Leave Administration Specialist, Team Lead

Purpose and Scope

University of Missouri Human Resources provides leadership in the planning, integration, and implementation of human resource services and programs for faculty and staff across all campuses and the health system. Collectively with campus colleagues, we serve as a strategic and trusted advisor, and pursue continuous improvement through knowledge, collaboration and leadership.

The UM HR Leave Administration Team (LAT) is responsible for providing support, education, and stewardship for the University of Missouri Leave Plans for all Faculty and Staff. This includes managing employee leave requests and ensuring compliance with University policy and relevant labor laws.

This position provides day-to-day guidance and oversight for LAT as well as performs a variety of human resources and timekeeping duties to ensure the effective and compliant management of employee leave requests. Responsibilities include ensuring adherence to University of Missouri policies, rules, and regulations; coordinating with payroll; maintaining accurate records; and supporting process improvements. The position provides support to a team of 4.0 FTE who collectively serve approximately 25,000 faculty and staff.

Responsibilities

30 % Team Lead Responsibilities

* Provide guidance and daily support to the Leave Administration Team, serving as backup support for team members as needed.

o Analyze service and volume metrics, monitor service tickets for quality assurance and training opportunities, and review customer service surveys.

o Contribute to the development and delivery of training, documentation, and resources to enhance team knowledge and service delivery.

o Work closely with Associate Director to identify and make recommendations to Associate Director for areas for improvement and drive operational efficiencies.

o Oversee day-to-day operations to ensure timely and accurate resolution of leave inquiries from employees, retirees, and other stakeholders.

o Manage and resolve escalated customer issues.

o Provide oversight of leave-related billing and payroll processes.

o Foster a positive, customer-focused culture that aligns with the University's commitment to excellent service.

25% Leave Management and Administration

* Work closely with the University's leave administration vendor:

o Review employee claim determinations on a daily basis, ensuring compliance with federal and state laws (e.g., FMLA, ADA), and University of Missouri policies and applicable plan documents.

o Resolve issues including but not limited to claim review, reporting/auditing, eligibility requirements, etc.

o Audit various vendor reports and identify and execute appropriate action based on results.

* Ensure accurate application and processing of leave-related timecard entries in multiple systems for monthly and bi-weekly paid employees while maintaining accurate leave balances as employees begin or return from a leave in compliance with University policy.

* Request, obtain, and validate:

o Proof of relationship documents as applicable for specific leave types

o Fitness for duty forms for the employee's own health conditions upon to their return from leave; refer to the University Office of Accessibility and ADA as appropriate.

* Complete entries in the University's HR system for applicable leave actions, to begin, change or end a leave of absence in coordination with the employee's department.

25% Consultation, Compliance and Support

* Provide guidance to employees regarding leave and disability benefits, including eligibility requirements and process information.

* Serve as the primary contact for employees requesting leave, ensuring they understand their rights and responsibilities.

* Maintain communication with stakeholders throughout the leave process, providing timely and accurate responses to inquiries.

* Provide training and education to departments, managers, and employees on leave policies and compliance requirements related to leave and disability benefits.

* Provide prompt and efficient support for routine and complex inquiries via email, phone, and ticketing system, escalating more complex issues to the team lead as necessary to ensure timely resolution.

15 % Cross Departmental Relationships

* Work directly with University payroll, Benefits, HR Service Center, HRIS, Campus HR offices, HR Business Partners, supervisors, etc. on various leave plan administration and auditing functions to ensure accurate tracking and compensation during leave periods.

5% Other duties as assigned

* As with all positions, involvement with other duties and responsibilities may be expected to support the mission and purpose of the University of Missouri.

M-F, 8am-5pm M-F, 8am-5pm M-F, 8am-5pm Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm

A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Supervisory experience and a demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and develop team members.

Experience with FMLA, University HR systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Perceptive Content), payroll timekeeping systems, and Microsoft Excel.

Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and ability to interpret University policies and leave regulations.

Excellent interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.

Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Salary Range: $24.00 - $28.00 per hour
Grade: GGS 009
University Title: Human Resources Specialist III
Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Complete online application and submit a cover letter and resume.

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.