Absence Management Manager

OVERVIEW OF POSITION:

The Absence Management Manager plays a crucial role in managing workforce levels, ensuring that the organization can continue to operate smoothly while supporting our associates regarding their leave options.  The Absence Manager will be responsible for overseeing and managing the company's absence management programs transparently and fairly, including Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and other leaves. This role involves developing and maintaining documentation of policies and procedures, resolving escalated FMLA and accommodation questions, and coordinating with Associate Relations and outside attorneys to resolve complex issues. Additionally, the Absence Management Manager will manage compliance with California leave laws and ensure proper administration of various types of leaves.

Hiring Salary Range: $83k - $104k / yr. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Administer Leave Programs: Manage and support employee leave programs including FMLA, accommodation requests, short-term disability, long-term disability, and other leave types.
• Consult with outside attorney on complex leave cases..
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local leave laws and regulations.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate records and documentation for all leave cases.
• Employee Support: Provide guidance and support to employees regarding their leave options and rights.
• Coordination: Work with Associate Relations, HRIS, and service line leaders to ensure smooth transitions and coverage during employee absences.
• Reporting: Generate reports on leave trends and metrics to inform workforce planning.
• Policy Development: Assist in the development and implementation of leave policies and procedures.
• Training: Educate employees and managers on leave policies and procedures.
• Utilize Workday: Leverage Workday HRIS for tracking, managing, and reporting leave of absence data.
• California Leave Laws Management: Manage compliance with California leave laws, including but not limited to: California Family Rights Act (CFRA) Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) Paid Family Leave (PFL) California Paid Sick Leave Kin Care Military Leave - Stay updated on changes to California leave laws and ensure company policies reflect current regulations.
• Communication: Communicate and educate associates and people leaders on policies and procedures.
• Reporting: Prepare and analyze reports to present to leadership on absence management metrics and trends.
• People Management: Supervise and lead the absence management team. Provide guidance, support, and development opportunities for team members. Conduct performance evaluations and manage team performance.
• Other Duties as Assigned: Perform additional tasks and responsibilities as needed to support the Total Rewards department and the organization.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of FMLA, ADA, California leave laws, and other relevant employment laws.
• Certification in Human Resources (e.g., PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP).

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in absence management, FMLA administration, or a related HR role.
• Experience managing 1 – 2 employees is preferred.
• Experience working with legal counsel on employment-related matters is a plus.
• Experience with HRIS and absence management software.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.