HR Services Leave Specialist

The impact you’ll make: 

The Leave Specialist will manage the administration of leaves of absence for an employee’s own medical condition to ensure compliance with Company policies, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), state and local leave laws and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as coordinate benefits under the Company’s short-term and/or long-term disability plans.  The Leave Specialist will communicate with external vendors, provide guidance to employees seeking leaves and collaborate with internal stakeholders, all while providing excellent customer service.

What you’ll do: 

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Serve as primary point of contact for employees, managers and HR personnel for medical leaves, ensuring relevant stakeholders are aware of Company policies, the leave process and their responsibilities.
• Track employees’ application to the Company’s third party leave vendor, ensuring required information is provided to the vendor in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance of all federal, state and local leave laws, including vendor compliance, and that leaves are properly designated in the Company’s systems.
• Coordinate applicable short-term and long-term disability benefit payments pursuant to the terms of Company plans and relevant state and local laws.
• Account for continuous, intermittent and reduced schedule leave use by employees in relevant company systems and work closely with relevant internal parties to ensure that pay for employees is accurate and correct.
• Work closely with human resources and managers to communicate necessary paperwork is being prepared, submitted, and retained; Send required notices, forms and letters to employees.
• Maintain reasonable communication with employees on leave to facilitate smooth and timely return to work, including leave expirations, extensions of leave and accommodation requests.
• Coordinate leave requests as an accommodation under the ADA by facilitating the interactive process.
• Oversee the return-to-work process for employees returning from extended FMLA or other leave(s), including coordination with managers, human resources and the safety team regarding leaves for workplace injuries.
• Review all case escalations on a regular basis to the Vice President of Human Resources and the Company’s legal department
• Maintain complete and accurate records of leave and accommodation requests as cases in the Company’s XXX database, in accordance with specified legal requirements and documentation of best practices. 
• Produce and manage reporting metrics and analytics for all leave cases.  Presents reports to VP of HR and legal as requested.
• 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.
• Recommends revisions to company leave policies to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws; makes recommendations for process improvements.
• Manage team of leave coordinators
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

What we’re looking for: 

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent collaboration and partnership skills, both internal and external.
• Ability to both follow structured processes and tolerate ambiguity as situations demand.
• Ability to communicate and make recommendations to upper management
• Ability to identify basic problems and procedural irregularities, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions
• Ability to multi-task and drive multiple projects
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team
• Demonstrated ability to deal with confidential information
• Demonstrated problem solving, time management and priority setting skills
• Team player, results focused, strong work ethic, high ethical standards.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software, including Excel.

Education and Experience:

• Human resources, business administration or related field degree preferred.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in an HR/Leave Administration/Employment Law related position, especially with claims management and coordination.
• Experience using HRIS software (Workday is desired), databases and web-based systems.
• Knowledge of various employment laws and regulations, including FMLA, ADA, EEO, COBRA, HIPAA and other applicable laws.
• General understanding of employee benefits as they relate to leaves of absence including STD, LTD and state disability laws.
• Experience in a fast-paced customer service environment is highly desired.

Perks you’ll get: 

• Access to Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability insurance  
• Eligible to elect other voluntary benefits including: Group Auto Insurance, Group Home Insurance, Pet Insurance, Legal Assistance, Identity Theft Protection, FSA, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, and additional life insurance coverages  
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company matched contributions. 
• Full training to learn the business and enhance professional skills. 

• Employee discounts, including discounted prices on the purchase of Avis/Budget cars  
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program for services including counseling, financial and legal consultation, referrals for care service and more  
• Community involvement opportunities 

Who are we? 

Glad you asked! Avis Budget Group is a leading provider of mobility options, with brands including Avis, Budget & Budget Truck, and Zipcar. With more than 70 years of experience and 11,000 locations in 180 countries, we are shaping the future of our industry and want you to join us in our mission. Apply today to get connected to an exciting career, a supportive family of employees and a world of opportunities.  

The fine print: 

Avis Budget Group is an equal opportunity employer – M/F/Veterans/Disabled.