Senior Leave of Absence Specialist

At VyStar, we offer competitive pay, an excellent benefit package that includes a 401(k) Plan, an extensive paid technical and on-the-job training program, and tuition reimbursement--available to all full and part time employees. Part time positions start at a minimum of 30 hours per week.

We encourage you to become a part of VyStar Credit Union's family of employees.

Senior Leave of Absence Specialist

ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENT

Provide guidance and support to managers and employees to address any inquiries or issues related to leave of absence and ensure employees' positive experience. Serve as the primary point of contact for managers and employees throughout the leave of absence process. Process and approve leave of absence transactions in Workday.

The Sr Leave of Absence Specialist will perform a variety of both routine and complex administrative and professional work. Serve as a subject matter expert on the leaves process as well as State and Federal leave laws.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitor leave claims process with current Leave Administration company to ensure all necessary claims are open and the required notifications are being sent to employees.
• Maintain close contact with employees and keep managers informed about expected duration, return to work dates, extensions, etc.

• Provides support and act as liaison between manager, HRBP and employee(s) on all federal, state, and university-sponsored leave programs, including FMLA, Short-term & Long-term Disability, Workers' Compensation, ADA Accommodations, Corporate Leave, Paid Time Off, etc.
• Provides advice, guidance, and support on interpreting and applying for benefits programs.
• Maintain deep expertise and specialized knowledge of legal and statutory policies around leaves of absences.
• Maintains reasonable communication with employees on leave to facilitate smooth and timely return to work; relays communication between employees and their managers during leave within reason.
• Maintains the leave of absence inbox; includes evaluating requests, responding to leave of absence-related inquiries, and escalating issues necessary.
• Collaborates with Payroll to ensure HR meets payroll deadlines for timely and accurate transactions and absence adjustments; follows repeatable and auditable processes and procedures to resolve payroll-related issues.
• Initiates all applicable Incident Reports to Workers Compensations carrier timely.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assists with reviewing and updating internal documents, policies, and communications to ensure compliance, if needed.
• Assists with benefits events, including annual benefits fair, annual flu shots, ongoing wellbeing educational sessions, and other wellbeing initiatives.
• Uses applicable system(s), guidelines, protocols, processes, procedures, and policies to answer inquiries, execute transactions, and troubleshoot discrepancies.
• Assists with Workday configuration, testing, and auditing for leaves of absence and other benefits-related needs.
• Assists with audits of absence plans and maintaining website information.
• Assists in the preparation of communication materials for leaves of absence and wellbeing.
• Identify areas for continuous improvement within internal operations, processes, etc.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including participating in other activities, projects and growth initiatives within the Total Rewards area.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent experience in Human Resources or related field
• Three (3) years or more HR compliance role (e.g. leave of absence, ADA, Employee Relations) required
• Three (3) years or more Demonstrated experience facilitating leave of absence processes including coaching/consulting others required
• Three (3) years or more Experience in interpreting and ensuring human resources regulatory compliance required
• One (1) year or more Experience in high volume, complex case management required
• Strong knowledge of federal and state absence laws and regulations advanced required
• Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification is a plus

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of federal and multi-state absence laws and regulations for FMLA, ADA, Disability and Worker's Compensation
• Strong organizational and analytical skills
• Strong written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to handle confidential, sensitive, and personal information appropriately
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with Workday is a plus