Employee Relations Partner

Description:

Oversee leave of absence programs to include FMLA; ADA; Pregnancy Worker’s Act; other federal, state, or local-mandated leave; and company leave. Provide operational oversight of third party leave vendor. Administer accommodations programs. Serve as a resource and subject matter expert (SME) on leave management consistent with local, state and federal regulations.

The work location for this exciting opportunity is Holly Springs, NC and will support FLB’s Holly Springs and Morrisville locations.

 External US 

What You’ll Do

 Administering and managing all leave programs, including FMLA, short-term disability, long-term disability, parental leave, and other statutory and company-specific leaves 
 Oversee daily LOA operations, including case management, consulting, processing, and employee communication 
 Oversee the leave of absence program as administered by third party leave vendor and partner with colleagues including Benefits, HR Operations, Payroll, Employee Relations, Safety, and legal department as needed. 
 Ensure leave of absence and ADA programs are in compliance with applicable laws, and consistent application of policies and procedures across the organization 
 Lead and participate in cross-functional meetings with HLUS Benefits, HLUS Payroll, local Employee Relations Partner, Legal, Workers' Compensation, and other LOA teams to align policies, resolve issues, and drive initiatives 
 Maintain the Workday LOA module, ensuring data integrity and timely transaction processing 
 Administer benefits for employee/dependent deaths, as well as bereavement and community service leave programs 
 The Leave of Absence Specialist is responsible for administering and managing all leave programs, including FMLA, short-term disability, long-term disability, parental leave, and other statutory and company-specific leaves 
 This role ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, provides exceptional teammate support, and partners with internal and external stakeholders to deliver a seamless leave experience 
 This is a high-volume, service-oriented role supporting the HR Customer Service Center, requiring the ability to manage multiple leave cases concurrently while meeting service-level expectations 
 Leave Administration: Administer and manage leave of absence programs in compliance with applicable laws and company policies 
 Coordinate with third-party administrators and insurance providers to ensure timely and accurate handling of claims 
 Act as the initial point of contact for Leave of Absence inquiries and provide in-depth information and services across the various stage of Leave of Absence process 
 Provide clear communication and guidance throughout the leave process, ensuring a positive teammate experience 
 ServiceNow Case Management: Responds to leave inquiries from teammates and leaders on leave eligibility, benefit plan eligibility, timesheets, and other general leave inquiries 
 Research and resolve operational leave cases promptly to support teammates 
 Collaboration and Communication: Collaborate closely with HR team members to resolve leave inquiries and provide comprehensive solutions to teammates 
 Provide guidance to HR Service Delivery Advisors and Benefit Specialists on leave processes and compliance requirements 
 Share best practices and offer feedback to improve team effectiveness 
 Data Management and Reporting: Prepare and work leave reports to ensure timely resolution of outstanding items and maintain data accuracy 
 Generate reports and review leave data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement 
 Exceptional Customer Service: Deliver professional, reliable, and exceptional teammate support to all inquiries, exhibiting a customer-centric approach and ensuring high satisfaction levels 
 Address inquiries promptly and effectively, demonstrating active listening and empathy 
 Process Improvement Evaluation: Identify areas for process improvement within leave administration 
 Collaborate with peers and management to implement changes that enhance efficiency and teammate experience 
 Project Management: Actively participates in projects designed to increase efficiency and promote teammate experience 
 Develop training modules, SOP’s, guides, and reference materials that cover Leave processes, policies, and customer service techniques 
 Assist and support Open Enrollment annually, including annual Benefits Fairs. 
 Confidentiality and Data Security: Handle sensitive teammate information with the utmost confidentiality and adhere to data security protocols 
 Ensure compliance with data protection regulations and company policies 
 First point of contact with Occupational Nurses 
 Partner with managers to plan coverage, support business continuity, and facilitate smooth employee transitions. 
 Monitor leave duration, intermittent leave usage, and return-to-work timelines. 

Other Benefits & Wellness

 Partner with HLUS Benefits with the coordination of various initiatives (Suitcase of Courage, Spring Health, Wellness Fair) 

Basic Requirement / Certifications

 Bachelor's degree in public administration, human resources, business administration, or related field, and 5+ years of professional work experience in benefits administration, including LOA and compliance, or equivalent combination of education and experience administering benefit programs may be considered 
 Strong knowledge of federal and state leave laws 
 5+ years of professional work experience in benefits administration, including LOA and compliance, or equivalent combination of education and experience administering benefit programs may be considered 
 Previous experience in LOA, Paid Family Leave, ADA, etc. administration 
 Strong knowledge of federal and multiple state leave laws 
 Deep knowledge of employment laws and regulations. Problem-solving and analytical abilities. Empathy and strong interpersonal skills to build rapport with all levels of the organization. Organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and maintain detailed records.