Absence Management Specialist II/III (Hybrid/Remote Options)

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world. 

 

Job Summary

The Absence Management Specialist II is responsible for administering complex and sensitive leave of absence and workplace accommodation cases, with a strong emphasis on compliance, consultation, and case resolution. This position provides advanced support for ADA accommodations FMLA/PMFL, Workers’ Compensation claims, and other University leave programs, and partners with campus departments to resolve nuanced employee situations, and ensures alignment with federal and state laws, university policies, and collective bargaining agreements. The Specialist II serves as a resource for campus-wide guidance on absence-related matters and contributes to the continuous improvement of absence and accommodation processes. 

This position may be filled at the Absence Management Specialist III level. The Specialist III is a senior-level professional who independently manages complex and sensitive cases, serves as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor to employees, supervisors, and HR partners, and provides advanced consultation and training. The Specialist III leads the full lifecycle of leave and accommodation programs, plays a key role in process improvements, reporting, and cross-functional initiatives, and ensures positive employee outcomes through seamless program coordination and legal compliance. 

 

Essential Functions

• Serves as a resource for faculty, staff, and department representatives seeking guidance on complex or sensitive leave and accommodation cases, including those involving the ADA, Workers’ Compensation, FMLA, PFML, and other leave programs. 
• Manages ADA accommodation requests, FMLA/PMFL, Workers’ Compensation claims, and other University leave requests, ensuring a compliant, efficient, and empathetic approach. 
• Facilitates the ADA interactive process independently, including documentation review, consultation with medical providers, engagement with departments, and development of accommodation plans. 
• Partners with employees, departments, and other University stakeholders to coordinate the return-to-work process for employees following medical or occupational leaves. 
• Interprets and applies relevant federal and state laws (e.g., FMLA, ADA, PFML, Workers’ Compensation), and advises departments on appropriate action. 
• Reviews and refines documentation, correspondence, and internal protocols to support legal compliance and policy adherence. 
• Leads case tracking and audit-ready recordkeeping using HRIS and case management systems; ensures data integrity and timely updates. 
• Provides training and consultation to HR partners and department leaders on best practices related to leave administration and workplace accommodations. 
• Identifies trends or gaps in services and recommends policy, process, or systems improvements. 
• Maintains the highest standards of confidentiality, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity. 

The Absence Management Specialist III also performs the following duties: 

• Serves as the primary lead and subject matter expert for the most complex and sensitive leave and accommodation cases, exercising independent judgment and decision-making. <