaction of leave laws with paid time off, workers' compensation, and short-term and long-term disability benefits.
• Oversees the return-to-work process for employees returning from extended FMLA, workers' compensation, or other leave(s).
• Maintains complete and accurate records of leave and accommodation requests in accordance with specified legal requirements and documentation of best practices.

Workers' Compensation

• Establishes and maintains case files, logs, and indexes; reviews documentation and records. Verifies job-related accidents with claimants and supervisors. Initiates appropriate notices as needed; coordinates closely with the organization's Workers' Compensation insurance carrier and third-party administrators.
• Evaluates accident reports, ensuring the timely processing of medical bills and temporary total disability benefits; reviews medical reports, witness statements, department investigation results, and other documentation.
• Compiles facts and data regarding accident reports and filed cases.
• Maintains records and files for those incidents involving third parties
• Advises and/or assists departments in investigating accident reports, including interviewing witnesses and procurement of relevant documentation.
• Reviews accident reports to identify patterns of injury and to determine whether unsafe conditions contributed to the accident; advises departments of trends in injuries and proper safety procedures that may result in a reduction of injuries; provides the department with information that will aid in reducing accidents and improving safety.
• Documents telephone conversations, witness statements, medical reports, accident investigation results, and payment of medical bills; attends seminars, conducts research, and maintains liaison with individuals in the medical community and healthcare fields to keep abreast of current medical procedures and medications.
• Trains other departments in the proper procedures and forms to be utilized in workers' compensation matters and the preparation of accident reports, notices of absence, and notices of return to work in accordance with city regulations and the Workers' Compensation Act.

Unemployment

• Administer unemployment claims, prepare responses, and participate in hearings as needed.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to Workers' Compensation and unemployment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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  Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
  
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  Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  
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  Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
  
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate
• Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn the organization's HRIS and talent management systems.

• A bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
• At least one year of human resource management experience preferred.
• SHRM-CP a plus.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English required based on business necessity to effectively communicate with employees and stakeholders.

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to move throughout the workplace, including standing, walking, and using stairs.