Leave & Disability Specialist

About the role

This full-time Leave & Disability Specialist (LDS) position serves as the subject-matter expert on leave administration, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), other federal, state, and local protected programs, and the Company’s policy-covered leave programs such as Short-term Disability, Long-term Disability, Life Insurance, and AD&D.

The LDS works under the general direction of the Benefits Manager and the legal department, providing exemplary customer service and assistance to administrators, supervisors, and the HR team. The role ensures processes are compliant, timely, and supportive of Steel Dynamics, Inc. (SDI) employees.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary contact to provide expert consultation, training, and ongoing support regarding leave eligibility, rights, responsibilities, and available leave options for all leave and disability programs.
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local leave laws, including FMLA, ADA, PWFA, applicable paid leave laws, and SDI policies pertaining to Short-Term Disability (STD), Long-Term Disability (LTD), Life Insurance, and AD&D Programs.
• Work closely with the HR team, including payroll and occupational health, on all leave cases and claims.
• Collaborate with legal counsel to evaluate complex leave and accommodation matters as needed.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for divisional administrators regarding leave administration, disability programs, accommodation-related issues, documentation requirements, and process guidance.
• Monitor changes in federal, state, and local leave and accommodation laws and recommend policy, process, and documentation updates to ensure compliance.
• Translate legal language into plain guidance to develop, maintain, and deliver training programs for administrators and supervisors on leave policies, ADA accommodations, and employee/management responsibilities.
• Review all escalated and complex leave and accommodation matters and coordinate with the Benefits Manager, VP of HR, and Legal Counsel when appropriate.
• Review compliance tracking and accuracy of records of leave balances, hours used, and regulatory filing requirements.
• Prepare and maintain reports and compliance documentation for federal, state, and local regulatory agencies.
• Provide guidance and consultation to divisional administrators regarding leave management, the interactive process for accommodation, and compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with administrators, Human Resources, occupational health, legal, payroll, and other departments to resolve complex leave and accommodation issues.
• Conduct periodic reviews of leave administration practices to promote consistency, accuracy, and compliance across divisions.
• Establish and maintain standardized leave administration processes, templates, forms, and best practices across divisions.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience administering, supporting, or consulting on FMLA, ADA, PWFA, disability, and leave management programs.
• Well-versed in federal and state leave laws and employment regulations, including FMLA, PWFA, and ADA.
• Strong familiarity with Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) — UKG preferred — leave management systems, case management software, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively and sensitively at all organizational levels.
• Capable of handling sensitive information with discretion and strict confidentiality.
• Ability to use sound judgment and initiative.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to draw conclusions from data.
• Comfortable working independently and managing multiple deadlines.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current on changing employment laws, regulations, and best practices.

Qualifications

• Professional Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR) certification preferred.
• Certified Leave Management Specialist (CLMS) or other leave-related certification preferred.
• May not be related to another employee of Steel Dynamics, Inc., or any of its subsidiaries. (Relative is defined as “any person who is related by blood or marriage, or whose relationship with the employee is similar to that of persons who are related by blood or marriage.”)