Leaves and Accommodations Partner

Leaves and Accommodations Partner

Serve as the primary subject matter expert, trusted advisor, and partner for the institution's leaves of absence and disability accommodation programs and systems. This role delivers compassionate employee support, ensures strict regulatory compliance, and strategically manages cases from initial requests through completion.

This is a full-time, benefits eligible, salaried position with a hiring range of $65,165 - $76,306 per year.

• Subject Matter Expertise:
  Serves as the subject matter expert for leaves and accommodations programs; interprets and administers policies in alignment with organizational guidelines and federal/state employment laws.
• Case & System Management:
  Provides beginning to end, timely case management, maintaining complete, accurate leave files and utilizes specialized leaves management software to log data and track cases.
• Interactive Dialogue:
  Maintains proactive contact with employees on leave, leads the interactive dialogue regarding ADA accommodations, and coordinates the return-to-work (RTW) process with supervisors and HR Business Partners (HRBPs).
• Liaison Management:
  Acts as the primary liaison with internal partners and external providers (disability, workers' comp), serving as a resource for eligibility, job protection, denials, and approvals.
• HR Business Partnering:
  Partners closely with HRBPs, HR leaders, and internal legal stakeholders on complex leave cases, proactively escalating and consulting on sensitive employee relations issues.
• Disability & Payroll Coordination:
  Ensures Short-Term Disability (STD) claims are coordinated with FML or discretionary medical leave; calculates and audits disability payments and leave time according to benefit schedules.
• Reporting & Continuous Improvement:
  Develops, generates, and presents regular reports to analyze leave data and trends, vendor performance and participating in multidisciplinary quality and service improvement initiatives as needed.
• Training &
  
  Education:
  
  Continuously monitors and learns about evolving laws and best practices and collaborates with HR partners to design, develop, and deliver ongoing education and training regarding leaves and accommodations for managers and leadership.

• Education & Experience:
  
  Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a related field (or equivalent experience) with 5 years of dedicated experience in leave administration or disability management preferred. We are looking for candidates with the skills, knowledge, and potential to succeed in this role. If you have relevant experience, transferable skills, or applicable knowledge—even if you don't meet the listed years of experience—we'd love to hear from you.
  
  We recognize that valuable expertise can be gained through a variety of professional, academic, volunteer, or lived experiences. Professional leave administration or absence management certification preferred (or a willingness to obtain certification upon hire).
• Regulatory Knowledge:
  Deep working knowledge of federal and state laws related to FMLA, ADA/ADAAA, Workers' Compensation, and state-specific paid leave programs, including required documentation practices.
• Agility & Attention to detail:
  Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail and meeting multiple checkpoints and deadlines.
• Technical Proficiency:
  High proficiency with leaves management tracking systems, payroll/HRIS systems, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook), Google Workspace, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Relationship Building:
  Demonstrated ability to build strong, positive relationships with internal employees and external vendors, serving as a trusted, consultative partner.
• Confidentiality & Discretion:
  Exceptional ability to maintain strict confidentiality, protect HIPAA/employee privacy guidelines, and navigate sensitive, emotionally charged situations with high tact and empathy.
• Critical Thinking & Analytics:
  Strong critical thinking and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data, prioritize high caseloads, and manage shifting compliance landscapes.
• Communication
  
  Skills:
  
  Outstanding written, verbal, and…