A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

The HR Leave Specialist supports all Michigan Medicine employees and must demonstrate exceptional communication skills and professional judgment while providing guidance, recommendations, interpretation, and support for FMLA, medical and non-medical leaves, and ADA accommodation requests in partnership with stakeholders across multiple levels of responsibility and authority.

This position requires staying current on applicable U.S. Department of Labor regulations and other relevant leave laws, and ensuring organizational compliance with FMLA requirements and various leave types for both bargained for and non-bargained for staff.  The role manages a high volume caseload?typically 225+ active cases at any given time?varying in nature and complexity. The Leave Specialist must work independently, prioritize effectively, and consistently meet Department of Labor timelines, including ensuring accurate and timely return-to-work processing.

As the liaison for leave management, the HR Leave Specialist communicates and coordinates with all key stakeholders, including departments, employees, HR Business Partners (HRBPs), Work Connections, ECRT, and the Office of the General Counsel (OGC). The role also delivers guidance and training to Michigan Medicine departmental administrative support staff, and managers on leave administration.

• Independently, coach, counsel and educate managers and employees on Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Leave of Absences (LOA) and other paid and unpaid time off policies.
• Communicates with employees regarding their needs for leave and/or modified work schedules. Ensures that employees are aware of their responsibilities and of any documentation and notice required to qualify for and to take leave.
• Manages the entire FMLA/LOA leave administration process from the employee?s initial notice of the need for leave to the return to work. This includes gathering and completing all required paperwork, determining leave eligibility, designating leave as FMLA-qualifying, requesting medical certification as needed, and accounting for intermittent and reduced schedule leave use.
• Maintains reasonable communication with employees on leave to facilitate smooth and timely return to work, facilitates communication between employees, work connections and their managers during leave.
• Advises managers and employees on the interaction of leave laws with paid time off, workers' compensation, and short-term and long-term disability benefits.
• Manages and facilitates the return-to-work process for employees returning from extended FMLA, workers? compensation, or other leave(s).  This includes conducting return to work meetings with the employee, supervisor and business partners
• Facilitate and manage the ADA interactive process, by reviewing reasonable accommodation options with the employee and the department, request additional documentation, partner with other University of Michigan areas as needed (HRBP, ECRT/OD, Labor Relations, RTW Coordinator, Nurse Recruitment, MHealthy) Assist the department with communication and implementing the plan for the employee.
• Provides training to units related to FMLA and leaves to ensure compliance
• Other general HR duties as assigned

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world?s most distinguished academic health systems.  In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
• 2:1 Match on retirement savings

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Currently, this position is considered Hybrid, but will require in-person meetings from time to time. 

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings.  Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.