Leave and Accommodations Specialist

The Leave and Accommodation Specialist is responsible for administering and coordinating leave of absence and workplace accommodation programs in compliance with company policy, federal, state, and local regulations. This role serves as the primary point of contact for employees, managers, and third-party vendors regarding leave and accommodation requests, ensuring a consistent, confidential, and employee-focused process.

What You Will Do:

• Evaluates, coordinates, approves and processes leaves of absence from employees under FMLA, and Military Leave, and as accommodations under the ADA and PWFA.
• Researches, responds, and documents frequently asked questions related to leaves of absence, assigns priorities to calls or emails based on timeliness of needed response, or escalates major legal issues to management for assistance, while maintaining compliance with federal and state laws.
• Serve as the liaison between employees, managers, HR Business Partners, and the third-party leave vendor to ensure accurate and timely processing of leave requests.Serves as primary liaison between supervisor and employees, related to requests for leaves of absence.
• Interprets policies and regulations in accordance with applicable federal and state employment laws (FMLA, ADA, USERRA, PWFA, etc.).
• Communicates interpretation of policies, regulations and leave of absence procedures to employees and managers.
• Provides ongoing case management for all leave of absence requests, to include return to work matters.
• Enters and updates leaves of absence in designated system/database, and spreadsheets, including compiling, copying, sorting, filing, scanning and faxing documents for each case.
• Obtains and verifies authentication/medical certifications from healthcare providers in relation to requests for leave.Requests clarification of information required as necessary.
• Develops and maintains a tracking system for all leaves of absence.
• Assists in the development, execution and presentation of training programs.
• Collaborates with HR partners, and other relevant stakeholders in order to resolve any escalated employee relations issues that may arise during the leave of absence process.
• Develops and generates reports to measure and analyze utilization and other trends.
• Maintain accurate documentation and records related to leaves and accommodations in compliance with company policy and applicable laws.
• Provides regular leave updates to department leadership and advises management regarding escalated problem areas.
• Partner with payroll to ensure pay and benefits are administered correctly during leave periods.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies related to leaves and accommodations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
  
  

What We Are Looking For:

• Knowledge of the Family and Medical Leave Act, American with Disabilities Act, Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.
• Ability to accurately prepare and maintain records, files, reports and correspondence.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally verbally and in writing.
• Must have exceptional organizational skills to track and monitor leaves, extensions, return to work, and workplace accommodations.
• Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work under pressure while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to work independently and/or in a collaborative environment.
• Experience working with third-party leave administration vendors.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Powerpoint and Outlook) and/or Google Suite (Google docs, forms, calendar, email), experience using UKG preferred.
• Must have effective presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate and deal effectively with diverse individuals at all organizational levels in a professional manner.
• Associate’s degree in human resources or other relevant field (Bachelor’s preferred).
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience.
• Strong knowledge of FMLA, ADA, state-specific leave laws, and disability programs.
• Must have experience managing all types of employee leave of absences in a multi-state environment.
• Experience with employees/employers in California (preferred).
  
  

Certification and Licensing:

• CEBS - Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (preferred).
  
  

Working Conditions

• Environment: Office
• Extreme Exposures: None
• Schedule: Regular office
• May be required to occasionally work some weekends and holidays based on business needs.
• May be required to occasionally participate in calls with the domestic/global office outside of normal working hours.
• Physical Requirements:
• Light; Lifting up to 15 lbs
• Must be able to sit at desk for long periods of time
• Travel Required: Yes – 10% - 15% Travel to offices.
  
  

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee, but provides the primary duties and responsibilities of the role. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

What we offer:

The base salary may vary based on experience, role tenure, performance, industry, and location. Eligibility for the annual performance incentive may apply. Jazwares is a multi-state employer, so the salary range may not apply to other states.

Our benefits package includes basic medical insurance that is 100% company-paid for employees and their children, employee basic life and AD&D insurance, a 401(K) retirement program with Jazwares matching up to 4% of pretax or post-tax deferrals, short and long-term disability, and tuition reimbursement.

Our work environment provides a flexible work schedule that includes a Monday through Thursday on-site, with an optional WFH on Fridays, up to 20 workdays fully remote each year, and Time Off for vacation and sick leave. Through Jazwares Cares, you will have the opportunity to volunteer for up to 16 hours a year on community service projects.

Working at Jazwares

At Jazwares, we believe an innovative idea can come from anywhere and anyone. Through our three pillars, we foster innovation and encourage creativity in every area of our business.

• Passion: Our conviction and enthusiasm show in our products, relationships, and commitment to our community.
• Collaboration: We share one vision worldwide, constantly striving to improve and innovate together.
• Humility: We recognize the value in others and treat everyone with respect. Our strength lies in our people and talent.
  
  

Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to be part of the fastest-growing toy company in the industry. Connect with us today, and let's shape the future of play together!

JAZWARES is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, ancestry, disability, age, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Jazwares is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.

Who We Are

Jazwares, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a leading global toy manufacturer with a robust portfolio of owned and licensed brands. Founded in 1997, Jazwares celebrates imaginative play with a progressive focus on identifying new and relevant trends to transform into high-quality products for consumers of all ages. Jazwares engages consumers through innovative play experiences with popular brands such as Squishmallows, Pokémon, Hello Kitty, Star Wars, Disney, BumBumz, and Adopt Me. In addition to toys, offerings include virtual games, costumes, and pet products. Headquartered in Plantation, Florida, Jazwares has offices worldwide and sells its products in over 100 countries. For more information, visit www.jazwares.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook.