Leave Specialist

Focused on employment and labor law since 1958, Jackson Lewis P.C.’s 1,000+ attorneys located in major cities nationwide consistently identify and respond to new ways workplace law intersects business. We help employers develop proactive strategies, strong policies and business-oriented solutions to cultivate high-functioning workforces that are engaged and stable, and share our clients’ goals to emphasize belonging and respect for the contributions of every employee.

The Firm is ranked in the First Tier nationally in the category of Labor and Employment Litigation, as well as in both Employment Law and Labor Law on behalf of Management, in the U.S. News - Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”.

Job Summary (basic description)

The Leave Specialist is responsible for ensuring compliance and providing quality customer service for the firm’s leave and accommodation request processes under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and all associated state and local laws, rules and regulations.  The Leave Specialist will support employee leave and accommodation inquiries and will work closely with the Leave Manager, Director of Total Rewards, the Well-Being Director, the General Counsel’s Office, the firm’s various Office Managing Principals and Office Administrators, the firm’s disability carrier and other teams within HR to ensure exceptional service and support for firm employees.  As such the Leave Specialist will be responsible for ensuring best practices are upheld by the Leaves and Accommodations team, including reporting and tracking all communications and deadlines relating to leave and accommodation requests.  

Essential Functions

• Ensure proper processing, tracking and approvals of all leave cases assigned from the initial notification through return to work.  Provide required notices and documentation as required to maintain federal, state and local leave compliance. 
• Oversee the Leaves and Accommodation group mailbox; assign tasks to team members and escalate as necessary
• Maintain proper records under the firm’s leave policies and processes, with timely monitoring of all pending leave and accommodation requests, all ongoing leaves (including continuous, intermittent, and reduced schedule), and all implemented accommodations, and follow up on outstanding requests
• Foster collaborative communication with managers and leadership, providing timely status updates and regular reporting. Ensure timely response and follow-up on all leave and accommodation-related information requests.  Proactively update stakeholders on leaves, accommodations, and return to work timelines to enable updates to matter and team staffing.
• Partner with HR team members to provide guidance as a subject matter expert to firm employees on leaves and disability laws, policies, and practices, and ensure proper recording in the firm’s HRIS.
• Properly escalate issues to the Leaves Manager, Director of Total Rewards, Well-Being Director, Chief Talent Officer and internal counsel to determine appropriate responses to complicated or escalated scenarios.
• Partner with benefits team, HRIS and talent teams internal counsel on process and compliance improvements.
• Provide timely reporting to assist managers and Human Resources Business Partners to properly address potential staffing concerns. 
• Facilitate interactive discussions under the firm’s accommodation process.
• Work closely with the leave and accommodations, benefits and HRIS teams to enhance system capabilities in tracking and reporting on leaves and monitoring the success of implemented accommodations through various tracking systems
• Maintain up to date knowledge of federal, state, and local laws regarding leave, disability and confidentiality of employee personal health information/data.
• Collaborate with various stakeholders to propose and implement improvements to the firm’s leave and accommodation policies and processes.
• Build strong relationships with firm’s office and team leaders, department heads, and benefits vendors to ensure best-in-class customer service to the firm’s employees.
• Other tasks assigned by Management.

Qualifications/Skills Required

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience administering leave and disability. Experience in a law firm or services industry helpful.
• Exceptional organizational, teamwork, oral and written communication skills.
• Experience with HRIS systems, particularly Workday in the leaves and timekeeping modules.  Knowledge of the Workday benefits module is also helpful. 
• Ability to maintain the highest-level confidentiality and utilize systems and processes to ensure the confidentiality of personal health information.
• Ability to track and monitor a large number of simultaneous matters, set priorities and work in a fast-paced environment.
• In depth knowledge of leave and accommodation requirements and regulations.
• California leaves and accommodations experience is helpful

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Educational Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, concentration in a related field such as Human Resources Administration or Psychology helpful.
• SHRM or PHR designations/certifications are a plus

For Washington, the expected salary range for this position is between $105,000 and $120,000.  This position is also eligible for annual bonuses.   The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law. 

Jackson Lewis offers a competitive benefits package that includes: · Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance · 401(k) Retirement Plan · Flexible Spending & Health Savings Account · 12 firm-paid holidays, 2 weeks of vacation each year, and 1 hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked · Employee assistance program and other firm benefits.

• For Cleveland, the expected salary range for this position is between $105,000 and $120,000. The actual • compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law. • This position is also eligible for annual bonuses.• Jackson Lewis offers a competitive benefits package that includes: · Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance · 401(k) Retirement Plan· Flexible Spending and Health Savings Account · Firm-paid holidays, vacation and sick time · Employee assistance program and other firm benefits

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status or any other characteristics protected by law.