Leave and Policy Specialist

Wilson Elser is a leading defense litigation law firm with more than 1,250 attorneys in 44 offices throughout the United States. Founded in 1978, we rank among the top 100 law firms identified by The American Lawyer and 43rd in the National Law Journal’s survey of the nation’s largest law firms. We’re also Mansfield Certified Plus and a Women in the Law Forum Gold Standard Law Firm.

Our firm is committed to attracting and retaining professionals who value each other and the service we provide by embracing Teamwork, Collaboration, Client Service, and Innovation.  If you are a motivated professional looking for a long-term fit where you can grow in a role, and will be valued and empowered, then we invite you to apply to our Leave and Policy Specialist position.

This position is available in our Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Milwaukee, Orlando, San Diego, and San Francisco offices, with options for flexible hybrid or fully remote work arrangements.

The Position

The Leave and Policy Specialist will provide essential support to the Leave and Policy Manager in the administration and compliance of company leave policies and employee leave programs. This role focuses on assisting with the implementation of federal, state, and local regulations, such as FMLA and ADA, while ensuring accurate documentation, employee communication, and seamless collaboration with internal teams.

Key Responsibilities

Leave Administration Support

• Assist the Leave and Policy Manager with the processing and tracking of employee leave requests, including Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Pregnancy Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) accommodations, short-term disability, and company-specific leave policies.
• Prepare leave documentation, ensure accuracy, and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Support communication with employees and managers to ensure they understand leave policies and procedures.
• Coordinate with payroll, benefits, and HR teams to support accurate documentation and pay adjustments related to leave.
• Monitor leave usage and assist with record maintenance in compliance with legal and company standards.
• Protect and maintain personal health information with a high level of confidentiality abiding by Wilson Elser procedures and by HIPPA rules and regulations.

Policy Coordination Support

• Collaborate with the Leave and Policy Manager to review and update HR policies to align with legal requirements and organizational goals.
• Conduct research to assist the manager in ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Help prepare clear and concise policy updates and assist with communication to employees and managers.
• Assist with policy audits and documentation as needed.

Employee Support

• Respond to basic employee and manager inquiries related to leave and accommodations, escalating complex issues to the Leave and Policy Manager.
• Facilitation and engagement in interactive dialogue with employees, medical professionals, supervisors, and HR Business Managers to assist employees.
• Support the development of return-to-work accommodations under the guidance of the Leave and Policy Manager.
• Help track and resolve leave-related questions or concerns, providing assistance where appropriate.

Data Management and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of employee leave requests and related documentation.
• Assist with generating reports on leave trends and compliance for review by the Leave and Policy Manager.
• Collaborate with HRIS teams to support data accuracy and streamline leave management processes.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in HR support roles, leave administration, or similar functions.
• Basic knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws, including FMLA and ADA, preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and HR systems (e.g., HRIS, leave management tools).
• Collaborative and team-oriented mindset.

Preferred Qualifications

• HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, aPHR) is a plus.
• Previous experience in a support role within a multi-state organization. 

Why Should You Apply? 

• Benefits: Outstanding benefits package, including 401k match and generous PTO plan
• Career Growth: Ample opportunities for professional development and advancement
• Employee Perks: Access to corporate discount plans and other benefits

Wilson Elser welcomes submissions of candidates for our open positions exclusively from recruitment agencies with an active, signed fee agreement who have been granted access to a position through our dedicated Recruitment Agency Portal. We are unable to consider submissions from recruitment agencies without a current (dated as of 7/1/2024) agreement in place. We appreciate your understanding. For collaboration inquiries or to establish an agreement, please contact us at talentacquisition@wilsonelser.com.

We believe in creating a work environment free of barriers and bias, where individual outlooks and talents are respected and valued. Our firm's policy is to ensure an equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, disability, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by the law.

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