Leave Specialist

Job Title: Leave Specialist (Hybrid)
Location: 1910 S Briggs St, Joliet, IL 60433
Schedule: Monday - Friday Full-Time Hybrid Schedule
Tues - Thur in office (Joliet) - Monday and Friday work from home (Remote)
Contract Term: 6 Month Contract.
Pay Rate: $24/hour
Job Summary

The Leave Specialist is responsible for administering and tracking leave programs, including disability accommodations, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This role provides expert guidance to employees and managers, serves as the primary liaison with external benefit providers, and supports the organization’s commitment to employee well-being and equitable workplace practices.

Job Responsibilities

• Administer and track all employee leave programs, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, short/long-term disability, parental leave, Workers’ Compensation, and other statutory or company-sponsored leaves.
• Provide guidance and support to employees and managers regarding leave entitlements, policies, procedures, and available benefit resources.
• Monitor leave balances and communicate updates to employees, managers, and HR business partners.
• Serve as the primary contact for disability insurance carriers, benefit vendors, and third-party administrators on matters related to leave and disability programs.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations (FMLA, ADA, ERISA, HIPAA, state/local leave laws) and update policies as legislation evolves.
• Maintain accurate leave records in HRIS and leave management systems.
• Perform transactional duties related to administering disability benefits and leave programs.
• Partner with HR, legal and other partner areas to support workplace accommodations and return-to-work processes.
• Assist with audits, reporting, surveys, assisting with drafting leave materials, and special projects as assigned.
• Support well-being initiatives, programs and events.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Minimum of three years of directly related experience in leave administration, disability management, or employee benefits.
• Ability to handle sensitive benefits and compensation information confidentially and professionally.
• Strong knowledge of employee benefits, leave policies, and related laws (FMLA, ADA, ERISA, HIPAA).
• Proven ability to organize and prioritize work in a dynamic environment to meet deadlines.
• Analytical skills to interpret data and develop solutions to complex leave and disability cases.
• Detail-oriented approach to managing records and ensuring accuracy in leave accruals.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with employees, managers, vendors, and external partners.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and experience with HRIS and time/attendance systems.

Education

• High school diploma required.