Leave & Accommodation Specialist

YMCA of San Diego County; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of San Diego County is seeking a Leave & Accommodation Specialist to oversee FMLA and ADA-related leave and accommodations. The role involves administering leave requests, ensuring compliance with federal and state laws, and coordinating with employees and managers for smooth returns to work.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree, 3+ years in HR with a focus on leave, and strong knowledge of benefits and HRIS systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 3+ years' experience in Human Resources with leave of absences concentration.
• Expert knowledge of the benefits function, processes, and leave administration.
• Working knowledge of Human Resources related laws and procedures.
• Expert HRIS systems and MS Office products.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Communicates with employees regarding their needs for leave and/or modified work schedules; ensures awareness of documentation and notice requirements.
• Handles the FMLA leave administration process from initial notice to return to work, including paperwork, eligibility, designation, certifications, and intermittent/reduced schedule leave.
• Maintains communication with employees on leave to facilitate timely return and relays communication between employees and managers.
• Advises managers and employees on interactions of leave laws with PTO, workers comp, and disability benefits.
• Oversees the return-to-work process for employees after extended leave.
• Facilitates other leave or accommodation requests under ADA.
• Administers other time-off programs per policy and laws.
• Maintains complete and accurate records of leave and accommodation requests; ensures confidentiality of medical documentation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

FMLA/ADA knowledge

HR policy experience

MS Office proficient

Strong communication

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

HRIS systems

MS Office

Job description

Overview

The Leave & 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, and short-term or long-term disability plans.

Schedule:

• Contract end date is 11/30/2026 (temporary assignment - maximum 10 weeks)
• Monday - Friday from 8:00am - 5:00pm
• Office work environment

Responsibilities

• Communicates with employees regarding their needs for leave and/or modified work schedules. Ensures that employees are aware of their responsibilities and of any documentation and notice required to qualify for and to take leave
• Handles the FMLA leave administration process from the employees initial notice of the need for leave to the return to work. This includes gathering and completing all required paperwork, determining leave eligibility, designating leave as FMLA-qualifying, requesting medical certification as needed, and accounting for intermittent and reduced schedule leave use
• Maintains communication with employees on leave to facilitate smooth and timely return to work; relays communication between employees and their managers during 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
• 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
• 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

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field required
• 3+ years' experience in Human Resources with leave of absences concentration
• Expert knowledge of the benefits function, processes, and leave administration
• Working knowledge of Human Resources related laws and procedures
• Expert HRIS systems and MS Office products
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Licensing, state law and our government funders are required that all staff (hybrid, remote, or onsite) within YMVA of San Diego County are fingerprinted, prior to reporting to work, and include subsequent arrest notifications
• CPR and First Aid certification is required within 30 days of hire and must be from one of the following certifying organizations:
  • American Red Cross
  • American Heart Association
  • American Safety & Health Institute

YMCA will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the San Diego County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the YMCA is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Ordinance by visiting the San Diego CountyOffice of Labor Standards and Enforcement.

Pay Range

USD $29.94 - USD $35.93 /Hr.