Leave of Absence Manager

We are a Firm where people truly believe in what they do and strive to achieve the highest standards of performance and success.

This position is based in the Firms global operations center in Tampa FL.

The Leave of Absence Manager is responsible for the administration compliance and oversight of all leave programs across the Firm including federal state and local protected leaves and firm-sponsored leave benefits. This role serves as the firms subject matter expert on leave management ensuring compliance with applicable laws. This role partners closely with the employee relations HR operations benefits payroll and privacy and compliance teams as well as the firms employment counsel to support individuals through the leave process ensuring clear and timely communication relevant documentation and effective return-to-work coordination.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions

• Manage the full lifecycle of employee leaves of absence from intake through return-to-work. Review leave requests evaluate eligibility in partnership with our third-party disability administrator issue required notices coordinate return-to-work activities including fitness for duty requirements and restrictions and ensure appropriate documentation is obtained and maintained.
• Track leave usage entitlement balances intermittent leave schedules and return-to-work dates.
• Administer federal state and local leave programs including Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) pregnancy-related and parental leave military leave (USERRA) state family and medical leave programs paid family and medical leave programs; sick leave and other protected leave requirements jury duty bereavement and other statutory leave entitlements and firm-provided leaves.
• Supervise train and coach the Leave of Absence Analyst including work prioritization and assignment quality review of case documentation and notices and escalation support to ensure consistent timely and compliant case handling.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with applicable federal state and local leave laws and regulations and firm policy; remain current on legislative changes and policy and process updates and advise firm leadership of changes.
• Ensure maintenance of accurate confidential leave records and case notes in HR Acuity and Workday; ensure accurate recordkeeping and confidentiality of medical and leave-related information.
• Partner with the benefits and payroll teams to coordinate pay and benefit impacts.
• Collaborate with the employee relations team to support workforce planning during absences and workplace accommodations upon return to work.
• Manage the relationship with our third-party disability administrator including service levels and issue resolution.
• Coordinate leave administration with short-term disability long-term disability workers compensation and other benefit programs.
• Serve as a point of contact for employees regarding leave entitlements benefits and return-to-work requirements.
• Counsel managers on leave-related issues employee rights and operational considerations.
• Support employees through sensitive and complex leave situations with professionalism empathy and discretion.
• Support audits inquiries and escalations by gathering records documenting decisions and partnering with employment counsel as needed.
• Develop and maintain leave-related metrics dashboards and reports.
• Implement best practices automation and workflow efficiencies within leave administration processes.
• Participate in HR technology implementations and enhancements related to leave tracking and case management.
• Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule and full attention to and engagement in work activities on behalf of the firm during business hours unless otherwise approved or required by applicable law.
• Special projects and duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Deep knowledge of leave of absence laws regulations and compliance requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and case management abilities with attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and employee-relations skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly and professionally and with empathy with all levels of employees.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion and sound judgment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with HRIS and leave management systems and strong attention to data quality.
• Project management skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with other teams and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications and Education

• Bachelors degree in human resources or a related field.
• 10 years of experience in leave of absence administration benefits/HR operations or a related HR specialty with direct case management responsibilities.
• Experience interpreting and applying leave policies and compliance requirements and partnering with managers and employees in a consultative manner.
• HR certification (e.g. SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP PHR/SPHR) or related credential is a plus.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

• Ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods of time.
• Frequent use of a computer and keyboard for email documentation and case management activities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees managers and vendors (in-person and/or via phone/video).

Benefits: Our goal is to promote a work environment in which individuals have access to the resources they need to be their best both professionally and personally which includes resources that encourage individuals to focus on their health and well-being.

Below are the benefits we offer: comprehensive medical (PPO and HDHPs) dental and vision plans including coverage for domestic partners; life and AD&D insurance; short and long term disability insurance; tax-advantaged accounts for health care expenses including FSAs and HSAs; FSAs for dependent care; health advocacy services; behavioral health and counseling resources for all family members; 401(k); profit sharing; backup dependent care; senior care planning support; resources for individuals with development disabilities and their caregivers; and paid holidays and other paid time off including paid leave for new parents.

Holland & Knight is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race color religion sex (including pregnancy childbirth or related conditions transgender status and sexual orientation) national origin age disability genetic information veteran status or any other factor prohibited by law.

Applicants who are interested in applying for a position and require an accommodation during the process should contact .

Personal Information collected from applicants will be used for the purpose of processing the application throughout any recruitment or employment process as well as inclusion in a personnel file. Categories of data collected may include name address phone numbers email Social Security Number and signature. Holland & Knight may collect further information if you consent to a background check. This includes criminal background employment and certifications. Please visit Legal Information Portal for Holland & Knight LLPs privacy policies.