Case Specialist

Job Description:

Position Summary:

This position is a critical role on the Shared Services team, providing care and resources for our associates' health and wellbeing while supporting business continuity. The Leave Team Case Specialist provides expert and empathetic guidance to our associates related to their leave of absence and accommodation needs, along with quarantines associated with Pandemics. This position will help the associates to navigate through the stages of their leave or quarantine, which is a critical part of Penske's Leave of Absence and Job Accommodation process.

You will manage leaves, disability accommodations, and quarantines in accordance with applicable laws and local regulations, including FMLA, ADA, OSHA and CDC guidance. The Leave Team Case Specialist role serves as guide to associates, managers, human resources, and labor by ensuring communications area in compliance with all laws, regulations, guidelines, and labor contracts. This role is responsible for leading the interactive process under the ADA, and making recommendations to HR and Operations Leaders regarding accommodations (leave and on-the-job).

The Leave Team Case Specialist will serve as the subject matter expert for FMLA, ADA, COVID
19 Leave and all other Leaves of Absence (LOAs). The Case Specialist creates a seamless customer experience by building rapport with the associate and maintaining knowledge of the associate's case throughout their leave.

Qualified individuals will have at least 2 years of prior experience working in HR programs/processes, optimally leave of absence, benefits, & shared services. Optimal candidates will demonstrate strong communication, documentation, organization, and problem-solving skills, and an ability to hold information in confidence.

Major Responsibilities:

- Lead the ADA Leave and on-the-job accommodation process using strong problem solving and creative thinking skills; analyze essential job functions as compared to restrictions; develop recommendations for HR and operators regarding on-the-job accommodations; determine final decision whether to grant or deny accommodation; consult with Risk Management (workers comp), Labor and Legal as necessary

- Analyze associate return to work documentation and engage in interactive process regarding return-to-work restrictions, including analysis of essential job functions as compared to restrictions, developing recommendations for HR and operators regarding return-to-work (RTW) accommodations, and determining final decision whether to grant or deny accommodation; consult with Risk Management (workers comp), Labor and Legal as necessary

- Manage pandemic quarantines, making decisions on quarantine length, pay, and return to work using a company matrix. Determine the proper course of action based on the associate's scenario, determine qualifying pay, and advise the associate accordingly. Use job aid resources to make these decisions. Determine if/when an associate's situation requires escalation.

- Resolve issues escalated from FMLASource on associate requests for FMLA and ADA leaves; review ADA leave coaching packet, discuss with HR and Operations, and make decision regarding grant/denial of ADA leave requests

Resolve issues escalated from Unum on associate applications for STD and LTD benefits.

- Serve as subject matter experts to associates and managers regarding the LOA process, ADA job accommodations, and status

- Analyze reports and data received from vendor regarding status of associate leaves and communicate regarding leave-end return to work plans with associates and managers; analyze and prepare reports as requested by manager, identify areas of improvement and patterns

- Lead ADA reassignments/vacant position search process with HR and Staffing team

- Document all cases and quarantines in appropriate systems accurately and timely.

- Other projects as assigned by the Manager

Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree plus equivalent relevant work experience required

- 2+ years of experience in Human Resources, experience with various leave programs and ADA job accommodations preferred

- Strong working knowledge of ADA/ADAAA, FMLA, USERRA and similar state and local laws

- Excellent customer service skills

- Strong negotiation/influencing skills

- Strong problem-solving skills

- Strong oral and written communication skills required

- Strong documentation skills

- Strong analytical and organizational skills required

- Proficiency in Word, Excel and Access required

- Independent…