Senior Workers Compensation Specialist

This function is currently undergoing a transformation to build a more scalable, consistent, and high-quality service model. The Senior LOA & ADA Specialist will be expected to operate with a high degree of adaptability, helping to stabilize day-to-day operations while contributing insights and recommendations to improve processes, workflows, and the overall employee experience. 

The Senior LOA & ADA Specialist is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of employee leave of absence and ADA accommodations, ensuring consistent, compliant, and well-documented execution across all cases. 

This role serves as a subject matter expert in leave administration and the ADA interactive process, with a strong focus on risk mitigation, process adherence, and high-quality case management. The Specialist will partner closely with managers, ER, and cross-functional teams to ensure timely handling of employee medical matters and appropriate return-to-work outcomes. 

This position requires a high level of judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex and sensitive situations in a fast-paced, multi-state environment. In addition, this role requires someone who can navigate ambiguity, remain flexible as processes evolve, and bring strong subject matter expertise to help shape a best-in-class, “white glove” service approach that is efficient, seamless, and highly supportive to both employees and managers.

Key Responsibilities:

Leave of Absence (LOA) Administration 

• Manage end-to-end administration of all leave programs, including FMLA, CFRA, state leaves, and company policies  
• Determine eligibility, issue required notices, and track leave timelines and job protection requirements  
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all leave cases  
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees on leave, ensuring clear and consistent communication  
• Partner with Payroll to ensure proper tracking and pay coordination 

ADA Accommodations & Interactive Process 

• Lead the ADA interactive process from initiation through resolution  
• Review medical documentation and assess functional limitations  
• Partner with managers to evaluate and implement reasonable accommodations  
• Facilitate conversations with employees and leadership to identify viable solutions  
• Ensure all decisions are well-documented, including rationale and alternatives considered  
• Identify and escalate complex or high-risk cases as needed
  

Case Management & Return-to-Work 

• Manage the full lifecycle of cases from initial request through return to work or separation  
• Ensure ADA review is conducted for all applicable cases, including leave exhaustion and work restrictions  
• Coordinate return-to-work plans, including modified duty or transitional arrangements  
• Maintain consistent communication with employees and stakeholders throughout the process
  

Compliance & Documentation 

• Ensure compliance with ADA, FMLA, CFRA, and applicable state and local regulations  
• Maintain audit-ready documentation for all cases  
• Follow standardized SOPs, workflows, and templates  
• Support audits and compliance reviews as needed 

Manager & Employee Support 

• Serve as a trusted advisor to managers on leave and accommodation-related matters  
• Provide clear guidance on process, expectations, and escalation protocols  
• Support employees with timely, accurate, and empathetic communication 

Transformation & Continuous Improvement 

• Operate effectively in a function that is being restructured, with evolving processes and priorities  
• Remain adaptable and solution-oriented while maintaining strong execution and compliance standards  
• Bring forward recommendations based on prior experience to improve workflows, documentation, and case handling  
• Partner with leadership to help shape a more efficient, scalable, and employee-centered service model  
• Contribute to building a “white glove” experience that is responsive, clear, and supportive for employees and managers  
• Identify inefficiencies or breakdowns in the current process and proactively recommend improvements 

Requirements

• Deep working knowledge of leave and disability laws, including FMLA, CFRA, ADA, FEHA, and applicable state and local regulations  
• Strong expertise in the ADA interactive process, including evaluating medical documentation, identifying reasonable accommodations, and documenting decision-making
• Abilit