CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $75,000 - $85,000

Position Summary

The Human Resources Specialist, Leave Coordination will oversee and administer leave requests and accommodations requiring specialized attention, particularly those arising under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), state and local leave laws, workers compensation, Paid Family Leave (PFL) and short-term disability plans.

Responsibilities

• The Human Resources Specialist must have a demonstrated willingness to communicate regularly with employees, University offices and others across the organization as needed to support and complete the necessary documentation for leaves requested. The Human Resources Specialist must have a desire to work in a fast-paced, energetic environment, in a customer-facing role, and ability to act with empathy and care in all interactions on a daily basis.                                                                                          
• The Human Resources Specialist will act as a liaison with the Leave Management Office and insurance carriers within CUFO, which will entail regular communication and updates on various leaves, accommodation requests, and complex situations that arise.           
• The Human Resources Specialist must be able to synthesize and analyze data and information and provide updates to others on trends and/or patterns emerging from data available. They must have the ability to complete assigned tasks and projects in a timely manner while adhering to deadlines and various leave policies/procedures.                                                                                       
• They must maintain prompt and consistent, predictable attendance, with the ability to work assigned daytime and evening shifts as required. The Human Resources Specialist must have demonstrated ability to interact with employees of all levels and University offices and agencies as required to process leaves in an appropriate manner remaining focused on tasks throughout the day to ensure they are completed.                                                                                                                                                                                
• Serves as the primary point of contact for all leave requests within CUFO. Communicates with employees and their departments regarding intermittent and continuous leave options including workplace accommodation offered through the University’s benefits, collective bargaining agreements and/or state/city laws. Offers additional resources such as EAP, health advocate and other wellness programs.                                                                                                                                                                    
• Determines appropriate leave options and confirms eligibility. Prepares leave packet with applicable forms, maintains supportive documentation, and counsels employees during the leave intake process.                                                                                       
• Manages other time-off under NYC or NYS leaves as assigned in accordance with internal policies and applicable laws.                      
• Maintains consistent follow-up with employees to facilitate smooth and timely return to work expectations and timely status updates while communicating between employees and their managers during leave as per established standards.                            
• Oversees the return-to-work process for employees returning from extended FMLA, workers’ compensation, disability or other leave(s) and coordinates with the Leave Management office.                                                                                                        
• Update Kronos with applicable leave codes, prepare leave Personnel Action forms (PAF), and run reports to capture leave trends, intermittent absence patterns, worker's compensation, short-term disability, and Paid Family Leave (PFL) salary information. Update the short-term disability leave portal and submit worker's compensation claims to insurance carrier.                                                
• Maintains complete and accurate records of leave and accommodation requests in accordance with specified legal requirements and documentation of best practices. Effectively communicates with Director to convey leaves that may require additional review and impact one’s overall attendance record.                                                                                                                                      
• Preserves and adheres to the confidentiality of employee’s medical documentation and records in compliance with HIPAA and University policies.                                                                                                                                                                     
• Reporting to the Director, the Human Resources Specialist may direct the work of others assisting with the leave management process. The Human Resources Specialist assists the Director overseeing a leave program that has a financial impact on the University’s Benefits Fund.                                                                                                                                                          
• Performs other related duties as assigned and may represent the Director on committees as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent experience required. A minimum of three to five years of human resource experience required focused on leave management programs.                                                                                                                                    
• Extensive knowledge of the leave requirements and other legal protections afforded by the FMLA, ADA, and other applicable NYS, NYC and Federal laws.                                                                                                                                                               
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail and ability to multi-task required. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; demonstrated tact, discretion, and diplomacy.                                                                                           
• Must have a demonstrated proficiency in routine tasks such as email (Outlook), reports (Excel), and general aptitude to learn proprietary disability software platforms and timekeeping systems.                                                                                               
• Maintains knowledge of all applicable leave and accommodation laws including the FMLA, ADA, and state and local laws.                    
• Must be organized and detail and task-oriented with the ability to establish priorities and follow up on multiple issues in a time-sensitive manner.                                                                                                                                                                     
• Must be comfortable working under pressure, without supervision and demonstrate sound independent judgment.                           
• Ability to exercise a high degree of professionalism, diplomacy, discretion, firmness, and collaboration in dealing with individuals at all levels. Strong analytical skills necessary.                                                                                                                                 
• Strong comfort level handling highly confidential and sensitive information

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of specialized certification or training on FMLA/leave administration a plus.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.