Case Specialist

Penske; Reading (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Penske in Reading, PA is seeking a Leave Team Case Specialist on the Shared Services team to guide associates through leaves, accommodations, and quarantines, ensuring compliance with FMLA, ADA, OSHA and CDC guidance. You will analyze essential job functions, determine accommodations, and serve as SME for LOA processes with HR, Operations, and Labor.

Responsible for documenting cases, communicating decisions, coordinating return-to-work plans, and escalating when needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus equivalent relevant work experience required.
• 2+ years of experience in Human Resources with leave programs and ADA knowledge.
• Strong working knowledge of ADA/ADAAA, FMLA, USERRA and related laws.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Strong negotiation/influencing skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead ADA leave and on-the-job accommodation processes with HR and Operations; analyze essential job functions and determine accommodations.
• Assess return-to-work restrictions and develop accommodations; engage HR and operators.
• Manage pandemic quarantines; decide pay and return-to-work using a company matrix.
• Resolve escalated FMLA/ADA leave requests with FMLASource and Unum.
• Serve as LOA subject matter expert to associates and managers.
• Analyze leave data and report status to leadership; identify trends.
• Lead ADA reassignments with HR and Staffing teams.
• Document all cases and quarantines accurately in systems.
• Handle other projects as assigned by the Manager.

Skills

ADA/ADAAA

FMLA

USERRA

Customer service

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Position Summary:

This position is a critical role on the Shared Services team, providing care and resources for our associates’ health and wellbeing while supporting business continuity. The Leave Team Case Specialist provides expert and empathetic guidance to our associates related to their leave of absence and accommodation needs, along with quarantines associated with Pandemics. This position will help the associates to navigate through the stages of their leave or quarantine, which is a critical part of Penske’s Leave of Absence and Job Accommodation process. You will manage leaves, disability accommodations, and quarantines in accordance with applicable laws and local regulations, including FMLA, ADA, OSHA and CDC guidance. The Leave Team Case Specialist role serves as guide to associates, managers, human resources, and labor by ensuring communications area in compliance with all laws, regulations, guidelines, and labor contracts. This role is responsible for leading the interactive process under the ADA, and making recommendations to HR and Operations Leaders regarding accommodations (leave and on-the-job). The Leave Team Case Specialist will serve as the subject matter expert for FMLA, ADA, COVID19 Leave and all other Leaves of Absence (LOAs). The Case Specialist creates a seamless customer experience by building rapport with the associate and maintaining knowledge of the associate's case throughout their leave.

Major Responsibilities:

• Lead the ADA Leave and on-the-job accommodation process using strong problem solving and creative thinking skills; analyze essential job functions as compared to restrictions; develop recommendations for HR and operators regarding on-the-job accommodations; determine final decision whether to grant or deny accommodation; consult with Risk Management (workers comp), Labor and Legal as necessary
• Analyze associate return to work documentation and engage in interactive process regarding return-to-work restrictions, including analysis of essential job functions as compared to restrictions, developing recommendations for HR and operators regarding return-to-work (RTW) accommodations, and determining final decision whether to grant or deny accommodation; consult with Risk Management (workers comp), Labor and Legal as necessary
• Manage pandemic quarantines, making decisions on quarantine length, pay, and return to work using a company matrix. Determine the proper course of action based on the associate's scenario, determine qualifying pay, and advise the associate accordingly. Use job aid resources to make these decisions. Determine if/when an associate's situation requires escalation.
• Resolve issues escalated from FMLASource on associate requests for FMLA and ADA leaves; review ADA leave coaching packet, discuss with HR and Operations, and make decision regarding grant/denial of ADA leave requests
• Resolve issues escalated from Unum on associate applications for STD and LTD benefits.
• Serve as subject matter experts to associates and managers regarding the LOA process, ADA job accommodations, and status.
• Analyze reports and data received from vendor regarding status of associate leaves and communicate regarding leave-end return to work plans with associates and managers; analyze and prepare reports as requested by manager, identify areas of improvement and patterns.
• Lead ADA reassignments/vacant position search process with HR and Staffing team.
• Document all cases and quarantines in appropriate systems accurately and timely.
• Other projects as assigned by the Manager.

Qualifications:

• • Bachelor's degree plus equivalent relevant work experience required
• • 2+ years of experience in Human Resources, experience with various leave programs and ADA job accommodations preferred
• • Strong working knowledge of ADA/ADAAA, FMLA, USERRA and similar state and local laws
• • Excellent customer service skills
• • Strong negotiation/influencing skills
• • Strong problem-solving skills

  Physical Requirements:

  • -The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • -The associate will be required to: read; communicate verbally and/or in written form; remember and analyze certain information; and remember and understand certain instructions or guidelines.
  • -While performing the duties of this job, the associate may be required to stand, walk, and sit. The associate is frequently required to use hands to touch, handle, and feel, and to reach with hands and arms. The associate must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25lbs/12kg.
  • -Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

  Penske is an Equal Opportunity Employer

  About Penske Truck Leasing/Transportation Solutions

  Penske Truck Leasing/Transportation Solutions is a premier global transportation provider that delivers essential and innovative transportation, logistics and technology services to help companies and people move forward. With headquarters in Reading, PA, Penske and its associates are driven by a dedication to excellence and a commitment to customer success. Visit Go Penske to learn more.