Leave & Accommodation Specialist

Rumpke is a family owned and operated company that ranks as one of the largest firms in the waste and recycling industry. Our mission is simple: to deliver exceptional waste and recycling solutions to our customers and communities through a commitment to safety, service, the environment and the growth of our people.

When you join Rumpke, you'll be part of a team providing essential services to millions of residents, businesses, and neighborhoods. You will enjoy competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, matching 401(k), life insurance, paid vacation, and more.

This is your opportunity to make a difference for you and your family. Come join our team!

The Leave and Accommodation 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, internal leave programs, and short-term or long-term disability plans.

Responsibilities of Position:

• Operate as the point of contact for all leave of absence requests, accommodations, and related issues.
• Partner with Benefits Manager to develop best practices to lead the leave process through the entire life cycle of leave administration, including new leave processing, communication, document review, return to work processes, follow-up, and accommodation requests. Continually review, improve and update HR policies and procedures based on research and best practices.
• Communicate with employees regarding their needs for leave and/or modified work schedules. Ensure that employees are aware of their responsibilities and of any documentation and notice required to qualify for and to take leave.
• Handle the FMLA leave administration process from the employee's initial notice of the need for leave to the return to work. This includes utilizing the Leave of Absence Management technology to make accurate determinations of leave eligibility, tracking usage and taking action as necessary.
• Participate in the interactive process of employee accommodation integration under the ADA. Interaction with employees includes guiding them through the accommodation process and communicating with health care providers to obtain supporting documentation while adhering to patient privacy and confidentiality standards.
• Work with HR and Management to make determination on accommodations and work with departments to implement and monitor outcomes.
• Oversee return to work processes for employees returning from leave.
• Provide training to departments, staff, and others regarding accommodations, FMLA and military leave. Advises managers and employees on the interaction of leave laws with paid time off, workers' compensation, and short-term and long-term disability benefits.
• Communicate with HR Business Partners and Payroll regarding leaves, accommodations and return to work statuses.
• Assist employees with claims related to Short and Long-Term Disability and partner with Disability carrier to ensure customer service goals are reached.
• Assist with annual open enrollment by participating in benefits fairs, review enrollment communication materials, verify enrollment data and general assistance with new implementations.
• Maintains reasonable communication with employees on leave to facilitate smooth and timely return to work, relays communication between employees and their managers during leave within reason.
• Oversees the return-to-work process for employees returning from extended FMLA, workers' compensation, or other leave(s).
• 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.
• Drafts and/or recommends revisions to company leave policies to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• 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.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills & Abilities Needed for Position:

• Maintains knowledge of all applicable leave and accommodation laws including the FMLA, ADA, and state and local laws.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.

Experience & Knowledge Needed for Position:

• Extensive knowledge of the leave requirements and other legal protections afforded by the FMLA, ADA, and other applicable laws.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field required.
• Two years of human resource experience preferred.
• Completion of specialized certification or training on FMLA/leave administration a plus.

Physical Requirements in a Regular workday:

• Rarely lifting/carrying a max of 10lbs.
• Rarely pushing/pulling a max of 10lbs.
• Continuously Sitting/Standing/Walking in Office Environment.

Additional Working Conditions/Aspects:

• Ability to travel between offices, as required.
• Legally eligible to work in the United States.
• Valid driver's license (if applicable).
• Must successfully complete pre-employment testing.
• Must be able to read and speak the English language.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature, complexity, and level of work to be performed by employees assigned to this position and is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and/or skills required. It does not prescribe or restrict the work that may be assigned. Furthermore, this does not establish a contract for employment and is subject to change at the discretion of the company.

Rumpke Waste and Recycling is committed to equality in all aspects of employment. It is Rumpke's policy to provide equal opportunities to all employees and potential employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status or disability status.