Senior Benefits Analyst

Job Description:

Providing for loved ones, planning rewarding retirements, saving enough for whatever lies ahead – our policyholders count on us to be there when it matters most. It’s a big ask, but it’s one that we have the power to deliver when we work together. We collaborate and innovate – pushing one another to transform not just Pacific Life, but the entire industry for the better. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do. Pacific Life is more than a job, it’s a career with purpose. It’s a career where you have the support, balance, and resources to make a positive impact on the future – including your own.

We’re actively seeking a talented Senior Benefits Analyst - Leave of Absence & ADA Accommodation to join our Benefits team in Newport Beach, CA. This role can be hybrid or fully remote.

Senior Benefits Analyst - Leave of Absence & ADA Accommodation

As the Senior Benefits Analyst – Leave of Absence (LOA) & ADA Accommodation, you will play a key role in supporting and enhancing the employee experience during critical life events. Reporting to the Director of Benefits, you will manage a wide range of in-house leave programs and lead the interactive process under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This role requires a strong understanding of compliance, empathy, and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally to support employee well-being and business continuity.

The ideal candidate is highly skilled, self-driven, communicates clearly and is capable of leading initiatives independently while contributing to the overall success of the LOA and ADA programs.

Please note this position is a fixed-term role with a duration of one year. Benefits are included.

How you’ll help move us forward:

• Administer and manage all aspects of the company's leave of absence programs, including FMLA, state-specific leaves across all 50 states, ADA, and Workers' Compensation, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations
• Lead end-to-end analysis of leave and accommodation data, identifying trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
• Coordinate with HR, Payroll, and Benefits teams to ensure accurate processing of leaves and benefits, maintaining seamless communication channels.
• Partner with cross-functional teams including HR, Legal, and third-party administrators to support escalations and strategic initiatives.
• Lead ADA interactive processes, including intake, documentation, certification review, coordination with internal stakeholders, and communication with employees to determine reasonable accommodations including ongoing review of each accommodation.
• Monitor and respond to inquiries in the Absence Management inbox, ensuring timely, accurate, and compassionate communication.
• Handle a diverse array of leave scenarios, from intermittent absences to bonding leaves, guiding cases from inception to resolution.
• Provide guidance and support to employees navigating the leave process, including assistance with paperwork, eligibility requirements, and return-to-work procedures.
• Coordinate the processing of Workers' Compensation (WC) claims with the vendor while providing dedicated assistance to the injured worker. 
• Conduct thorough assessments to determine FMLA/state-specific/ADA eligibility for employees, providing accurate and compliant guidance.
• Facilitate the placement or return of employees on leave in Workday.
• Calculate Paid Parental Leave (PPL) entitlements for bonding purposes and coordinate with Payroll.
• Maintain LOA Master Spreadsheet and conduct regular audits of leave records to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Help ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to LOA, ADA, and WC, staying up to date with knowledge of relevant laws and regulations.
• Mentor junior analysts and contribute to knowledge-sharing within the team.
• Support the implementation of LOA/ADA/WC initiatives and other projects as assigned.

The experience you bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience preferably within HR, LOA, ADA.
• Understanding of FMLA, ADA, and Workers' Compensation regulations.
• Experience with HRIS systems, preferably Workday.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.

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