Leave Of Absence Specialist

General Purpose
As a member of the Corporate Benefits team, the Leave of Absence Specialist partners with the Company’s third party leave administrator to coordinate, support and assist with the leave of absence process from the initial request through return to work. The Leave of Absence Specialist will partner with members of the Corporate Benefits team and fellow Human Resource Directors, Business Partners and Associates, Managers and all levels of employees, as the leave liaison to effectively facilitate the various administrative requirements arising under the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), state and local leave laws, and Company short-term and long-term disability plans.
Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Record and reconcile benefit premium payments from employees on a leave of absence, working with members of our Benefits Help Desk, Payroll and Finance departments as needed.
• Review and update leave materials provided to employees as programs or policies are updated, as laws change, or as needed based on business circumstances.
• Provide a superior employee experience using all methods of communication.
• Collaborate with fellow Corporate Benefits team to design, implement and communicate all facets of the leave programs and policies, in particular when changes take place.
• Research and maintain a working knowledge of federal and state laws regarding FMLA, ADAAA, paid/unpaid sick leave, paid/unpaid family leave, workers’ compensation, HIPAA, and ERISA.
• Preserve confidentiality of employee medical documentation and files.
• Audit internal record of leaves of absence against outsourced administration vendor records to ensure accuracy, for the purpose of identifying and resolving discrepancies.
• Offer guidance and education about the various leave types and processes, which could be on an ad hoc individual basis or periodically in a group setting.
• Be well-versed in the employee benefits program to offer advice and guidance as relates to additional leave of absence resources for employees.
• Track, update and follow-up on all open and up-coming leaves of absence, ensuring applicable human resources team members have the most up-to-date information available.
• Calculate supplemental pay that coordinates with the company’s short term disability policy and in some cases, state payments, with a superior level of accuracy and understanding such that the calculation can be clearly explained to an employee.
• Respond to requests for leave-related policy and eligibility information from human resources, managers, and staff in a timely manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including partnering and assisting with benefit inquiries, administration, and projects.
• Serve as liaison and subject matter expert for human resources, employee and outsourced leave administrator to effectively and successfully facilitate leaves of absence.
• Recommend policy and process changes as needed to ensure ongoing compliance with federal, state and local leave laws.

Job Qualifications (Education, Experience And Certification)

• Deep working knowledge of laws and regulations, including FMLA, ADA/ADAAA, the interactive process, state and local leave laws with an emphasis in CA, NY, NJ, CT and MA.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a high-performing team.
• Experience using various HRIS, insurance carrier and benefit enrollment software and programs.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field, or the equivalent in education and experience.
• Ability and demonstrated confidence in working professionally with all levels of staff as well as external vendors and insurance carriers.
• Demonstrated resourcefulness – ability to find sources of accurate information and thoroughly understand a process or product to the point where you can help educate others.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; must be able to explain leaves and benefits in a clear, easy to understand manner.
• Demonstrated intermediate-level experience with computers, printers, and MS Office products, particularly a high level of proficiency in Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Three or more years of experience administering leaves of absence in-house and in an outsourced environment.
• Specialized benefits-related or leave of absence certification preferred.

Competencies

• Communication: Understands the importance of and demonstrates respectful, tactful, and professional verbal, written, and non-verbal communications at all times.
• Team Player: Works within team and cross-functionally to meet required results.
• Customer/Client Experience: Creates a consistent and exceptional experience for others, whether directly to internal customer/client or external vendors/carriers through superior internal support that elevates the overall perception of the company and department.
• Job Knowledge & Technical Skill: Demonstrates an understanding of objectives, duties, responsibilities, and expectations of the job with exceptional quality work. High sense of urgency, well-organized, ability to effectively prioritize, comfortable with change, self-motivated, meticulous in accuracy and thoroughness.

The national average salary for this role is $60k- $68k in base pay and exclusive of any bonuses or benefits. The base pay offered will be determined based on your experience, skills, training, certifications and education, while also considering internal equity and market data.
WHY JOIN US?

• Voted " Best Place to Work" in the Insurance Industry
• 15th Largest Broker in US
• Awesome Benefits: 401K matching, Generous Time Off Policy, Flexible Work Options, Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet Insurance, Cancer Insurance, Wellness Programs, Employee Award Programs (Trips!).

EPIC embraces diversity in all its various forms—whether it be diversity of thought, background, race, religion, gender, skills or experience. We are committed to fostering a work community where every colleague feels welcomed, valued, respected and heard. It is our belief that diversity drives innovation and that creating an environment where every employee feels included and empowered, helps us to deliver the best outcome to our clients. An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.