Leave of Absence Specialist II

The Reinalt-Thomas Corporation; Scottsdale (AZ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Discount Tire is seeking a Leave of Absence Specialist II to administer FMLA and disability programs, guiding employees and vendors with accurate, compliant support. You will handle eligibility, enrollment, and documentation, ensuring privacy and regulatory compliance.

The role requires HR benefits experience, strong communication, and a collaborative approach to welfare programs and leave management.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years progressive benefits/leaves experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel is required.
• Workday or other human capital management system experience is required.
• Demonstrated ability to produce accurate and timely presentations is preferred.
• Excellent collaboration and relationship building skills are required.
• Must communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Provides customer service support to employees in leave and disability plan administration.
• Processes and manages leave requests including FMLA, short- and long-term disability.
• Handles confidential medical information in compliance with HIPAA and privacy regulations.
• Evaluates escalated issues for resolution or further review.
• Verifies and processes benefits enrollment forms (electronic and paper).
• Assists employees with filing disability benefit claims.
• Serves as a liaison between vendors and employees on eligibility and coverage.
• Maintains knowledge of legal requirements affecting leaves and reporting.
• Assists with research of new benefits tools and wellness programs.
• Communicates state leave and disability plan changes to employees.

Skills

Benefits administration

Microsoft Office

Workday / HCM

Communication

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or GED

HR/business courses preferred

Tools

Workday

Microsoft Office (Word/Excel)

Job description

Here at Discount Tire, we celebrate the spirit of our people with extraordinary pride and enthusiasm. Our business has been growing for more than 60 years and now is the best time in our history to join us. We are opening more locations every year and we are always looking for qualified individuals to join us in our growth. We are a company that promotes from within, both in our retail and corporate operations.

Leave of Absence Specialist II provides support in the administration and processing of the Company's employee leave programs and disability benefits, including FMLA, short- and long-term disability, and related programs. This role serves as a key resource to employees, vendors, and internal stakeholders by delivering accurate guidance, resolving complex or escalated issues, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and company policies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides customer service support to employees in the areas of FMLA and disability claim resolution, disability benefit payments and other plan administration resolutions
• Process and manage leave requests including FMLA, short-term disability, long-term disability, maternity and paternity leaves. Preferred knowledge of ADA and accommodation requests
• Handle confidential medical information in compliance with HIPPA and other privacy regulations
• Evaluates escalated issues for resolution or the need for further review; takes necessary action
• Verifies and processes both electronic and paper benefits enrollment forms
• Assists employees with filing disability benefit claims
• Serves as a liaison between vendors and employees; advises employees on eligibility, coverage and other benefits matters
• Reviews reports from plan providers to verify accuracy and resolve differences
• Ensures electronic leave and/or disability files are maintained
• Provides vendors appropriate documentation for life and disability benefits claims
• Maintains knowledge of legal requirements and regulations affecting leaves and leave administration; ensures practices, procedures and reporting are in compliance
• Assists with the research of new benefits tools
• Participates in the administration of wellness programs; provides input and recommendations
• Evaluates requests, determines leave eligibility and processes leave of absence approvals and rejections
• Provides leave notices and guidance to employees, including but not limited to, federal and state notices
• Provides accurate information regarding paid sick leave and PTO plans, including calculations, reporting and audits
• Stays current on the latest industry technologies, trends and strategies; brings forward ideas
• Assists in the preparation of materials to communicate state leave and disability plan changes to employees
• Assists employees, vendors and customers by answering questions related to leave of absence and benefits
• Completes work in a timely and accurate manner while providing exceptional customer service
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• This position requires a minimum of three years progressive benefits/leaves experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel is required.
• Workday or other human capital management system experience is required.
• Demonstrated ability to produce accurate and timely presentations is preferred.
• Excellent collaboration and relationship building skills are required.
• The ability to work efficiently under pressure, accurately meet deadlines, present a professional demeanor and work well independently is essential. Must be able to clearly communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Customer service skills including the ability to manage and respond to different customer situations while maintaining a positive and friendly attitude is essential.
• The ability to work within a team and serve as a trusted expert for assigned duties is crucial.
• In addition, troubleshooting, organizational and problem solving skills with a can-do attitude and the ability to adjust to changing requirements are essential.
• Maintaining confidentiality, treating others with respect and upholding Company values is key.

Educational Requirements

This position requires a high school diploma or GED. Additional college level human resources or business related classes are preferred.

Work Days

Normal work days are Monday through Friday. Occasional Saturdays and Sundays may be necessary.

Work Hours

Normal work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additional hours may be necessary.

Discount Tire provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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