Leave Specialist

Leave Specialist

The Leave Specialist manages all leave of absence and job accommodation processes for a workforce of about 3,300 employees across multiple shifts. This includes administering FMLA, ADA accommodations, state-specific leaves, military leave, bereavement, parental/bonding leave, intermittent leave, and employer-sponsored programs (STD/LTD). The role ensures accuracy, compliance, and timely communication by working closely with employees, managers, HR Site Leaders, Payroll, Safety, vendors, and other HR partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Primary point of contact for employees on leave-related matters
• Partner with UNUM to process and update leave cases; participate in bi-weekly vendor calls. Create and maintain leave cases in the UKG Leave module.
• Communicate procedures, timelines, and pay/benefit impacts clearly to employees and leaders.
• Manage all phases of FMLA (continuous and intermittent).
• Coordinate STD/LTD claims with carriers and align outcomes with leave status and payroll. Manage HSA/FSA payment processes during unpaid leave or upon return.
• Administer state leave programs, military/USERRA, bereavement, jury duty, personal leaves, and company-specific leave programs.
• Ensure accurate UKG time and attendance coding (LOA, intermittent hours) and reconcile with payroll for paid/unpaid status, arrears, offsets, and PTO.
• Coordinate loan payments/repayments with Principal.
• Oversee transitions from STD to LTD to COBRA/Direct Bill.
• Participate in the ADA interactive process with HR Site Leaders and Safety, including essential job function review, restrictions, accommodations, and follow-up.
• Support return-to-work planning, work restrictions, and transitional duty.
• Collaborate with Benefits, Payroll, Safety, Workers' Compensation, Talent Acquisition, and HR Site Leaders to ensure aligned processes.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local leave laws; recommend updates as needed. Work with Legal/HR Compliance on escalated or complex cases.
• Support audits by maintaining accurate, complete case documentation.
• Identify trends (e.g., high intermittent leave in specific areas) and propose improvements.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, or related field and 2–3 years of leave/accommodation experience OR
• 3+ years of relevant experience (manufacturing or large hourly workforce preferred)

Required Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of FMLA, ADA, USERRA, state leave laws, and STD/LTD programs.
• Experience with intermittent leave, return-to-work processes, and accommodations in multi-shift settings.
• Experience acting as the primary point of contact for employees on leave-related matters
• Proficiency with UKG timekeeping systems and case management tools; strong Excel skills.
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, confidentiality, and ability to manage high volumes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to resolve issues, use sound judgment, and escalate appropriately.
• Ability to manage high case volumes
• Minimal travel (10-15%)

Preferred

• Experience in manufacturing, distribution, or other high-volume hourly environments.
• Experience with union environments and leave-related provisions.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary with bonus eligibility.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement plan, paid time off, and other company-sponsored programs.

Join ERMCO and TRANSFORM your career!

This role is remote within the following states: AZ, FL, GA, IL, KS, NC, NE, SD, TN, TX, WI, and WY. Candidates may reside in or relocate to any of these states. Relocation assistance will be provided.