Hr Business Partner Ii Leave Administration

JOB TITLE:                         HR Business Partner II, Leave Administration

SALARY RANGE:               $73,914 - $97,012

HAY POINTS:                      479

DEPT/DIV:                           MNR HRBP People Department

SUPERVISOR:                    Manager, Human Resources Business Partner-Leave Administration

LOCATION:                         420 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10107

HOURS OF WORK:            8 hours per day

This position is eligible for telework which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.

SUMMARY:

Manages and coordinates the support for all employee leave of absence cases and occupational injuries to reduce lost time and maximize employee availability. Effectively coordinates all leave cases/claims to include general administration, comprehensive case management and program compliance with all related employment laws, collective bargaining agreement and Metro-North policies and procedures.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage workforce availability by providing day-to-day management and administration of all Metro-North Railroad’s leave programs including preparation of requests, communication with employees, supervisors and all other parties involved in accordance with the applicable federal and state regulations. Research, evaluate and recommend solutions to leave requests as well as process claims.
• Serves as the subject matter expert for the leave program assigned business unit in alignment and under the general direction and guidance of HR leadership.
• Provides extensive case management and coordinates administrative aspects of all occupational and non-occupational cases and ensures that HIPAA and employee privacy guidelines are closely monitored. Manages covered employees seeking temporary light duty assignment.
• Meets regularly with OHS to review employee’s medical status and develops strategies for the employee’s successful return to work and keeps other parties regularly updated.
• Works closely with employees to ensure that all relevant completed medical documentation is submitted for timely review. Maintains appropriate contact with all employees on leave and coordinates all aspects of return to work for employees on leave.
• Maintains comprehensive database of employees on leave. Produces and manages reporting metrics and analytics for all leave cases. Presents reports and updates as requested.
• Ensures that FMLA is coordinated with short-term disability and occupational illnesses. Process short-term disability claims for agreement employees in the business unit.
• Set up leave cases in Kronos and ensure that proper timekeeping methods are being maintained. Ensure time in Kronos is coded correctly for those employees who are approved for FMLA.
• Periodically audit employees who are approved for family medical leave to identify any trends. Also review that absences are consistent with the employees’ family medical leave.
• Assists in the creation, facilitation and delivery of Leave Administration training programs to employees, supervisors, and managers.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES        

• The incumbent must be able to interact with various operating departments, agreement and non-agreement employees, OHS, Risk Management, Safety, Administrative Staff, Labor Relations, and all levels of management staff.
• Challenges and opportunities include interacting with all stakeholders both in and out of Metro-North to facilitate the return of employees absent due to occupational and non-occupational illness and absences without permission.
• The incumbent must be agile, resourceful and possess abilities to collaborate across MNR and MTA departments; present to leadership teams requested information.
• Incumbent has the autonomy to implement the plans outlined by the Supervisor or higher-level position.
• Has limited level of authority for decision making, which is subject to approval by Manager, Senior Manager, HR Business Partner or departmental manager.
• Decision-making authority over their immediate responsibilities is routine or semi-routine with some diversification and occurs within established, detailed practices and instructions and/or with immediately available assistance.
• May perform analysis and research. Reports findings to immediate supervisor.  Will be involved with quality assurance reviews as directed by immediate supervisor.
• Exercises proper judgment in responding to inquiries while referring more complex issues to the appropriate individuals within the department.
• Supports implementation of policies and procedures for the department’s group.
• Proficient understanding of FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, USERRA, ERISA and COBRA and applicable federal and state codes, and other employment-related regulations.
• Knowledge of relevant state and federal laws and regulations affecting related HR activities.
• Strong understanding of the progressive discipline process in a unionized environment.
• Strong understanding of vocational assistance, EAP, and the federal waiver process
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent inter-personal and customer service skills.
• Excellent conflict resolution skills.
• Strong negotiating, reporting and analytical skills required.
• Ability to maintain high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to identify problems and procedural irregularities, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• Demonstrated problem solving, time management and priority setting skills.
• Proven ability to build effective partnership relationships with department heads and managers.
• Proven ability to take initiative and be proactive with ability to identify and anticipate department needs and recommend solutions.
• Demonstrated proficiency in PeopleSoft (8.8 or above) or a similar HRIS system required, Kronos and Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook; and TEAMS, ZOOM or similar virtual platforms. Interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Attention to detail, organizational and planning skills.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:         

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Finance, Industrial Relations, or Health Management. Demonstrated equivalent experience, education and/or technical credentials may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Minimum four (4) years’ experience in Human Resources, Health Management, Case Management and/ or Employee Relations.

PREFERRED:

• Have attained, or in the process of attaining, an advanced Degree in Human Resources or related field.
• Have attained, or in the process of attaining, certification in either a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).

OTHER INFORMATION:

As an employee of MTA Headquarters, you may be required to complete an annual financial disclosure statement with the State of New York, if your position earns more than $105,472 (this figure is subject to change) per year or if the position is designated as a policy maker.

HOW TO APPLY:  

MTA employees must apply via My MTA Portal. You can submit an online application by logging into My MTA Portal, clicking the My Job Search ribbon, and selecting the “Careers” link.

Logging in through My MTA Portal will link your BSC ID number to your job application to identify you as an internal applicant.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.
The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.