Approximate salary range: $65,900 - $90,000/year
Remote or Remote/Hybrid in Approved States. Please note not to apply to this role unless you currently reside in one of these states: Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Wisconsin
ST. CHARLES HEALTH SYSTEM
JOB DESCRIPTION
TITLE: Benefits and Leave of Absence Partner
REPORTS TO POSITION: Human Resources Operations Manager
DEPARTMENT: Human Resources
DATE LAST REVIEWED: September 2023
OUR VISION: Creating America’s healthiest community, together
OUR MISSION: In the spirit of love and compassion, better health, better care, better value
OUR VALUES: Accountability, Caring and Teamwork
DEPARTMENT SUMMARY: The Human Resources Department provides many services to our multi-hospital organization including: recruiting, employee relations, labor relations, compensation and benefits management, information services, and onboarding/off-boarding.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Benefits and Leave of Absence Partner at St. Charles Health System partners with leadership, caregivers, and vendors regarding leaves of absence and disability, Paid Leave Oregon, and transitional return to work. The caregiver in this position must maintain an advanced level of knowledge regarding leave laws, and company specific leave policies. This position does not directly manage any other caregivers.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES
- Builds strong working relationships with caregivers, supervisors, managers and other organizational staff regarding disability and Paid Leave Oregon claims including communication of approval status and pay.
- Receives vendor short-term disability approvals, determines/calculates pay and provides amounts and other relevant information to payroll.
- Functions as subject matter expert on leaves and the intersection of leaves and disability issues concerning FMLA/OFLA, Paid Leave Oregon, ADAAA and other laws, statutes, and organizational leave policies. Ensures compliance with both state and federal laws. Develops and implements program changes, policy updates and communication to the organization relating to leaves and accommodations.
- Acts as a primary resource regarding protected leave (including, but not limited to, FMLA/OFLA, military, victims of violence). Educates and advises caregivers and leaders on leave laws, procedures, policies, and practices. Provides day to day informal education to caregivers and managers on the organization’s appropriate leave processes and procedures, current regulations, and upcoming changes. Participates in formal training presentations on legal requirements and company procedures.
- Informs caregivers of their right to take protected leave and provides them with information regarding FMLA/OFLA, Paid Leave Oregon, ADAAA and other leaves in accordance with St. Charles Health System policies and federal and state laws. Answers questions and provides complete and accurate information to all.
- Partners with leadership and caregivers to develop transitional return to work plans when appropriate, customizing and adjusting hours and tasks, as needed, based on the physician’s restrictions. Problem solves, educates, and supports departments and caregivers throughout the duration of the transitional return to work period.
- Handles complex and catastrophic caregiver illness and injury situations with care and compassion. Responds timely and accurately to questions, provides guidance, resolves issues, assesses risk, and escalates matters as appropriate to the Human Resources Operations Manager.
- Partners with Caregiver Relations when potential leave situations come about during their interactions with caregivers and management.
- Offers elevated level of guidance (one-on-one meetings) for caregivers regarding leaves, short-term disability, and accommodations.
- Manages and monitors vendor communication; investigates and identifies gaps in performance and services. Addresses issues with vendor to improve quality and caregiver/leader satisfaction.
- Partners with caregivers and departments to obtain medical certifications, return to work releases and other required supporting documentation.
- Proactively researches the most valuable and up-to-date trainings pertaining to leave and current case law on leaves (DMEC, BOLI, webinars, etc.). Attends trainings to remain current on benefits and leave laws and industry trends.
- Proactively determines caregivers in leave without pay (LWOP) situations. Evaluates caregivers for benefit premium payments and communicates amounts, due dates, and payment methods to caregivers.
- Ensures confidentiality of all personnel records and medical information.
- Completes special projects as assigned.
- Supports the vision, mission, and values of the organization in all respects.
- Supports Lean principles of continuous improvement with energy and enthusiasm, functioning as a champion of change.
- Provides and maintains a safe environment for caregivers, patients, and guests.
- Conducts all activities with the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality. Complies with all applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures, supporting the organization’s corporate integrity efforts by acting in an ethical and appropriate manner, reporting known or suspected violation of applicable rules, and cooperating fully with all organizational investigations and proceedings.
- Delivers customer service and/or patient care in a manner that promotes goodwill, is timely, efficient, and accurate.
- May perform additional duties of similar complexity within the organization, as required or assigned.
EDUCATION
- Required: High school diploma or GED.
- Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (equivalent education and experience will be considered).
LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION
- Required: Ability to travel to all St. Charles worksites.
- Preferred: PHR and/or CPDM highly preferred.
EXPERIENCE
- Required: Minimum of three (3) years of experience in Human Resources. Knowledge of FMLA/OFLA and other leave laws, injured worker laws, ADAAA and general employment law. Understanding of occupational and non-occupational illnesses and injuries.
- Preferred: Prior experience in disability and leave administration. Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft applications (Word, Excel), database management, and document preparation.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :
Continually (75% or more): Use of clear and audible speaking voice and the ability to hear normal speech level.
Frequently (50%): Sitting, standing, walking, lifting 1-10 pounds, keyboard operation.
Occasionally (25%): Bending, climbing stairs, reaching overhead, carrying/ pushing or pulling 1-10 pounds, grasping/squeezing.
Rarely (10%): Stooping /kneeling/crouching, lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling 11-15 pounds, operation of a motor vehicle.
Never (0%): Climbing ladder/ step-stool, lifting/carrying/pushing or pulling 25-50 pounds, ability to hear whispered speech level.
Experience with Exposure to Elemental Factors is not expected for all roles.
Schedule Weekly Hours: 40
Caregiver Type: Regular
Shift: First Shift (United States of America)
Is Exempt Position?: Yes
Job Family: HR PARTNER
Scheduled Days of the Week: Monday-Friday
Shift Start & End Time: