Leave of Absence Specialist, Human Resources

Application Instructions:

External Applicants: Please upload your resume on the Apply screen. Your application will automatically populate your resume details, and you may verify and update data on the My Information page.

Please add your cover letter and any other documents required for the position to the Resume/CV document upload section at the bottom of the My Experience application page. Use the Select Files button to add multiple documents including your cover letter and supporting documents. The My Experience page is the only opportunity to add your cover letter and supporting document attachments. You will not be able to modify your application after you submit it.

Current Employees: Apply from your existing Workday account. Do not apply from the website. Log in to Workday. Click on the Jobs Hub and select Browse Jobs. Locate the position and click Apply. Update your Education and Job History.

Job Description Summary

Job Description

Essential Functions:

• Ensures timely and compliant completion, verification, and execution of absence tasks (i.e., Short-Term Disability, FMLA, Paid Time Off, Parental Leave, and Workers' Compensation)
• Provides support and guidance to faculty and staff on all federal, state, anduniversity-sponsored leave programs, including FMLA, Short-Term Disability, Workers' Compensation, ADA Accommodations, Parental Leave, Paid Time Off, etc.
• Provides advice, guidance, and support to faculty and staff on interpreting and applying for benefits programs.
• Initiates and monitors the completion of absence requests and required documentation.
• Maintains regular and consistent communication with employees on leave to facilitate smooth and timely return to work; relays communication between employees and their supervisors during leave within reason.
• Maintains the leave of absence email inbox; includes evaluating requests, determining eligibility, ensuring appropriate paperwork is completed, responding to leave of absence-related inquiries, and escalating correspondence when necessary.
• Collaborates with Payroll to ensure HR meets payroll deadlines for timely and accurate transactions and absence adjustments; follows repeatable and auditable processes and procedures to resolve payroll-related issues.
• Assists with reviewing and updating internal documents, policies, and communications to ensure compliance, if needed.
• Assists with new hire Absence Orientation, Supervisor Trainings, and other absence-related educational sessions/training/offerings.
• Assists with benefits events, including annual benefits fair, annual flu shots, ongoing wellbeing educational sessions, and other wellbeing initiatives.
• Uses applicable system(s), guidelines, protocols, processes, procedures, and policies to answer inquiries, execute transactions, and troubleshoot discrepancies.
• Assists with Workday configuration, testing, and auditing for leaves of absence and other benefits-related needs.
• Assists with audits of absence and benefit-related plans and reviews website information.
• Assists in the preparation of communication materials for leaves of absence and wellbeing.
• Processes employee benefit premium payment while on leaves of absence, where applicable.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Associate's Degree plus one to three years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Understanding of human resources and employee leaves/absence procedure, practices, policies and laws. Knowledge and understanding of federal regulations regarding leave/absence administration and FMLA.
• Ability to interpret and advise on applying governmental and University policies and procedures regarding employee leaves/absence.
• Ability to demonstrate effective communication skills with employees, departments, and vendors, both orally and in writing; strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to independently research issues and make effective recommendations using critical thinking skills.
• Ability to tactfully manage sensitive and confidential matters.
• Ability to work effectively with various constituencies in a diverse community.
• Proficiency in MS Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and/or Google Workspace, the internet, and other relevant software or ERP applications.
• Ability to analyze complex information and define and solve problems.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Experience in a higher education environment.
• Experience with Workday.

Physical Requirements:

• Sedentary work. Talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Close visual acuity. Subject to inside environmental conditions. Not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Accountabilities:

• Responsible for own work.

Additional Job Description

Time Type Requirement

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.

In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.

WakeForestseeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce while promoting an inclusive work environment committed to excellence in the spirit of Pro Humanitate.In adherence with applicable laws and as provided by University policies, the University prohibits discrimination in its employment practices on thebasis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and veteran statusandencourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply.