Leave Specialist

Company Overview: For more than 25 years, Prestige has provided cost-effective employee benefits and HR services, transparent pricing, and personalized, quality service to every client. We go the extra mile to develop long-term relationships and build strong partnerships with each client we serve. We help our clients focus on running-and growing-their businesses. Bonded by shared goals, we are a data-driven and results-focused company committed to solving any HR issue, big or small.
Position Description: The Leave Specialist will oversee and manage leave requests and accommodations requiring specialized attention, particularly those arising under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), state and local leave laws, and short-term or long-term disability plans. This role will focus on Client and Employee delivery, in collaboration with internal support teams to administer the leaves.
Duties/Responsibilities:

• Communicates with clients and their employees regarding their needs for leave and/or modified work schedules. Ensures that clients and their employees are aware of their responsibilities and of any documentation and notice required to qualify for and to take leave.
• Handles the FMLA leave process from the employee's initial notice of the need for leave to the return to work. This includes determining leave eligibility, designating leave as FMLA-qualifying, requesting medical certification as needed, and accounting for intermittent and reduced schedule leave use.
• Works closely with Operations Team to communicate necessarily paperwork is being prepared, submitted, and retained.
• Maintains reasonable communication with employees on leave to facilitate smooth and timely return to work; relays communication between employees and the client managers during leave as needed and within reason.
• Advises client managers and employees on the interaction of leave laws with paid time off, workers compensation, short-term and long-term disability benefits, and other applicable leaves.
• Oversees the return-to-work process for employees returning from extended FMLA, workers compensation, or other leave(s).
• Facilitates other leave requests, which may include leave accommodation requests under the ADA.
• Administers other company time-off programs as assigned in accordance with internal policy and applicable laws.
• Drafts and/or recommends revisions to company leave policies to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Maintains complete and accurate records of leave and accommodation requests in accordance with specified legal requirements and documentation of best practices.
• 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.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of the leave requirements and other legal protections afforded by the FMLA, ADA, and other applicable laws preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent collaboration and partnership skills, both internal and external.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.

Education and Experience:

• Two years of human resource experience preferred.
• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP preferred.
• Completion of specialized certification or training on FMLA/leave administration a plus.