Human Resources Specialist - Leave Administration

Overview:

At New York Blood Center, one of the most comprehensive blood centers in the world, our focus is on cultivating excellence by merging cutting-edge innovation with diligent customer service, groundbreaking research, and comprehensive program and service development. Join us as we work towards meeting and exceeding the growing needs of our diverse communities, further our lifesaving strategic goals in a rapidly changing environment, and expand our impact on the local, national, and global communities we serve.

The Leave of Absence (LOA) Specialist will complete the day-to-day activities and duties related to leave of absences to ensure compliance with all NYBCe policies, federal, state, and local leave regulations. S/he provides information, guidance, and support to all employees and management on standard and less-complex matters in a professional and confidential approach in relation to Human Resources functions. In addition, s/he will perform activities related to the coordination of non-personal leaves of absence; including the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and non-FMLA eligible medical leaves, occupational injuries and illness and return to work coordination.

The Leave of Absence Specialist collaborates with stakeholders to assist and provide guidance to employees who are out of work on Short Term Disability (STD), Long Term Disability (LTD), and Workers’ Compensation, tracks and codes documentation in accordance with internal workflow processes.  Analyzes FMLA claims to determine eligibility and certification in compliance with state and federal regulations. Identifies action plan; determines benefits due; and makes timely case decisions based on service expectations.

This position functions in a 24/7 operations environment and thus must be available to respond to work-related emails, text or calls as directed by supervisor or management on weekdays and weekends based on operational needs.

• Communicates with employees regarding their needs for leave and/or modified work schedules.
• Ensures that employees are aware of their responsibilities and of any documentation and notice required to qualify for and to take leave.
• Handles the FMLA, NYS Paid Family Leave and NJ Family Leave administration process from the employees’ initial notice of the need for leave to the return to work. This includes gathering and completing all required paperwork, determining leave eligibility, designating leave as FMLA-qualifying, requesting medical certification as needed, and accounting for intermittent and reduced schedule leave use.
• Maintains reasonable communication with employees on leave to facilitate smooth and timely return to work, relays communication between employees and their managers during leave within reason.
• Accurately and timely complete LOA and payroll entries in the Human Capital Management (HCM), Timekeeping systems and respective vendor systems.
• Performs exemplary customer service and assistance to our internal and external customers.
• Advises managers and employees on the interaction of leave laws with paid time off, workers compensation, and short-term and long-term disability benefits.
• Oversees the return-to-work process for employees returning from extended FMLA, workers compensation, or other leave(s).
• Administers other company time-off programs as assigned in accordance with internal policy and applicable laws.
• Maintains complete and accurate records of leave and accommodation requests in accordance with specified legal requirements and documentation of best practices, including running leave reports.
• Preserves confidentiality of employee medical documentation and files.
• Maintains knowledge of all applicable leave and accommodation laws including the FMLA, ADA, and state and local laws.
• Serves as a member of the Covid contact tracing team by completing intake, wellness checks, weekly reporting and is a liaison to the department.
• This position functions in a 24/7 operations environment and thus must be available to respond to work-related emails, text or calls as directed by supervisor or management on weekdays and weekends based on operational needs.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.

Related Experience:

• A minimum of three years of experience in a HR related field.
• A minimum of one year of experience in leave of absence administration.
• Completion of specialized certification or training in FMLA/Leave Administration preferred.

For applicants who will perform this position in New York City or Westchester County, the proposed annual salary is $74,000.00 p/yr to $84,000.00 p/yr. For applicants who will perform this position outside of New York City or Westchester County, salary will reflect local market rates and be commensurate with the applicant’s skills, job-related knowledge, and experience.

Unless otherwise specified, all posted opportunities are located in the New York or Greater Tri-State office locations.