Leaves & Accommodations Senior Specialist

About the Role

Under general supervision, administer employee leaves of absence and workplace accommodations in compliance with federal, state, and local laws. Serve as a subject-matter expert for employees and managers, ensuring a consistent, confidential, and people-centric experience while supporting organizational compliance and operational needs. Partner with payroll, benefits, and managers to deliver a people-centric experience and maintain accurate, confidential records related to leave and accommodation cases. Partner with the Health and Safety partner in support of the Worker’s Compensation program. Perform other duties as required.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate interactive process discussions between managers and employees.
• Identify, assess, and recommend reasonable workplace accommodations, ensuring compliance with applicable policies and regulations.
• Provide guidance on eligibility, coordination of overlapping leaves, timelines, and return-to-work requirements.
• Complete compliance documentation to ensure consistent and timely determinations (e.g., internal forms, meeting notes, regulatory forms, etc.), and conduct audits and internal compliance reviews.
• Evaluate medical provider clarification/information.
• Coordinate with payroll team (e.g., SDI, benefit premiums, exception time coordination, etc.).
• Assess accommodation requests and review medical documentation, collaborating with People Relations, managers, and legal counsel as needed.
• Track leave usage and entitlement balances in the HRIS system.
• Coordinate the implementation of reasonable accommodations and collaborate with managers and employees to determine effectiveness.
• Stay current on changes to Federal and California employment and leave laws.
• Build and maintain strong relationships of trust at all levels throughout the organization.
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives, special projects, and process improvement initiatives.
• Support People & Culture events (e.g., new hire orientation, employee engagement functions, wellness activities, etc.).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• 4-6 years of experience in leave of absence, accommodations, or HR Generalist roles.
• Demonstrated knowledge of California leave laws, including CFRA, PDL, PFL, and related coordination with FMLA.
• Working knowledge of ADA, FEHA, and applicable federal and state employment laws.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex regulatory requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage highly confidential information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Knowledge of HRIS systems, leave tracking processes, payroll coordination, and benefits administration related to employee leaves and accommodations, and Workers Compensation programs.
• Experience in conducting interactive process discussions with employees and managers in a professional, empathetic, and solutions-oriented manner.
• Experience in workplace accommodation processes and the interactive process under the ADA and California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).
• Ability to work within and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values.

Pay

Annual compensation range: $70,304–$84,000 USD. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.