Leave Specialist

SUMMARY

This position is responsible for managing all aspects of non-occupational Leave of Absence (LOA) programs with regards to approved LOA, Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Short Term Disability (STD) and Long Term Disability (LTD) programs including transitional return to work (RTW). (Other leaves as applicable.) Active management of all claims with our third-party administrators (TPA) and all databases. Responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable state, local and federal regulations. Appropriately partners with Management to ensure processes, policies and procedures are amended as needed based on internal or external changes or trends. This team member will be the subject matter expert for all aspects of leave of absence and lead the team forward with a strong working knowledge of the area.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages the leave of absence processes through daily interaction with TPAs, Team Members, leaders and other relevant parties. Communicates Jo-Ann's concerns and expectations, leave of absence benefits/options, and the Team Member's roles and responsibilities. Uses working knowledge of leave laws and regulations to approve/deny non-occupational leave requests.

• Provides Team Members with all required documentation and/or information needed to request/initiate the leave or accommodation process. Ensures all documentation is maintained in the appropriate database(s). Stays up to date on federal, state, local laws and regulations, as well as Jo-Ann policies and processes, recommending policy and process updates where applicable.

• Positively engages with Team Members and leaders to guide them through a smooth and well-communicated leave process. Embodies the characteristics of the Friendly Clever Ally - recognize, teach, coach measure and share.

• Ensures compliance and optimal claims handling processing throughout the life of the claim. Monitors claims to ensure cost effective outcomes, positive transitional return to work strategies including interactive discussions and decisions regarding ADA accommodations, ensuring the Team Member is able to return to work as soon as practical. Provides timely response to legal, medical and internal correspondence. Ensure timely delivery of applicable benefits.

• Communicates with Team Members, medical providers, TPAs, claims partners and others to ensure all relevant information is available for sound decisioning. Monitors all assigned leave of absence claims, influencing proactive management of the claims where applicable. Obtains preliminary required information, monitoring ongoing updates and communication to Team Member and leader(s) to effectively manage operational vacancies. Reviews information and advises appropriate parties of any potential issues or inconsistencies.

• Manages and enters pay requests for Team Members eligible for supplemental payments or periodic on-demand payments. Maintains state mandated disability forms, wage requests and leave verifications.

• Collaborates with applicable HR partners on accommodation, attendance and other such issues. Prepares and presents termination requests and job fill recommendations to Manager.

• Partners with Worker's Compensation partners to initiate claims settlements and determine settlement feasibility and strategy.

• Creates and promotes a healthy and safe culture by being knowledgeable and/or participating in safety meetings and initiating safety plans in the stores, DC and SSC.

• Processing applicable vendor or leave payments associated with claims costs.

• Tracking and reporting trending in absence claims. Playing an active part in ensuring those utilizing leave are appropriately supported, while acting as a good financial steward of the organization.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Education Minimum: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business or related field.

• Experience Minimum: 3-5 years Experience facilitating leave of absence claims. 1 or more years' experience in Absence Management/Leave of Absence program.

• Experience Preferred: 6+ years facilitating leave of absence claims

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Timeliness and ability to organize/prioritize work. Customer service, interpersonal skills, ability to interact with varying levels of the organization. Exercise significant patience, understanding and empathy with all contacts.

• Communicate effectively orally and in writing. Respect for confidentiality of information. Intermediate knowledge of employment laws/regulations.

• Comprehensive understanding of FMLA, Leave of Absence, ADAAA, viewed as the subject matter expert. Excellent critical thinking and problem solving skills. Ability to lead projects.

• Intermediate level experience with Microsoft Word and Excel. Familiarity with HRIS systems/Ally preferred

#LI-ZH1

This position will be located at:

5555 Darrow Road Hudson, OH 44236

Eligibility for benefits and incentives is dependent upon employment status. JOANN offers the following benefits and incentives to eligible Team Members:

• Medical, Dental and Vision benefit plans

• Company-paid basic, Optional, and Dependent life insurance

• Long-term disability and Company-paid Short-term disability

• Paid Time Off and Sick Time

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with an employer % match and Employee Stock Purchase Plan

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Team Member Discount

For more details on benefits and eligibility requirements, Click Here or visit https://joann.myben.site/

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JOANN is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. This job summary is intended to be brief and does not list all duties for this position. Nothing in this job description should be construed as an express or implied contract of employment. JOANN is an at-will employer, which means that your employment may be terminated by JOANN or yourself with or without notice or cause unless the at-will arrangement is modified by a written agreement signed by both you and and authorized representative of JOANN.