About this opportunity
Blue River PetCare lists this Leave of Absence Specialist opportunity in chicago, Illinois. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
This team member must live within 40 miles of the Blue River PetCare corporate office (1 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60606) to work a hybrid schedule.
The Leave of Absence Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the organization's leave of absence and workplace accommodation programs. This role independently manages routine and complex leave and accommodation cases from intake through resolution, ensuring timely, accurate, consistent, and compliant administration.
The Specialist serves as a primary resource for employees, managers, and HR Business Partners and partners closely with Payroll, Benefits, Legal, HR, third-party administrators, and other stakeholders to support employees throughout the leave and accommodation process.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Leave of Absence Administration
Manage leave cases from initial request through return to work, including both routine and complex cases
Administer applicable federal, state, and local leave programs: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), state paid family and medical leave programs, pregnancy-related leave, military leave (USERRA), personal and company-provided leaves, other applicable statutory and company leaves
Review leave requests and supporting documentation to determine eligibility and applicable leave protections
Track leave usage, deadlines, certifications, recertifications, extensions, and return-to-work requirements
Ensure employees and managers receive timely, accurate, and appropriate communications throughout the leave process
Coordinate with third-party leave administrators, where applicable, and monitor cases for accuracy and timely completion
Maintain accurate tracking of leave cases and employee status within applicable systems
Independently research and resolve complex leave questions and situations
Consult with the Manager on particularly complex, sensitive, or high-risk cases and when additional guidance is needed
Ensure leave administration is consistent with company policies and applicable laws
Workplace Accommodations
Manage interactive accommodation process for employees
Receive and evaluate accommodation requests and initiate interactive process
Partner with employees, managers, HR Business Partners, medical providers, and other stakeholders to identify reasonable accommodations
Coordinate collection and review of medical documentation, when required
Evaluate accommodation options and facilitate discussions between employees and managers
Document interactive process, accommodation decisions, and follow-up activities
Monitor active accommodations and coordinate periodic reviews or updates as appropriate
Partner with managers to implement approved accommodations while maintaining employee confidentiality
Consult with Manager on complex, sensitive, or high-risk accommodation matters and when additional guidance is needed
Ensure accommodation administration is consistent with ADA, applicable state and local requirements, and company policy
Maintain accurate, complete, and confidential leave and accommodation records and documentation
Ensure cases are administered consistently and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies
Maintain working knowledge of federal, state, and local leave and accommodation requirements and communicate significant changes or concerns to the Manager
Monitor case trends, volumes, and other key metrics and identify opportunities to improve processes and employee experience
Participate in process improvements, system enhancements, testing, audits, and development of procedures and employee communications
Partner closely with Manager on complex cases, escalations, compliance matters, and program improvements
Collaborate with HR Business Partners, Benefits, Payroll, Legal, HRIS, managers, and third-party vendors to support effective leave and accommodation administration
Requirements
2+ years of of experience in leave administration including experience administering FMLA and other federal, state, and local leave programs
Desired Skills:
Leave Administration: working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, USERRA, state and local leave laws, and applicable company policies
Accommodation Management: ability to effectively manage interactive process and coordinate reasonable accommodations
Case Management: strong ability to manage multiple cases, deadlines, documentation requirements, and follow-up activities
Compliance: ability to interpret and apply policies and regulatory requirements consistently
Communication: strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex information clearly
Customer Service: demonstrated ability to provide empathetic, professional, and responsive support to employees and managers
Judgment: ability to recognize complex or high-risk situations and elevate appropriately
Organization: excellent attention to detail and ability to prioritize high volume of time-sensitive work
Confidentiality: ability to handle sensitive medical and employee information with discretion
Problem Solving: ability to identify issues, research solutions, and recommend appropriate next steps
Technology: proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and experience using HRIS and/or leave administration systems
Collaboration: ability to build effective working relationships across HR, Payroll, Benefits, Legal, managers, and external vendors
Physical Requirements:
Remain in a seated position at least 75% of the time
Ability to communicate with others via in-person verbal communication, as well as frequent emails and phone/video calls
Must be able to exchange clear, accurate information in these situations
Ability to utilize a computer, keyboard and mouse when working
Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range: $70,000-80,000 per year
Blue River PetCare team members are eligible to participate in the discretionary annual bonus program.
Blue River PetCare offers the following benefits:
Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Flexible & Health Spending Accounts
Disability, Life Insurance, and Critical Illness Coverage
Retirement plans with company match
Paid Time Off (PTO), Holidays, and Bereavement
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Pet Perks with industry vendor partners, including deals on insurance, preventatives, food, and supplies
Chicago CTA Transit Program Benefits
Discounted gym memberships for local Chicago team members
Childcare discounts with KinderCare
Exclusive travel, entertainment, and retail discounts
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Worksite address
chicago, IL, 60290, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.