Leave of Absence Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY

The Leave of Absence (LOA) Specialist is responsible for administering employee leave programs in accordance with federal, state, and local laws, as well as company policies and procedures. This role ensures compliance, effective communication, and a smooth process for employees requesting and taking leave, including but not limited to FMLA, CFRA, PDL, PFL, ADA, personal leave, military leave, and short-term/long-term disability. This position will act as the central point of contact for all leave needs and act as a resources to those in need of leave and to the restaurant managers. This position will work in-office in a corporate setting supporting a leaves for a restaurant environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Process, track, and manage leave requests in adherence with FMLA, ADA, California leave laws (CFRA, PDL, PFL, SDI, FEHA, WC), and company policies.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees requesting or currently on leave.
• Review and process leave requests in a timely and accurate manner.
• Maintain communication and act as a resource to employees, restaurant management, HR, and third-party administrators throughout the leave process.
• Track leave balances, leave durations, and return-to-work dates.
• Respond to State Disability and STD/LTD claim inquiries and requests for information
• Coordinate return-to-work processes, including accommodation requests when applicable.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date leave records in HRIS (UKG) and leave management systems.
• Educate employees and managers on leave policies and procedures.
• Assist in policy development and recommend process improvements related to LOA administration.
• Support HR initiatives related to wellness, absence management.
• Support the HR Manager with special projects and process improvements.
• Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Strong professional communication (verbal and written) with employees at all levels.
• Ability to handle sensitive employee information with discretion.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook); Experience with HRIS and leave management systems (e.g., UGK, BASIC, Sedgwick, Kronos).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• High volume restaurant experience preferred.
• Knowledge of federal and state leave laws, including FMLA, CFRA, PDLL, ADA, etc. (including eligibility and entitlements) *California knowledge required.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish is required

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATES, LICENSES

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Certification such as SHRM-CP, PHR, or CEBS is a plus
• 5+ years of experience in Human Resources.
• 3+ years of experience in leave administration.
• Must have strong knowledge of federal and state leave laws, including FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, and California-specific laws such as CFRA, PDL, PFL, SDI, FEHA, and California Workers’ Compensation requirements.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT - While performing the duties of this job, the employee is:

• Regularly required to talk or hear.
• Frequently required to sit and use hands and fingers to operate a keyboard or mouse, handle and feel phones, files, and paperwork.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally bend and twist at the waist and neck, and lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate while working in the office.
• The work environment may entail being in a warehouse where there is intermittent noise from machinery.

DISCLAIMER:

This job posting is intended to describe the general nature of this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Employee benefits may vary by location, position, length of service and employment status.

Final candidates will be required to complete a drug test and background check. Many positions will require a state gaming license. Affinity Gaming is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or marital status.

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Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.