Leave Administrator

Requires visual acuity to read and interpret a variety of correspondence, procedures, reports and forms via paper and electronic documents, visual inspection involving small defects; small parts, and/or operation of machinery (including inspection); using measurement devices continuously. Conducts interactive conversations with associates, reviews information supplied by the associate and/or their medical provider, assesses reasonableness of accommodations, documents the process and any approvals, partners with Law, Human Resources and the Business Unit as needed, and provides continued oversight of each case as appropriate.

Overview: Supports the administration of leave of absence requests, in partnership with the third-party administrator, for associate's own illness or Family Medical Leave Absences (FMLA) due to the illness of a family member that qualifies for FMLA leave. Analyzes and monitors each case to ensure appropriateness of decisions and correct manner of payment. Reviews payroll data to ensure associate's time-off history and pay is accurate. Evaluates requests for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) from associates within the Home Office, Agency field and Gerber Life. Processes incoming Worker's Compensation claims and supports third-party administrators to ensure effective claim management. Evaluates Worker's Compensation claims for settlement opportunities. Makes appropriate decisions using standard guidelines established by management. Escalates complex cases to Sr. Leave Administrator and/or Manager when necessary and updates Manager on a regular basis. Responsibilities: What you will do:

• Supports the administration of leave of absence requests, in partnership with the third-party administrator, for Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) related cases. Consults with Sr. Leave Administrator and management on complex requests.
• Acts as liaison between associates and third-party FMLA and Disability administrator to ensure appropriate case management and provide associate support and guidance when needed. Consults Sr. Leave Administrator and/or management when appropriate.
• Evaluates requests for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) from associates within the Home Office, Agency field and Gerber Life.
• Conducts interactive conversations with associates, reviews information supplied by the associate and/or their medical provider, assesses reasonableness of accommodations, documents the process and any approvals, partners with Law, Human Resources and the Business Unit as needed, and provides continued oversight of each case as appropriate. Escalates complex cases to Sr. Leave Administrator and/or management when needed.
• Manages associate timecards when leave of absence is applied within company timekeeping system for associates within the Home Office, Agency Field, District Office Clerical and Affiliated Companies. Inputs time off based on Company's payroll schedule and reporting from the third-party leave administrator to ensure associates' pay is accurate. Applies short-term disability pay based on plan provisions, company policies and approvals made by third-party administrator.
• Processes incoming Worker's Compensation claims and supports third-party administrators to ensure effective claim management. Evaluates Worker's Compensation claims for settlement opportunities in consultation with Sr. Leave Administrator and management.
• Investigates and rectifies situations involving adjustments of pay that may be due to absences occurring in prior pay period, Worker's Compensation or State Disability Insurance benefits. Works with Sr. Leave Administrator, management, and/or Payroll department on complex cases.
• Communicates with associates at all levels of the company in writing and verbally.
• Assists with implementation of any procedural or system changes.
• Maintains compliance with applicable federal and state laws (e.g., HIPAA) related to privacy, security, confidentiality and protection of personal information, including, but not limited to, personal health information and personally identifiable information.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma GED. - Required
• Proven examples of maintaining a high degree of accuracy associated with high volume of work. - Required
• Demonstrated experience maintaining a calm and professional demeanor when handling demanding situations. - Required
• Proven ability to make decisions involving payments or rejections involving associates' time-off pay using guidelines established by management. - Preferred
• Ability to work independently to make decisions, including identifying, defining and resolving problems and collecting or interpreting technical medical language and data to establish facts, draw valid conclusions and provide solutions to complex problems. - Required
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to convey information, verbally and in writing, to internal and external customers at all levels (medical staff, attorneys, etc.) in a clear, accurate, focused and concise manner. - Required
• Demonstrated strong attention to detail with excellent organizational skills. Must cite examples of organization and time management methods used to manage or prioritize workload demands. - Required
• Proven ability to handle confidential information in a discreet manner. - Required
• Proven ability to organize and analyze facts. - Required
• Proven ability to recognize and evaluate system-related problems whether they are of an internal or external nature. - Preferred
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products. - Required

Work Setting/Position Demands:

• Works in an office setting and remains in a stationary position for long periods of time while working at a desk, on a computer or with other standard office equipment, or while in meetings.
• Requires the ability to verbally communicate and exchange accurate information to customers and associates on a regular basis.
• Requires visual acuity to read and interpret a variety of correspondence, procedures, reports and forms via paper and electronic documents, visual inspection involving small defects; small parts, and/or operation of machinery (including inspection); using measurement devices continuously. Visual acuity is required to determine accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned.
• Requires the ability to prepare written correspondence, reports and forms using prescribed formats and conforming to rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style on a regular basis.
• Requires the ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Performs substantial movement of wrists, hands, and fingers for continuous computer work.
• Extended hours required during peak workloads or special projects/events.

Travel Requirements:

• None