Sr. Leave of Absence Specialist

About the role

The Senior Leave of Absence Specialist serves as the subject matter expert on leave administration, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Workers' Compensation, and other federally and state protected or University policy-covered leave programs. The position supports the organizations served by the Administrative Services & Strategic Executive Team (ASSET).

Responsibilities

• Provides expert consultation and ongoing support to employees (staff and faculty), supervisors, and departmental leadership regarding leave eligibility, rights, responsibilities, and available leave options.
• Evaluates and designates qualifying leave requests.
• Maintains leave usage and tracking.
• Ensures timely receipt and review of required documentation.
• Provides ongoing guidance throughout the leave process.
• Interprets and applies applicable federal and state laws, University of California policies, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Consults with Central Human Resources, Disability Management, Workers' Compensation, Academic Personnel, and campus human resources partners.
• Promotes consistent interpretation and administration of leave policies and practices across all ASSET-supported organizations.
• Serves as the ASSET representative on campus-wide leave-related committees and workgroups.

Requirements

Thorough knowledge of FMLA, CFRA, PFL, PDL, Workers Comp, Military Leave, ERISA, HIPAA and applicable state and federal laws.
Working knowledge of rules and regulations affecting employee benefit programs.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to communicate effectively and with confidence.
Skill and sensitivity in dealing with others.
Ability to handle difficult and complicated issues with professionalism and sound judgement.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Ability to build relationships, collaborate and problem solve across all levels of the organization.
Critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Ability to provide high level of service and adapt to shifting priorities.
Knowledge of computer databases and Windows software.

Qualifications

• Experience 4 - 7 years of related experience.
• Experience 2 - 3 years of experience administering employee leave programs, preferably within a higher education or similarly complex organizational environment.
• Knowledge of UCR human resources related systems such as UCPath, HRMS, ServiceNow.
• Knowledge of UC policies and UCR local procedures.
• Knowledge and ability to apply Academic Personnel policies related to leaves of absence for Senate faculty, non-Senate academic appointees, and academic student employees.
• Knowledge of Collective Bargaining Agreements and their implications on leave laws, policies and procedures.