Leave Specialist

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in North Carolina.

📋 Description

• Determine eligibility and make approval or denial decisions for employee leave and accommodation requests in accordance with relevant federal, state, and local regulations, including FMLA, ADA, PWFA, and state-specific programs.

• Evaluate intricate and overlapping leave situations to ascertain leave designation, duration, and compliance obligations.

• Administer various leave programs including FMLA, ADA, PWFA, personal, parental, military, and state-specific leaves.

• Act as the main point of contact for employees and managers regarding leave policies, eligibility, and procedures.

• Manage leave requests, monitor leave usage, and ensure documentation is maintained within HRIS or leave management systems.

• Collaborate with employees, managers, HRBPs, and HR leadership on leave accommodations and return-to-work strategies.

• Ensure adherence to relevant laws and internal policies.

• Work with payroll, benefits, and internal teams to address benefit continuation and compensation during leave periods.

• Evaluate leave usage and internal processes to identify areas for enhancement.

• Oversee communications with third-party leave administrators while retaining responsibility for determinations, compliance decisions, and case resolutions.

• Prepare and distribute necessary notices and documentation within specified timelines.

• Stay informed on changes to leave-related legislation and suggest process or policy adjustments as needed.

• Generate ongoing and ad-hoc reports and analytics regarding leave trends and utilization.

• Assist with reporting, documentation inquiries, internal requirements, and compliance audits.

• Uphold HIPAA/patient confidentiality.

• Execute other assigned responsibilities.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, a related field, or equivalent experience.

• Relevant certifications (e.g., SHRM-SCP, PHR) are preferred.

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in human resources directly managing employee leave programs, including FMLA and ADA, with a focus on eligibility determinations and case outcomes.

• Strong understanding of federal and state employment and leave regulations (e.g., FMLA, ADA, CFRA, PFL, etc.).

• Experience managing complex leave cases that involve the intersection of multiple leave and employment laws (e.g., overlap of FMLA & ADA or PWFA).

• Proven track record of independently approving, denying, and managing leave cases without dependence on a third-party administrator for determinations.

• Familiarity with leave case management systems and HRIS platforms (e.g., UKG, etc.).

• Excellent organizational abilities and meticulous attention to detail.

• Experience handling a large volume of cases within a predominantly remote workforce across various states.

• Strong interpersonal skills; capable of managing sensitive situations with discretion and empathy.

• Ability to handle multiple cases concurrently and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.

• Proficient written and verbal communication skills.

• Uphold HIPAA/patient confidentiality.

• Consistent and reliable attendance as per your assigned schedule.

🏝️ Benefits

• Health Plans with FSA or HSA options.

• Dental Insurance.

• Vision Insurance.

• Optional Life Insurance.

• 401K with Company Match.

• 12 weeks of parental leave for birthing parents.

• 4 weeks of leave for non-birthing parent(s).

• Fertility stipends.

• Free diapers.

• Breast pump.

• Paid Holidays.

• PTO Accrual from day one.

• Employee Assistance Programs.

• Competitive Pay.