Focused on employment and labor law since 1958, Jackson Lewis P.C.'s 1,000+ attorneys located in major cities nationwide consistently identify and respond to new ways workplace law intersects business. We help employers develop proactive strategies, strong policies and business-oriented solutions to cultivate high-functioning workforces that are engaged and stable, and share our clients' goals to emphasize belonging and respect for the contributions of every employee. The Firm is ranked in the First Tier nationally in the category of Labor and Employment Litigation, as well as in both Employment Law and Labor Law on behalf of Management, in the U.S. News - Best Lawyers® Best Law Firms . Job Summary (basic description) The Leave Manager is responsible for ensuring compliance and providing quality customer service for the firm's leave and accommodation request processes under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and all associated state and local laws, rules and regulations. The Leave Manager will be the primary contact for employee leave and accommodation inquiries and will work closely with the Director of Total Rewards, the Well-Being Director, the General Counsel's Office, the firm's various Office Managing Principals and Office Administrators, the firm's disability carrier and other teams within HR to ensure exceptional service and support for firm employees. As such the Leave Manager will be responsible for ensuring best practices are upheld by the Leaves and Accommodations team, including reporting and tracking all communications and deadlines relating to leave and accommodation requests. Essential Functions
- Oversee the leave and accommodations team and ensure proper processing and tracking of all leaves from the initial notification through return to work. The manager will also ensure proper review, implementation and recording of all accommodations requested.
- Ensure proper approvals, certifications and documents are received, reviewed and processed timely. Provide required notices and documentation as required to maintain federal, state and local leave compliance.
- Maintain communication with managers and leadership, providing timely status updates and regular reporting.
- Partner with HR team members to provide guidance to firm employees on leaves and disability laws, policies, and practices, and ensure proper recording in the firm's HRIS.
- Properly escalate issues to the Director of Total Rewards, Well-Being Director, Chief Talent Officer and internal counsel. Collaborate with this group in determining appropriate responses to complicated or escalated scenarios.
- Propose improvements to HRIS system for efficiency of recording and auditing of all leaves and accommodations. Recommend and implement reporting to assist managers and Human Resources Business Partners properly address potential staffing concerns.
- Ensure timely response and follow-up on all leave and accommodation-related information requests. Proactively update stakeholders on leaves, accommodations, and return to work timelines to enable updates to matter and team staffing.
- Facilitate interactive discussions with employees, managers and providers under the firm's accommodation process. Work closely with the benefits and HRIS teams to enhance system capabilities in tracking and reporting on leaves and monitoring the success of implemented accommodations.
- Maintain up to date knowledge of federal, state, and local laws regarding leave, disability and confidentiality of employee personal health information/data.
- Work closely with internal counsel and advisors to ensure timely updates to process and procedures for all legislative updates.
- Partner with benefits team and internal counsel to ensure consistent processing and policy guidance with respect to leaves and accommodations while proposing continued improvements.
- Maintain proper records under the firm's leave policies and processes, with timely monitoring of all pending leave and accommodation requests, all ongoing leaves (including continuous, intermittent, and reduced schedule), and all implemented accommodations, and follow up on outstanding requests.
- Collaborate with various stakeholders to propose and implement improvements to the firm's leave and accommodation policies and processes.
- Build strong relationships with firm's office and team leaders, department heads, and benefits vendors to ensure best in class customer service to the firm's employees.
Qualifications/Skills Required - Minimum 6 years of relevant experience administering leave and disability programs with at least 2 years of team leadership experience. Experience in a law firm helpful.
- Exceptional organizational, teamwork, oral and written communication skills.
- Experience with HRIS systems, particularly Workday in the leaves and timekeeping modules. Knowledge of the Workday benefits module is also helpful.
- Ability to maintain the highest-level confidentiality and utilize systems and processes to ensure the confidentiality of personal health information.
- Ability to track and monitor a large number of simultaneous matters, set priorities and work in a fast-paced environment.
- In depth knowledge of leave and accommodation requirements and regulations.
#LI-LM1 #LI-Hybrid
Educational Qualifications - Bachelor's degree required, concentration in a related field such as Human Resources Administration or Psychology helpful.
- Group Benefits Associate (GBA), Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) and/or Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) designations/certifications are a plus.
For New York Metro area, the expected salary range for this position is between $130,000 and $145,000. The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law. We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status or any other characteristics protected by law.