Hybrid Leave of Absence Consultant

at Newfront

• Job title: Leave of Absence Consultant
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Mid level, Senior
• Salary: $80,600 - $126,000 per year
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, United States

About the role

• Leave of Absence Consultant at Newfront providing leave administration services and compliance support. Managing multi-state clients and offering expert guidance on leave processes and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Provide dedicated support to assigned accounts and act as a Consultant, administrator, and main point of contact, partnering with clients engaged in Newfront’s Leave of Absence Administration, Outsourcing, and Advisory Services.
• Ensure superior client engagement and satisfaction through proactive communication and high touch service.
• Provide expertise in all leave and time off benefit programs under federal, state, and local regulations.
• Provide direct support to client employees related to requests for leaves of absence, explain and support processes for requesting family and medical leave of absences, including documentation required and approval period, and for the timely and comprehensive facilitation of the interactive process related to requests for reasonable accommodations.
• Manage standard and complex leave cases, focusing on compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. May also oversee Canada time off policies and leave cases.
• Manage salary continuance, short- and long-term disability plans, ADA accommodations, and employer-sponsored leave programs.
• Advise client on leave and time off policy development, implementation and monitoring.
• Create and maintain accurate records and documentation in case management system with strong attention to detail.
• Navigates complex HR data, laws, and policies in a fast-paced environment, while effectively de-escalating high-pressure or emotionally sensitive situations.
• Prioritizes workload to ensure legal compliance and responsive customer service while maintaining highest levels of confidentiality and discretion.
• Provide expert guidance on leaves and accommodations, mentoring peers, and other HR team members to enhance team knowledge and alignment on best practices.
• Develop, interpret, and effectively communicate client policies and procedures.
• Stay abreast of all legislative issues/updates that affect absence and disability benefit programs.
• Stay abreast of all client vendor/carrier new product offerings.
• Manage all client required services through frequent client interaction and maintain client relationships.
• Deliver clear and autonomous communications to clients and their teams.
• Contribute to special projects and perform other related tasks as assigned to support overall business objectives.

Requirements

• 5 years of related leave of absence work experience gained as an internal leave of absence manager or in a consulting, brokerage, or carrier environment is required.
• Knowledge of FMLA, state leave regulations and requirements, paid and unpaid leave laws is required.
• Prior HR consulting experience is preferred
• Knowledge of Canada federal and provincial/territory laws a plus.
• Proven experience in leave and absence management, preferable in a multi-state and complex client environment.
• In-depth knowledge of federal, state and local employment laws and regulations.
• Experience in managing multi-state leave of absence cases.
• Knowledge of multi-state programs such as disability insurance, paid family leave, and/or paid family and medical leave.
• Experience in facilitating the interactive process to determine and manage reasonable accommodations.
• Act as external leave of absence manager for a set of clients and primary point person for client relationships; responsible for client engagement and satisfaction.
• Process standard and complex end-to-end leave of absence cases for multi-state high-touch clients, focused on the compliance with and interaction with federal, state, and local leave laws, salary continuance, short- and/or long-term disability plans, ADA, and employer-sponsored leave programs.
• Develop, interpret, and communicate client policies and procedures effectively, and in compliance with federal, state and local laws.
• Ability to manage, develop and deliver communications to clients and their managers and employees autonomously.
• Act as a resource and advisor to clients and their employees on leave of absence requirements and responsibilities to ensure compliance at all levels.
• Responsible for accurate and timely response to client and employee inquiries.
• Responsible for maintaining current knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local leave laws and accommodation laws including the ADA.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly to clients and employees at all levels.
• Exceptional telephone/video etiquette for customer service environment, professionalism, and tact.
• Proficient knowledge and use of Microsoft Office and intermediate complexities of features.
• Proficient knowledge and ability to learn and implement Newfront Client technology systems.
• Knowledge of AbsenceSoft leave and accommodations management platform preferred
• Knowledge of HRIS systems such as ADP, BambooHR, Paycom, Paylocity, Rippling, UKG preferred
• Ability to be resourceful, take initiative, solve problems and offer solutions.
• Works well with others in a fast-paced environment and be responsive to co-workers and colleagues. Ability to train and give feedback.
• Adaptability and flexibility to respond to client and team needs.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to manage competing priorities and high volumes.
• Ability to learn and adopt use of technology systems and software applications.
• Ability to multi-task, understand urgency and deal with changing priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to review client deliverables to ensure accuracy.
• Ability to forge relationships and build trust with clients, team and carriers.

Benefits

• full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave)