HR Leave Specialist

HR Leave Specialist

At Equitable, our power is in our people.

We're individuals from different cultures and backgrounds. Those differences make us stronger as a team and a force for good in our communities. Here, you'll work with dynamic individuals, build your skills, and unleash new ways of working and thinking. Are you ready to join an organization that will help unlock your potential?

The HR Leave Specialist 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, and short-term or long-term disability plans. The role requires the individual to work both independently and in a team environment. The position reports to the HR Leave and Disability Manager and will work closely with departments within HR as well as several external departments (People Leaders and Legal) to execute the team’s objectives. The role will have a service component in providing high quality customer service to our participants, but also an analytics function in using data to report and streamline the disability and leave functions.

• Communicates with employees regarding their needs for leave and/or modified work schedules. Ensures that employees are aware of their responsibilities and of any documentation and notice required to qualify for and to take leave.
• This person will own the return-to-work process by maintaining reasonable communication with employees on leave to facilitate smooth and timely return to work; relays communication between employees and Aflac during leave within reason.
• Advises managers and employees on the interaction of leave laws with paid time off, and short-term and long-term disability benefits.
• Facilitates other leave requests, which may include accommodation requests under the ADA.
• Administers other company time-off programs as assigned in accordance with internal policy and applicable laws.
• Assists Leave and Disability Manager and Aflac to deliver training sessions on U.S. leave policies, as needed, and address common misconceptions in compliance with U.S. regulations.
• Writes or revises benefit and leave procedures, handbooks, or training materials; compiles and analyzes statistical reports to help determine emerging trends and patterns; and evaluates current policies or procedures and recommends change, as needed.
• Oversees the Advice to Pay and HR Status Files to ensure accuracy and processing of pay. Performs and audits system setup to ensure system functionality, data integrity and accuracy of information.
• Gathers, reviews, and monitors data and information; analyzes data; identifies and reports trends. Provides recommendations in support of assigned area.
• Maintains complete and accurate records of leave and accommodation requests in accordance with specified legal requirements and documentation of best practices.
• Preserves confidentiality of employee medical documentation and files.
• Maintains knowledge of all applicable leave and accommodation laws including the FMLA, ADA, HIPAA and state and local laws.
• Uses AI tools available at Equitable to refine and automate processes and streamline the services at the participant level.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

The base salary range for this position is $65,000 - $77,000. Actual base salaries vary based on skills, experience, and geographical location. In addition to base pay, Equitable provides compensation to reward performance with base salary increases, spot bonuses, and short-term incentive compensation opportunities. Eligibility for these programs depends on level and functional area of responsibility.

For eligible employees, Equitable provides a full range of benefits. This includes medical, dental, vision, a 401(k) plan, and paid time off. For detailed descriptions of these benefits, please reference the link below.

Equitable Pay and Benefits: Equitable Total Rewards Program

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration or related degree program
• 2 years of professional level human resources experience related to the position
• Knowledge of the leave requirements and other legal protections afforded by the FMLA, ADA, HIPAA and other applicable laws
• Knowledge of methods and techniques of statistical analysis and reporting
• Knowledge of methods used in managing projects of a level typical to the job assignment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in facilitating training
• Ability to recognize and anticipate issues and independently address such issues proactively, both within existing areas of responsibility and outside the defined areas of responsibility, as appropriate
• Proven relationship building background and ability to effectively interact with external and internal stakeholders
• Ability to lead and willingness to learn
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Team player

SKILLS

Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.

Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.

ABOUT EQUITABLE

At Equitable, we’re a team committed to helping our clients secure their financial well-being so that they can pursue long and fulfilling lives.

We turn challenges into opportunities by thinking, working, and leading differently – where everyone is a leader. We encourage every employee to leverage their unique talents to become a force for good at Equitable and in their local communities.

We are continuously investing in our people by offering growth, internal mobility, comprehensive compensation and benefits to support overall well-being, flexibility, and a culture of collaboration and teamwork.

We are looking for talented, dedicated, purposeful people who want to make an impact. Join Equitable and pursue a career with purpose.

**********

Equitable is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to our employees, applicants and candidates based on individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, mental or physical disabilities, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information or any other class protected by federal, state and local laws.

NOTE: Equitable participates in the E-Verify program.

If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process or to perform the essential job functions of this position, please contact Human Resources at (212) 314-2211 or email us at TalentAcquisition@equitable.com.