HR Leave Specialist

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

The HR Leave Specialist supports all Michigan Medicine employees and must demonstrate exceptional communication skills and professional judgment while providing guidance, recommendations, interpretation, and support for FMLA, medical and non-medical leaves, and ADA accommodation requests in partnership with stakeholders across multiple levels of responsibility and authority.

This position requires staying current on applicable U.S. Department of Labor regulations and other relevant leave laws, and ensuring organizational compliance with FMLA requirements and various leave types for both bargained for and non-bargained for staff. The role manages a high volume caseload—typically 225+ active cases at any given time—varying in nature and complexity. The Leave Specialist must work independently, prioritize effectively, and consistently meet Department of Labor timelines, including ensuring accurate and timely return-to-work processing.

As the liaison for leave management, the HR Leave Specialist communicates and coordinates with all key stakeholders, including departments, employees, HR Business Partners (HRBPs), Work Connections, ECRT, and the Office of the General Counsel (OGC). The role also delivers guidance and training to Michigan Medicine departmental administrative support staff, and managers on leave administration.

• Independently, coach, counsel and educate managers and employees on Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Leave of Absences (LOA) and other paid and unpaid time off policies.
• 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.
• Manages the entire FMLA/LOA leave administration process from the employee’s 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 reasonable communication with employees on leave to facilitate smooth and timely return to work, facilitates communication between employees, work connections 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.
• Manages and facilitates the return-to-work process for employees returning from extended FMLA, workers’ compensation, or other leave(s). This includes conducting return to work meetings with the employee, supervisor and business partners
• Facilitate and manage the ADA interactive process, by reviewing reasonable accommodation options with the employee and the department, request additional documentation, partner with other University of Michigan areas as needed (HRBP, ECRT/OD, Labor Relations, RTW Coordinator, Nurse Recruitment, MHealthy) Assist the department with communication and implementing the plan for the employee.
• Provides training to units related to FMLA and leaves to ensure compliance
• Other general HR duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Human Resources Management, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience with at working knowledge of leave management.
• Must have demonstrated knowledge of FMLA, ADA and other relevant Department of Labor Laws dealing with time away from work.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior work experience in leave or absence management
• Experience working in a case management system
• Familiarity with administrative processes, procedures and systems at UMHS.
• Proficient with M-Pathways (PeopleSoft) and reporting tools (e.g., Business Objects)
• Knowledge of process improvement and lean concepts
• HRCI and/or SHRM certification
• FMLA/ADA Certification