Valero Energy

Lead Leave & Disability Specialist

Valero Energy • $88K — $105K *
San Antonio, TX 78228In-Person
Healthcare
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • High School diploma or GED required.
  • 8 years of advanced experience independently reviewing and determining eligibility for FMLA, STD, and other leave programs required.
  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
  • Experience as a senior-level leave and disability subject matter expert in a corporate environment preferred.
  • Knowledge of Workers' Compensation coordination and return-to-work processes preferred.
  • Certified Leave Management Specialist (CLMS) or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the primary expert and consultative resource on complex leave and disability matters.
  • Lead the review and adjudication of complex leave and disability claims.
  • Analyze medical documentation and claim-related information for eligibility and benefit entitlement.
  • Partner with employees and operational leaders to support effective return-to-work transitions.
  • Identify and mitigate risks, accommodation considerations, and compliance concerns.
  • Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external clinical resources for claim assessment.
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives in leave and disability administration.

Benefits

  • Competitive Pay and Annual Bonus Program
  • 100% match on 401(K) up to 7%, with immediate vesting
  • Company-sponsored Pension Plan
  • Comprehensive Healthcare and Wellness Programs
  • Onsite Daycare Center
  • Onsite Employee and Family Wellness Centers
  • Onsite Pharmacy
  • State-of-the-art 24-hour Fitness Center for employees and spouses
  • Onsite cafeteria open for breakfast and lunch
  • Campus with walking paths and biking trails
Full Job Description
Description

A Lead LDA Specialist serves as the organization's lead subject matter expert and strategic partner for complex leave and disability matters, providing consultative guidance that supports regulatory compliance, operational effectiveness, risk mitigation, and business objectives. This role leads the evaluation and resolution of complex leave and disability cases, balancing regulatory requirements, operational needs, and employee experience considerations. Leveraging expertise in FMLA, disability programs, accommodations, and return-to-work practices, the Lead LDA Specialist analyzes medical and claim-related information to support informed decision-making, mitigate risk, and drive consistent, compliant outcomes.

At Valero, this role performs duties that support our commitment to advancing the future of energy through innovation, ingenuity, and unmatched execution, including:

  • Serves as the primary subject matter expert and consultative resource to Human Resources, business leaders, and leave administration teams on complex leave and disability matters, ensuring consistent application of policies, regulatory requirements, and best practices.
  • Leads the review and adjudication of complex leave and disability claims, applying clinical, regulatory, and policy expertise to ensure accurate, consistent, and compliant decision-making.
  • Analyzes medical documentation, functional capacity evaluations, and claim-related information to assess eligibility, determine benefit entitlement, evaluate the appropriateness of recovery and return-to-work timelines, and challenge unsupported or inconsistent medical recommendations through appropriate clinical review and follow-up.
  • Partners with employees, healthcare providers, HR Business Partners, and operational leaders to address complex employee situations, support business operations, and facilitate successful return-to-work transitions.
  • Identifies and proactively addresses claim risks, barriers to recovery, accommodation considerations, and compliance concerns to support positive employee and organizational outcomes.
  • Coordinates with internal stakeholders and external clinical resources, including independent medical examiners, peer reviewers, and functional capacity evaluators, to support comprehensive claim assessment and timely resolution.
  • Evaluates claims for potential occupational injury/illness, ADA accommodation, or other intersecting employment considerations and facilitate appropriate referrals and escalation as needed.
  • Serves as the highest level operational escalation point for complex, sensitive, high-risk, or precedent-setting cases requiring advanced analysis, stakeholder consultation, and sound judgment.
  • Leads continuous improvement initiatives by identifying trends, emerging issues, and opportunities to strengthen processes, enhance service delivery, improve compliance outcomes, and advance best practices in leave and disability administration.
  • Provides expert guidance, consultation, and informal mentorship to team members while developing and delivering training and education for HR partners, managers, and other stakeholders to promote effective and compliant program administration.
  • Maintains complete, accurate, and audit-ready documentation of claim activity, communications, determinations, and case actions within the leave management system.


This position is salaried exempt status, which means you are not eligible for overtime pay.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

  • High School diploma or GED required.
  • 8 years of advanced experience independently reviewing and determining eligibility for FMLA, STD, and other leave programs required.
  • Able and willing to work on-site, in-person at the Valero San Antonio location, required.


Preferred Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a related field preferred.
  • Experience serving as a senior-level leave and disability subject matter expert in a corporate environment preferred.
  • Experience administering or coordinating leave programs in a large, multi-state employer environment preferred.
  • Knowledge of Workers' Compensation coordination, return-to-work processes, and Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) programs preferred.
  • Experience leading or influencing process improvement initiatives related to leave administration, compliance, service delivery, or operational effectiveness preferred.
  • Certified Leave Management Specialist (CLMS), PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or similar certification preferred.


Need more reasons to work for a company that is both professionally challenging and culturally rewarding? Take a look at some of our best-in-class benefits:

  • Competitive Pay and Annual Bonus Program
  • 100% match on 401(K) up to 7%, with immediate vesting
  • Company-sponsored Pension Plan
  • Comprehensive Healthcare and Wellness Programs
  • Onsite Daycare Center
  • Onsite Employee and Family Wellness Centers (Physician & Pediatrician)
  • Onsite Pharmacy
  • State-of-the-art 24-hour Fitness Center free for employees and spouses with access to Tennis and Basketball Facilities
  • Onsite cafeteria open for breakfast and lunch
  • Sprawling campus with walking paths and access to biking trails


Benefits described above are highlights only, subject to an employee's eligibility and work location.

Position level and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Valero's employees and team-focused culture drive our success. We're invested in our dedicated workforce through a comprehensive, customizable benefits package, while supporting a caring culture that delivers a rewarding work environment built on teamwork, excellence and career growth. To explore the ways we build a stronger team, visit Valero.com/Careers.

About Valero Energy

Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE: VLO) is a Fortune 500 oil and gas refining and retail company based in San Antonio, Texas. The company owns and operates 18 refineries throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean with a combined throughput capacity of approximately 3.3 million barrels per day, making it the largest refiner in North America. Valero is also one of the nation's largest retail operators with more than 5,000 retail and branded wholesale outlets in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean under various brand names, including Valero, Diamond Shamrock, Ultramar, Shamrock, and Beacon. Valero Energy Corporation, through its subsidiaries, is an international manufacturer and marketer of transportation fuels, other petrochemical products and power. Valero subsidiaries employ approximately 10,500 people, and assets include 16 petroleum refineries with a combined throughput capacity of approximately 3 million barrels per day, 10 ethanol plants with a combined production capacity of 1.2 billion gallons per year, and a 50-megawatt wind farm. More than 7,300 outlets carry the Valero, Diamond Shamrock, Shamrock and Beacon brands in the United States and the Caribbean; Ultramar in Canada; and Texaco in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Valero is a Fortune 500 company based in San Antonio.

Valero Energy Careers

Join the dynamic team at Valero Energy, a leader in the energy sector and a beacon of innovation and sustainability. At Valero, we offer a plethora of job opportunities that pave the way for professional growth and personal achievement. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, Valero provides a platform to propel your career to new heights.

Work You’ll Do

At Valero Energy, every position plays a critical role in our mission to provide safe, reliable energy. Our team members are at the forefront of the energy industry, driving innovation and leading through example. By joining our team, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, using your skills to solve complex challenges and improve our operations.

Explore Our Job Opportunities

Valero Energy is constantly seeking talented individuals who are passionate about their careers and eager for new challenges. From engineering to financial services, our job opportunities span a wide range of disciplines. Explore positions that match your skills and interests on our Careers page, and take the first step towards a fulfilling career at Valero.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with a Valero internship. Our programs provide invaluable industry experience, networking opportunities, and the chance to work on meaningful projects. Interns at Valero are considered integral members of our team and are given responsibilities that challenge and enhance their academic learning.

Culture and Benefits

Valero Energy is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe that diversity fuels innovation and creates a stronger team. Our culture is built on leadership, respect, and integrity—values that have steered our company through decades of success. Employees enjoy competitive benefits, including health care, retirement plans, and diversity training programs designed to help them thrive both personally and professionally.

Professional Development

Investing in our employees’ growth is a priority at Valero. We offer a range of professional development opportunities, including leadership training, skills enhancement workshops, and continuous learning programs. Our goal is to ensure that every employee has the resources and support they need to reach their full potential.

Join Our Team

Are you ready to make a significant impact in the energy sector? We are hiring creative, curious, and motivated individuals to join our team. Search open positions, submit your resume, and prepare for an interview where you can showcase your unique qualifications. At Valero Energy, your career advancement is supported by robust training and development programs that encourage lifelong learning and professional growth.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at Valero by reading our Careers blog. Gain insider perspectives, industry-leading insights, and practical tips to enhance your employment experience. Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts and news tailored to your preferences.

Valero Energy – Powering the Future

At Valero Energy, we’re not just a company; we’re a community. Together, we’re powering the future, committed to innovation, leadership, and the continuous growth of our team and our world. Join us in making a difference.

SEARCH VALERO JOBS

READ CAREERS BLOG

Learn more about Valero Energy
Size
9,813 employees
Market Cap
$46.8 billion
Industry
Energy & Utilities
Net Income
-$1.4 billion
Founded
1980
5 Year Trend
+8.5%
Revenue
$64.9 billion
NASDAQ
VLO
* Ladders Estimates

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