The Leave of Absence Specialist is responsible for managing and overseeing the end-to-end leave of absence processes for all care professionals. This role involves ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, supporting care professionals through their leave journey, and coordinating with various stakeholders to maintain seamless operations. The Leave of Absence Specialist will also provide guidance and mentorship to junior team members and contribute to the continuous improvement of leave administration practices.

Responsibilities:

• Leave Management:
• Administer and coordinate all types of employee leave, including but not limited to FMLA, ADA, short-term disability, long-term disability, military leave, personal leave, and parental leave.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees regarding their leave of absence, providing support, guidance, and clear communication throughout the process.
• Ensure timely processing of leave requests, including eligibility determination, leave tracking, and return-to-work coordination with the care professional and field operation stakeholders.
• De-escalation of LOA related issues to include identifying opportunities to adjust steps and communication tactics to resolve challenging issues. 
• Compliance:
• Stay current with federal, state, and local regulations related to leave administration, such as FMLA, ADA, and state-specific leave laws.
• Ensure all leave processes are compliant with legal requirements and company policies.
• Manage and maintain accurate leave records, ensuring confidentiality and proper documentation for audit purposes.
• Employee Support:
• Provide compassionate and responsive support to employees taking leave, addressing concerns, and helping them understand their rights and responsibilities.
• Collaborate with HR, payroll, and benefits. And the market teams to ensure seamless integration of leave-related matters, such as benefit continuation and pay adjustments and schedule related concerns.
• Facilitate return-to-work processes, including accommodations and work modifications, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• Team Leadership and Training:
• Mentor and support junior leave coordinators, providing guidance and sharing best practices.
• Develop and deliver training sessions on leave policies and procedures for HR team members and managers.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and lead initiatives to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of leave administration.
• Reporting and Analysis:
• Generate and analyze leave-related reports to identify trends, potential issues, and opportunities for improvement.
• Provide insights and recommendations to HR leadership based on data analysis.

CPHR Associate Team Support 

• Assist CPHR senior associates with de-escalation of issues related to CPHR processes and workflows including but not limited to payroll, complaints, subpoenas, & accommodations.
• Assist CPHR senior associates with triage of inbound inquiries, associate coaching, and training. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in leave administration, HR, or a related field, with a strong understanding of FMLA, ADA, and other relevant leave laws.
• Experience in a senior or lead role is preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of leave laws and regulations at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to provide empathetic support to employees.
• Proficient in HRIS and leave management systems, with strong data management and reporting skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• High level of discretion and confidentiality.