Senior Leave & Compliance Specialist (Hybrid)

LE0099 Focus Operating, LLC; Clayton (MO); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Benefits package

Job summary

Focus Partners is seeking a Senior Leave of Absence Specialist to administer all employee leave programs (FMLA, state leaves, ADA, personal, parental, military) with deep regulatory knowledge. You will partner with Benefits, Payroll, and Legal to ensure accurate tracking, pay continuation, and benefits eligibility in a hybrid St.

Louis, MO office. The role requires 5+ years in leave management, strong communication, and proficiency in HRIS/Excel and benefits platforms.

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of FMLA, ADA, and state leave laws.
• Experience managing leave of absence programs.
• Proficiency in HRIS and Excel; benefits platforms like ADP/Workday.
• Strong communication to support employees, managers, and HR partners.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Administer and manage all employee leave programs including FMLA, state family and medical leave, ADA, personal, parental, military, and other company leaves.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees throughout the leave process, ensuring timely communication, clarity, and support.
• Coordinate with local HR, Benefits, and Payroll to ensure accurate leave tracking, pay continuation, and benefits eligibility.
• Establish and maintain state paid leave privatization arrangements with the carrier, ensuring compliance with state requirements and seamless employee experience.
• Calculate and prepare quarterly privatized state plan premium payment reports.
• Partner with states not privatized through the carrier to complete required leave documentation and ensure compliance with state-specific processes.
• Calculate complex leave payments (e.g., partial pay, intermittent leave, overlapping benefits) and provide accurate details to the Payroll team for processing.
• Calculate benefit premium payback amounts for employees on unpaid leave and coordinate repayment with Payroll and Benefits.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local leave laws, keeping up to date with legislative changes.
• Manage leave-related documentation and communications, including eligibility notices, certifications, and return-to-work requirements.
• Oversee the interactive ADA processes in partnership with the Carrier, HR and Legal.
• Provide reporting and data insights on leave activity to support compliance audits and workforce planning.
• Recommend and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and the employee experience.
• Act as a trusted subject matter expert and resource to employees, managers, and HR colleagues.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

FMLA knowledge

Leave of absence

Compliance mindset

Communication

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Focus Partners is seeking a Senior Leave of Absence Specialist to administer all employee leave programs (FMLA, state leaves, ADA, personal, parental, military) with deep regulatory knowledge. You will partner with Benefits, Payroll, and Legal to ensure accurate tracking, pay continuation, and benefits eligibility in a hybrid St.

Louis, MO office. The role requires 5+ years in leave management, strong communication, and proficiency in HRIS/Excel and benefits platforms.