Leave & Accommodation Specialist

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Alaska, +9 more states.

📋 Description

• Oversee and manage employee leaves of absence, encompassing FMLA, state-specific leave programs, and other relevant leave policies.

• Assess, evaluate, and determine leave eligibility and designations.

• Administer the leave process from the initial request to the return-to-work stage.

• Review medical certifications and accompanying documentation.

• Facilitate workplace accommodation requests under ADA, PWFA, and pertinent state and local regulations.

• Guide the interactive process and evaluate reasonable accommodation alternatives.

• Work collaboratively with employees, managers, and HR leadership to implement workplace accommodations.

• Coordinate return-to-work procedures and assess modified-duty arrangements.

• Identify complex leave and accommodation scenarios and escalate sensitive or high-risk issues.

• Collaborate with payroll, benefits, and management regarding leave-related pay, benefit deductions, and employee status updates.

• Support employee benefits programs, enrollment activities, and resolution of benefit-related issues.

• Stay updated on changes to leave and accommodation laws and aid in organizational compliance.

• Enhance leave and accommodation processes, procedures, and employee resources.

• Assist with HR audits and documentation requests.

• Adhere to HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 regulations.

• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive organizational data.

• Carry out additional projects and duties as assigned.

⛳️ Requirements

• Must be a resident of AK, AZ, AR, ID, MD, MT, NM, ND, OR, TX, or WA.

• High School Diploma or GED is required.

• Relevant HR and/or benefit certifications may replace formal educational requirements.

• A minimum of 2 years of direct, hands-on experience managing employee leave programs, including FMLA, ADA, and other federal/state-specific leave types, along with workplace accommodation requests.

• Proven experience in independently reviewing, evaluating, and making determinations on leave eligibility, designations, and accommodations.

• Direct experience managing leave and accommodation programs across multiple states, including the interpretation and application of various state-specific leave laws, paid leave programs, and accommodation mandates.

• In-depth knowledge of FMLA, ADA, PWFA, and state-specific leave requirements.

• Experience conducting the ADA interactive process and assessing reasonable accommodations.

• Ability to interpret and apply employment laws, company policies, and regulatory requirements effectively.

• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills and discretion when dealing with sensitive employee situations.

• Capability to manage multiple cases, competing priorities, and regulatory deadlines efficiently.

• High attention to detail and accuracy in documentation, recordkeeping, and data management.

• Ability to exercise independent judgment and identify matters that require escalation.

• General understanding of employee benefits programs and enrollment processes.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with employees, managers, payroll, and HR team members.

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office products such as Outlook, Teams, and Excel.

• Proficiency in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Must be available during core business hours and may need to accommodate various time zones.

• A quiet, professional environment is required for handling confidential information.

• Preferred: An Associate’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Preferred: 3 or more years of experience in leave administration and workplace accommodations.

• Preferred: Experience with WA and OR paid leave programs.

• Preferred: Experience in educating and training managers on leave policies and procedures.

• Preferred: PHR, aPHR, SHRM, CLMS, or other HR certifications.

🏝️ Benefits

• Fully remote work arrangement.

• Dedicated home office setup.

• Reliable high-speed internet access.

• Occasional travel may be required for team meetings or special projects.

• Equal opportunity employment.

• Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities.