Leave of Absence Specialist

Description

About A&M

Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) is a leading independent global professional services firm, specializing in providing turnaround management, performance improvement and corporate advisory services.  With over 10,000 professionals based in 70+ locations across Europe, Middle East, the Cayman Islands, North America and Asia, our firm excels in problem solving and value creation.  Drawing on a strong operational heritage and hands-on-approach, our professionals work closely with organizations and stakeholders to help tackle complex business issues and maximize value.

Position Overview

The Leave of Absence Specialist is responsible for overseeing and administering the firm’s leave program; ensuring compliance with local regulations across Europe, Middle East and the Cayman Islands. This role will partner with the Benefits, Compliance, Payroll and People Business Partner teams to manage the employee experience from initial request to return to work.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape a new role where you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and building comprehensive leave of absence policies and procedures that are compliant across our EMEA locations. Your expertise will be vital in establishing this important function.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as subject matter expert on complex leave of absence-related inquiries, providing advanced guidance to employees, HR team members, and senior management
• Manage, interpret and administer FMLA, disability programs and ADA accommodation requests working with the third-party administrator, employees and business functions in accordance with the applicable federal and state employment laws (FMLA, ADA, NYPFL, Pregnancy Discrimination Act, Workers Compensation, USERRA, etc.)
• Partner closely with HR Business Partners, Managers, Legal Team, Payroll, Facilities, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless leave administration and compliance.
• Facilitate interactive process to determine reasonable accommodations under the ADA, and collaborate with employees, managers and medical professionals to implement and monitor accommodations.
• Conduct training sessions for managers and HR Business Partners on leave of absence policies and ADA accommodations.
• Analyze leave data to identify trends and areas for improvement and generate reporting and communications on leave utilization for year-end processes.
• Maintain employee leave records in database(s) such as Workday and provide adjustments to the payroll team as needed.
• Manage processing of Worker’s Compensation claims and the annual Worker’s Compensation audit.
• Remain up to date on related ADA regulations, local, state, and federal law regulatory changes as they relate to leave management and communicate updates to relevant stakeholders and ensure compliance with internal and external policies and regulations.
• Partner with HRIS teams to optimize LOA data management, reporting capabilities, and system enhancements.
• Identify opportunities to enhance leave of absence and accommodation processes and implement best practices to improve efficiency and employee experience.

Key Requirements:

• CIPD qualification is preferred
• Relevant experience in benefits, with a focus on leave administration.
• Proven track record in managing and administering ADA accommodations, including conducting interactive processes and determining reasonable accommodations.
• Strong Knowledge of ADA regulations and compliance requirements.
• Ability to clearly and concisely explain complex leave policies and procedures and comprehend, interpret, and apply relevant local, state and federal laws, guidelines, regulations, ordinances and policies.
• A self-starter, with proven ability to work effectively in a team environment, as well as independently.
• Advanced analytical skills with expertise in data analysis, financial modeling, and benefits cost projections.
• Proven experience with HRIS (Workday) and benefits administration platforms.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to handle complex, multi-faceted benefits issues.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and interact effectively with senior executives and employees at all levels.
• Demonstrated project management skills and ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage confidential information with the highest level of discretion.

Inclusive Diversity

A&M’s entrepreneurial culture celebrates independent thinkers and doers who can positively impact our clients and shape our industry. The collaborative environment and engaging work—guided by A&M’s core values of Integrity, Quality, Objectivity, Fun, Personal Reward, and Inclusive Diversity—are the main reasons our people love working at A&M. Inclusive Diversity means we embrace diversity, and we foster inclusiveness, encouraging everyone to bring their whole self to work each day. It runs through how we recruit, develop employees, conduct business, support clients, and partner with vendors. It is the A&M way.

Equal Opportunity Employer

It is Alvarez & Marsal’s practice to provide and promote equal opportunity in employment, compensation, and other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sex or gender, gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, family medical history, genetic information or other protected medical condition, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by and in accordance with applicable laws. Employees and Applicants can find A&M policy statements and additional information by region here.

Unsolicited Resumes from Third-Party Recruiters

Please note that as per A&M policy, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters unless such recruiters are engaged to provide candidates for a specified opening. Any employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume does so with the understanding that A&M will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity.