HR Leave And Accommodation Specialist – US Leave, Absence And Disability Benefits

Human Resources Specialist

This role is part of the US Leave and Disability Benefits team, which manages leave of absence and disability benefits operational functions and leave-related requests for reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Responsibilities include managing complex leave accommodation cases under the ADA; ensuring compliance with federal, state and local law, as well as organizational policies; reviewing medical and other documentation and engaging in the interactive process; and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders. This role includes managing end to end casework including intake, assessment, documentation, implementation, and closure of cases; providing subject matter expertise and guidance to employees and people managers; executing on effective process workflows; and ensuring confidentiality and regulatory compliance, among others. This role will handle complex transactions, collaborate and maintain relationships with internal and external partners to deliver optimal customer service.

The HR Specialist provides specialized analysis, consultative service and advice for own area of expertise, and develops, designs and, delivers HR solutions to enable businesses to achieve their goals and objectives.

Depth & Scope:

• Highly seasoned professional role requiring substantial knowledge/expertise in a complex field and knowledge of broader related areas
• Integrates knowledge of the enterprise sub-function's or business line's overarching strategy in developing solutions across multiple functions or operations
• Interprets internal/external business challenges and the industry environment, recommends course of action and best practices to improve products, processes or services
• Solves complex problems requiring analysis of multiple variables, including consultation with multiple stakeholders
• Integrates the broader organizational context into advice and solutions within own area
• Understands the industry, competition and the factors that differentiate the organization
• Acts as a subject matter expert within their own area of specialty

Education & Experience:

• Undergraduate degree
• 5+ years of relevant experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Advanced MS Office knowledge, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Strong analytical and research abilities including data analysis methods and reporting techniques
• Strong understanding of risk management environment, standards and regulations
• Knowledge of project/program management, planning and implementation
• Ability to influence without authority
• Ability to exercise sound judgement in making decisions
• Ability to work collaboratively and build relationships
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion

Preferred Qualifications:

• Subject matter expert in the US absence space, including leave, disability and time off.
• 5+ years of experience managing complex ADA cases in a corporate or large organizational environment.
• In depth knowledge of ADA, PWFA, FMLA, and state-specific accommodation laws with proven ability to ensure compliance and reduce organizational risk.
• Proficiency in ServiceNow case management for tracking, documenting, and resolving accommodation requests.
• Experience using Workday HRIS for employee data management and integration with case workflows.
• Demonstrated expertise in the interactive process, including reviewing medical documentation and collaborating with employees, HR, managers, and healthcare providers.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills, with ability to assess accommodation feasibility and recommend practical, compliant solutions.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, capable of advising leaders and influencing stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to manage high volume caseloads while meeting service level agreements (SLAs) and maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Proven track record of process improvement in accommodation programs, including metrics tracking and reporting to leadership.
• Experience delivering ADA/PWFA training or guidance to HR and leadership teams to strengthen organizational understanding and compliance.
• Ability to understand and interpret complex legal rules and regulations, and administer programs that are legally compliant while also providing an exceptional Employee and People Manager experience
• Manages complex and high-risk tasks involving sensitive data management, reconciliation, and analysis
• Expertise in employment law compliance and risk-mitigation.
• Subject matter expertise in navigating various leave related employment laws with an advanced ability to independently read, interpret and apply overlapping regulations.
• Ability to train team members and other stakeholders on leave policies, laws and process best practices.
• Expertise in data analysis/reporting to propose solutions that improve functionality and processes.
• Service Now and Workday experience preferred

Customer Accountabilities:

• Provides specialized HR related advice/support to management/leadership and respective teams for area(s) of specialization with industry, external and internal, enterprise and business awareness; understands trends, identifies issues and opportunities and provides recommended action
• Provides subject matter expertise and/or input to projects/initiatives as a representative for area of specialization, and where necessary participates in identifying, designing and testing HR solutions and supporting implementation activities
• Maintains awareness of changing legal/regulatory requirements and practices within the industry and consults with policy/process owners within HR to ensure compliance
• Manages stakeholder relationships to develop and deliver integrated solutions
• Contributes to ongoing enhancement of functional initiatives, processes and protocols
• Manages the integrated implementation of HR policies/processes/procedures/changes across multiple functional areas
• Conducts regular, ongoing analysis, evaluation/assessment and review of HR policies and processes
• Leads the development, implementation and understanding of training material, reports, presentations and procedures for new policies and/or processes

Shareholder Accountabilities:

• Adheres to enterprise frameworks or methodologies that relate to activities for own business area
• Consistently exercises discretion in managing correspondence, information and all matters of confidentiality; escalates issues where appropriate
• Participates in cross-functional/enterprise initiatives as a subject matter expert helping to identify risk/provide guidance for complex situations
• Conducts internal and external research projects; supports the development/delivery of presentations/ communications to management or broader audience
• Supports ongoing relationship with partners selected to administer plans and programs on behalf of the Bank
• Monitors service, productivity and assesses efficiency levels within own function and implements continuous process/performance improvements where opportunities exists
• Independently conducts meaningful data analysis using results to draw conclusions, make recommendations and assess the effectiveness of programs/practices
• Identifies issues, trends and gaps, and initiates investigations within defined parameters
• Keeps abreast of emerging issues, trends, and evolving regulatory requirements and assesses potential impacts
• Protects the interests of the organization – identifies and manages risks, and escalates non-standard, high risk transactions/activities as necessary
• Maintains a culture of risk management and control, supported by effective processes in alignment with risk appetite

Employee/Team Accountabilities:

• Participates fully as a member of the team, supports a positive work environment that promotes service to the business, quality, innovation and teamwork and ensures timely communication of issues/points of interest
• Provides thought leadership and/or industry knowledge for own area of expertise and participates in knowledge transfer within the team and business unit
• Keeps current on emerging trends/developments and grows knowledge of the business, related tools and techniques
• Participates in personal performance management and development activities, including cross training within own team
• Keeps others informed and up to date about the status/progress of projects and/or all relevant or useful information related to day-to-day activities
• Contributes to the success of the team by willingly assisting others in the completion and performance of work activities; provides training, coaching and/or guidance as appropriate
• Contributes to a fair, positive and equitable environment that supports a diverse workforce
• Acts as a brand ambassador for the business area/function and the bank, both internally and/or externally

Physical Requirements:

Never: 0%; Occasional: 1-33%; Frequent: 34-66%; Continuous: 67-100%

• Domestic Travel – Occasional
• International Travel – Never
• Performing sedentary work – Continuous
• Performing multiple tasks – Continuous
• Operating standard office equipment - Continuous
• Responding quickly to sounds – Occasional
• Sitting – Continuous
• Standing – Occasional
• Walking – Occasional
• Moving