Leave of Absence Specialist (Hybrid)

Who We Are

Join a team that puts its People First! Since 1889, First American (NYSE: FAF) has held an unwavering belief in its people. They are passionate about what they do, and we are equally passionate about fostering an environment where all feel welcome, supported, and empowered to be innovative and reach their full potential. Our inclusive, people-first culture has earned our company numerous accolades, including being named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for ten consecutive years. We have also earned awards as a best place to work for women, diversity and LGBTQ+ employees, and have been included on more than 50 regional best places to work lists. First American will always strive to be a great place to work, for all. For more information, please visit www.careers.firstam.com.

What We Do

This role is responsible for managing a variety of leave of absence cases across multiple states and business units, including intermittent, maternity, paternity, family care, short‑term disability, and other complex leave types. The position ensures all cases are administered in accordance with company policies and fully compliant with applicable state and federal regulations.

What You'll Do

• Manage leave cases of varying types for multiple business units in multiple states, including but not limited to:  intermittent, maternity, paternity, family care, short-term disability, & unpaid leaves that are often complex in nature
• Ensure leaves are being handled according to Company policy and procedures as well as in compliance with state & federal requirements
• Determine if employee is eligible for the leave, ensure appropriate documentation is completed, calculate duration of leave and monitor activity during leave to ensure employee does not exceed allowed time
• Coordinate leaves that are concurrent with disability and workers compensation benefits, engaging other stakeholders as appropriate including Benefits, Payroll, HR and Legal staff
• Responsible for accurately tracking and managing administrative details and documentation using standardized forms and processes (i.e., FMLA paperwork is completed and in good order) 
• Investigate issues appropriately, identify root cause, and make recommendations for those involved to resolve the issues
• Communicate, educate and advise the employee and the employee's manager on policies and procedures with the intent of making expectations as clear as possible
• Deliver excellent customer service, acting as a primary contact to the employee and their manager in preparation for and during the leave
• Be the leave subject matter expert when partnering with all other key stakeholders (HR manager/generalist and business managers) on the Leave of Absence process
• Partner with the HR Manager/Generalist, and Legal when appropriate, on escalated problem resolution as it relates to the leave
• Ensure that appropriate and timely follow-up information is provided to employees in response to requests for information (e.g. documents, forms)
• Provide the necessary communication and plan materials to employees and HR throughout the leave (leave notification letters, approval letters, information packets, return to work plan, etc.)
• Work with Legal, HR Manager/ Generalist, returning employee, and his/her manager, as appropriate, to ensure that any required workplace accommodations are triaged for continued case management and implementation
• Participate as a member of the team to implement and design best practice leave administration process
• Participate in leave-specific project initiatives as necessary (i.e. leave training, communications enhancements, etc.)
• Recommend policy and procedure changes as needed
• Attend ongoing training as needed to remain current on leave laws
• Some travel may be required
• Works under general supervision applying well established techniques, procedures or specific standards.  Work reviewed for soundness of judgment and overall accuracy

What You'll Bring:

• BA/BS in Human Resources or Business Administration preferred
• 2-3 years of HR experience required
• 3 years of experience in leave administration, preferably in a multi-state environment required
• PHR, SPHR, CEBS, or other HR certification preferred
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively via email and conference calls
• Builds credibility and trust with employees, HR, and management
• Demonstrated effective communication skills with all levels of the organization to ensure all parties understand their responsibilities during an individual’s absence
• Works collaboratively within and across business units and demonstrates experience with conflict management and influencing skills
• Demonstrates effective judgment and problem-solving capabilities by anticipating the consequences of actions and weighing multiple, sometimes conflicting priorities
• Demonstrated knowledge of HR benefit practices, policies, and procedures
• Proficiency with administration software tools such as Microsoft office suite (Word, Excel)
• Knowledge of FMLA, ADAA, STD, WC, LTD, HIPAA, and policies and procedures related to disability and other absences
• Detail oriented with strong organizational skills

What We Offer

By choice, we don’t simply accept individuality – we embrace it, we support it, and we thrive on it! Our People First Culture celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion not simply because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it’s the key to our success. We are proud to foster an authentic and inclusive workplace For All. You are free and encouraged to bring your entire, unique self to work. First American is an equal opportunity employer in every sense of the term.

Based on eligibility, First American offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, PTO/paid sick leave and other great benefits like an employee stock purchase plan.

Pay Range: $30.90 - $41.19 Hourly

This hiring range is a reasonable estimate of the base pay range for this position at the time of posting. Pay is based on a number of factors which may include job-related knowledge, skills, experience, business requirements and geographic location.