LOA Specialist

Job Category:

Human Resources

POSITION PURPOSE

 The LOA Specialist liaises between leave of absence third party administrator and Associates.  This role ensures all leave of absence processes are adhered to by Associates to enable timely return to work. 

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  
 

·       Maintains communication with Associates on leave to facilitate smooth and timely return to work; relays communication between employees and their managers during leave as appropriate. 

·       Creates and maintains proactive communication resources for Associates in relation to  leave of absence process.

·       Advises managers and Associates on the interaction of leave laws with paid time off and short/long term disability benefits. 

·       Responds to telephone inquiries, emails, or has face-to-face interactions with associates regarding leaves; assists associates by explaining options and required paperwork, and refers Associates to appropriate carrier when necessary.

·       Researches and resolves escalated leaves of absence matters.  Communicates with associates regarding leaves; processes all leave approvals, denials, and responds to rebuttals. 

·       Oversees the return-to-work process for Associates returning from extended FMLA or other leave(s).

·       Manages the fitness for duty process for Associates with applicable vendor including treatment and return to work determination. Participates and advises on crew member article 18, and disciplinary calls. Maintaining relationship with both FA and Pilot unions, as well as Inflight and Flight Ops management. Maintains up to date knowledge on applicable CBAs and letters of agreement.

·       Develops and maintains leaves metrics, analyzes data for trends, and provides recommendations for improvement.  Develops and provides reports as requested. 

·       Monitors new and evolving leaves legislation and makes compliance recommendations.  Implements process improvements to continuously improve efficiency and customer service.

·       Acts as a liaison with third-party administrators, vendors, and internal employees.

·       Manages relationship, initiates evaluations and review final determinations with company Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) as required by the FAA.  Provides customer service and advocates for the associates on leave to resolve claims, eligibility, and other issues.

·       Assists in the ongoing development and improvement of leaves policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws, labor agreements, and state and federal laws. 

·       Drafts and/or recommends revisions to company leave policies in collaboration with Legal and Employee Relations. 

·       Coordinates with internal departments (e.g., IT, recruiting, payroll, etc.) on leaves issues.

·       Provides associate leave history, absence trends, etc. to supervisors, managers, and employee relations as required.

·       Back up support for Workers Compensation as needed.

·       Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability necessary to perform this job. 

 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE.

·       Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 2 years of related health and welfare administration experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience

·       Knowledge of applicable leave and accommodation laws including the FMLA, ADA, and state and local laws. 

·       Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office products.  

·       Excellent oral and written communications skills.

·       Ability to maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPPA rules and regulations.

 

PREFERRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

·       Experience administering benefit plans in a 1,000+ associate-based company.

 

 

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or associates of the organization.

 

REASONING/PROBLEM-SOLVING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.  Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

 

DECISION MAKING

Makes day-to-day decisions used to support strategic direction.  Decisions often require some thought and are somewhat structured.  Decisions tend to be short-term and usually moderate cost.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

·       Able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods.

·       Able to move about the work environment. 

·       Able to use standard office equipment (laptop, printer, copier, etc.)

·       Able to answer daily phone calls, emails, and Teams messages.

·       Able to verbally communicate and collaborate with colleagues.

 

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an associate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

·       Typically not exposed to extreme environmental conditions.

 

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Travel up to 10% of the time, including overnight travel.

 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER, DISABILITY, AND VETERAN ACCOMODATIONS

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Equal Opportunity Employer, Disability and Veteran Accommodations

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.