Leave of Absence Specialist

About the Role

The Leave of Absence Specialist is responsible for administering leave of absence and disability programs for all Acadia employees. The Leave of Absence Specialist ensures leaves are administered in compliance with laws, regulations and policies. Responsible for advising employees on leave eligibility, benefit programs and claim procedures. Coordinate the distribution and receipt of leave forms, notification of local HR and timely return to work procedures. Responsible for notifying the employees on leave of their obligations in regard to benefit payments and ensuring benefit payments are received in the corporate office in a timely manner. Serves as a resources to employees and managers on all aspects of FMLA leave, personal leave, STD/LTD and military leave.

Responsibilities

• Provides accurate and timely consultation to employees prior to their leave of absence regarding leave policies, appropriate leave protections, use of paid time off, and short-term disability benefits
• Tracks leave of absence cases in electronic absence management system
• Distributes leave of absence information and FMLA documentation to the employee and HR Representatives
• Builds a rapport with HR team at assigned facilities and serves as the subject matter expert in leave issues
• Coordinates the employee’s return to work among all parties on a need-to-know basis.
• Acts as the main liaison with STD/LTD vendor and the employee
• Identifies and communicates to employees the benefit premiums that are due to continue coverage while on unpaid leave of absence
• Ensures that collection of benefit premiums is arranged and communicated with the employee and that processing of payments is received in the corporate office
• Maintain current knowledge on leave guidelines under applicable federal and state laws
• Performs other duties as assigned

Standard Expectations

• Complies with organizational policies, procedures, performance improvement initiatives and maintains organizational and industry policies regarding confidentiality
• Communicate clearly and effectively to person(s) receiving services and their family members, guests and other members of the health care team
• Develops constructive and cooperative working relationships with others and maintains them over time
• Encourages and builds mutual trust, respect and cooperation among team members
• Maintains regular and predictable attendance

Qualifications

Education/Experience/Skill Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience preferred
• 1 - 3 years of Human Resources experience supporting leave administration and HRIS maintenance and reporting for a multi-location, multi-state organization
• Two years of HRIS experience, preferable UKG
• Excellent communication and organization skills are required
• Advanced computer skills including Microsoft Office; Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to interact effectively and professionally with individuals at all levels; both internal and external
• Knowledge of office administration procedures with the ability to operate most standard office equipment
• Ability to work professionally with sensitive, proprietary data & information while maintaining confidentiality
• Exercises sound judgment in responding to inquiries; understands when to route inquiries to next level
• Self-motivated with strong organizational skills and superior attention to detail.
• Must be able to manage multiple tasks/projects simultaneously within inflexible time frames. Ability to adapt to frequent priority changes.
• Capable of working within established policies, procedures and practices prescribed by the organization
• Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations affecting employee benefit programs including FMLA and state leave laws, ADA and ACA
• English sufficient to provide and receive instructions/directions

Licenses/Designations/Certifications

• PHR/CLMS is preferred