Job Description Summary: The Senior Leave of Absence Specialist plays a critical role in supporting our employees through moments that matter. This role will be responsible for administering and managing all types of employee leave programs while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The Senior Leave of Absence Specialist will bring deep subject matter expertise, a strong compliance mindset, and a commitment to delivering an exceptional employee experience.
This position will partner closely with Benefits, Payroll, and Legal to streamline processes, maintain compliance, and provide empathetic support to employees and leaders across the organization.
This position operates on a hybrid schedule out of our St. Louis, MO office.
Job Description: Primary Job Responsibilities- Administer and manage all employee leave programs including FMLA, state family and medical leave, ADA, personal, parental, military, and other company leaves.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for employees throughout the leave process, ensuring timely communication, clarity, and support.
- Coordinate with local HR, Benefits, and Payroll to ensure accurate leave tracking, pay continuation, and benefits eligibility.
- Establish and maintain state paid leave privatization arrangements with the carrier, ensuring compliance with state requirements and seamless employee experience.
- Calculates and prepares quarterly privatized state plan premium payment reports.
- Partner with states not privatized through the carrier to complete required leave documentation and ensure compliance with state-specific processes.
- Calculate complex leave payments (e.g., partial pay, intermittent leave, overlapping benefits) and provide accurate details to the Payroll team for processing.
- Calculate benefit premium payback amounts for employees on unpaid leave and coordinate repayment with Payroll and Benefits
- Maintain compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local leave laws, keeping up to date with legislative changes.
- Manage leave-related documentation and communications, including eligibility notices, certifications, and return-to-work requirements.
- Oversee the interactive ADA processes in partnership with the Carrier, HR and Legal.
- Provide reporting and data insights on leave activity to support compliance audits and workforce planning.
- Recommend and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and the employee experience.
- Act as a trusted subject matter expert and resource to employees, managers, and HR colleagues.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 5+ years of experience managing leave of absence programs, with deep knowledge of FMLA, ADA, and state leave laws.
- Strong understanding of state paid leave programs, including privatization processes and compliance requirements.
- Experience with carrier partnerships and ability to manage premium reporting and reconciliation.
- Advanced skills in calculating complex leave payments and benefit premium paybacks, with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Proficiency in HRIS systems and Microsoft Excel; experience with benefits platforms such as ADP and Workday required.
- Excellent communication skills to support employees, managers, and HR partners with clarity and empathy.
- Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion and maintain strict confidentiality.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to recommend and implement process improvements.
- Collaborative mindset with experience working across HR, Payroll, Benefits, and Legal teams.
This position is an exempt position. The annualized base pay range for this role is expected to be between
$75,000-$95,000base salary compensation range. Actual base pay may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, subject matter expertise, geographic location where work will be performed, and the applicant's skill set. The base pay is just one component of the total compensation package. Other rewards may include an annual cash bonus and a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401(k). Please note that the job title is subject to change based on the selected candidate's experience and education.
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