HR Leave & Accommodations Specialist

basspro; Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Bass Pro Shops is seeking an HR Leave & Accommodations Specialist to administer disability, medical leave, and ADA processes with our third-party administrator. You will manage a caseload, ensure timely communications, and uphold regulatory compliance across FMLA, ADA, PWFA, FLSA, HIPAA, and state programs.

This role partners with the HR Leave & Accommodations Manager, HR Leaders, Legal, and the TPA, handling case reviews, system updates, and accurate leave processing in HRIS and payroll

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in human resources, business administration, or related field.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 1-2 years of work experience in managing leave and/or accommodations or related HR field experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage an assigned caseload of leave and accommodations to provide compliant, smooth experience.
• Coordinate with the HR Leave & Accommodations Manager and TPA for complex issues.
• Respond to staff and management questions regarding leave requests and accommodation processes.
• Maintain leave status in HRIS and coordinate with Payroll for accurate processing.
• Analyze and administer Reasonable Accommodation requests and the interactive process.
• Stay informed on applicable leave laws and key regulatory changes.

Skills

Prioritization

Problem solving

Independent judgment

Teamwork

Organizational effectiveness

Relationship building

MS Office

Communication

Analytical skills

Multitasking

Leave laws knowledge

Education

Associate's degree in HR/business

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Workday

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The HR Leave & Accommodations Specialist is responsible for performing administrative and professional-level functions for all company disability, medical leave programs, other leave programs, as well as the ADA interactive process in coordination with our third-party administrator (TPA). Additionally, they provide case management and ensure communication, system and administrative aspects of cases and claims are processed accurately and timely. This role requires critical thinking skills to select, organize, and logically process relevant information to solve problems. It also involves the ability to recognize subtle aspects of problems, identify relevant ideas, and express such information verbally to provide understanding.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Independently plans and conducts work, makes decisions and recommendations within the scope of their authority, and has latitude for independent judgment, action, and initiative within established guidelines.
• Keeps the HR Leave & Accommodations Manager informed and brings complex or sensitive issues or problems forward for guidance or resolution.
• Delivers best-in-class leave of absence, disability, and accommodation services by effectively managing an assigned caseload to provide a compliant and smooth experience for outfitters.
• Facilitates regular case review sessions with the HR Leave & Accommodations Manager and HR Leaders to identify and execute strategies for resolution.
• Serves as a subject matter expert with intricate knowledge of all applicable leave and accommodation laws and governing regulations, including FMLA, ADA, PWFA, FLSA, HIPAA, and State leave programs.
• Stays abreast of legislation and national, state, and local issues, in addition to maintaining a working knowledge of key trends and employer best practices.
• Coordinates leave with all eligible benefits available, considering enrollments, company-provided benefits, and the type of leave needed.
• Serves as a primary contact to respond to questions from staff and management regarding leave and accommodation requests, as well as assesses, researches, and administers Outfitter requests for stay at work accommodations.
• Analyzes and engages in the administration of Reasonable Accommodation (RA) requests and the interactive process, tracking, recommendations to the company and other internal stakeholders regarding reasonable accommodations, and timely communication.
• Facilitates the interactive accommodation process with key partners as needed, including internal HR Leave & Accommodation Manager, HR Business Partner, Employee Relations, Legal Teams, and TPA, to identify and assess options for providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with the ADA and other applicable laws pertaining to disabilities.
• Analyzes, investigates, and reconciles leave and pay discrepancies, maintaining reasonable communication with outfitters on leave to facilitate smooth and timely return to work, and relaying communication between outfitters and their managers during leave.
• Maintains leave status in the HRIS system and partners with HR Payroll to ensure accurate leave processing and appropriate system updates.
• ALL OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to prioritize work and the flexibility to change directions as the job dictates.
• Ability to solve problems using selection and application of extensive procedures, precedents, and rules.
• Ability to operate with some latitude for independent judgment and action.
• Ability to work successfully in a team environment.
• Experience working in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness.
• Ability to develop relationships with co-workers and outfitters in other areas of the company through effective communication.
• Requires excellent computer skills with experience in Microsoft Office and Workday preferred.
• Strong organizational and communication skills are critical to success in this role, as there are frequent communication with outfitters, leaders, and the TPA.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment and meet deadlines while managing multiple projects/tasks.
• Professional and effective written and verbal communication skills with proven competency in analytical problem-solving, diligence, organizational skills, multitasking, and approaching challenging matters with enthusiasm and creativity in a proactive manner.
• Extensive knowledge of FMLA, ADA, PWFA, PDA, FLSA, HIPAA, and State leave programs.

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum Degree Required: Associate's degree in human resources, business administration, or related field. Bachelor's degree is preferred.
• A minimum of 1-2 years of work experience in managing leave and/or accommodations or related HR field experience.
• Any certification in Leave Management and ADA programs would be a plus.
• Experience using HCM systems; Workday is preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Regularly sit and perform computer work.
• Occasionally walks and stands.
• Seldom/never lifts up