Leave of Absence Specialist

The Leave of Absence (LOA) Specialist is responsible for administering employee leave, disability, accommodation, and tuition reimbursement programs while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This role serves as a trusted resource for employees, managers, HR, Payroll, Benefits, and third-party vendors throughout the leave lifecycle.

Success in this role requires delivering exceptional employee experience, building strong cross‑functional partnerships, and ensuring the compliant administration of leave and accommodation programs. The ideal candidate is highly organized, customer‑focused, and skilled at driving continuous improvement through reporting, process optimization, and operational excellence.

• Administer the full lifecycle of employee leave programs including FMLA, STD, LTD, Paid Parental Leave, Personal Leave, Military Leave (USERRA), and state/local paid leave programs.
• Coordinate leave eligibility, approvals, extensions, intermittent leave, recertifications, and return‑to‑work activities.
• Maintain accurate case documentation and coordinate with employees, managers, HR, Payroll, Benefits, and third‑party administrators.

• Coordinate the ADA interactive process and reasonable accommodations.
• Partner with HR, Legal, managers, and vendors to implement accommodations and return‑to‑work plans.

• Administer the organization’s Tuition Reimbursement Program.
• Review eligibility, coordinate approvals, process reimbursements, respond to employee inquiries, and maintain program reporting.

• Coordinate leave‑related payroll, benefit deductions, arrears, and return‑to‑work processing.
• Coordinate Workers’ Compensation cases when appropriate.
• Manage relationships with third‑party leave administrators.
• Monitor service levels, reconcile data, and resolve complex issues.

• Ensure compliance with FMLA, ADA/ADAAA, PWFA, USERRA, HIPAA, applicable state leave laws, and company policies.
• Support audits and maintain required documentation.

• Serve as a trusted advisor throughout the leave process.
• Educate employees and managers while providing confidential, customer‑focused support.
• Prepare leave, accommodation, tuition reimbursement, and vendor performance reporting.
• Develop SOPs, identify automation opportunities, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of Leave of Absence, Disability, Benefits, or Human Resources experience.
• Experience administering multi‑state leave programs and working with third‑party administrators preferred.

• Strong knowledge of FMLA, ADA/ADAAA, PWFA, USERRA, HIPAA, disability administration, and state leave laws.
• Strong organizational, analytical, communication, customer service, and case management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information with discretion.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Experience with SAP Success Factors, UKG, Workday, or similar HRIS and leave management systems.