About Us
Blank Rome is an Am Law 100 firm with 16 offices and 800 attorneys who provide comprehensive legal and advocacy services to clients operating in the United States and around the world. Our professionals have built a reputation for their leading knowledge and experience across a spectrum of industries and are recognized for their commitment to pro-bono work in their communities. Since our inception in 1946, Blank Rome’s culture has been dedicated to providing top-level service to all of our clients and has been rooted in the strength of our diversity and inclusion initiatives. Our commitment to our core values and dedication to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment allows the firm to attract and retain the brightest in the industry.
Job Overview
The Leave Administrator plays a pivotal role in managing all aspects of employee leave and accommodation requests from initiation to return-to-work, ensuring clear communication, procedural consistency, and compliance with firm policies as well as federal and state regulations. This position serves as the primary liaison between the firm’s external leave management vendor, employees, managers, firm leadership, and Human Resources team.
This role has a remote working arrangement and in-office presence will be required when necessary. Potential candidates must reside within one of the 11 states in which we have a physical office. In this role, you will report to the Senior Manager of People Operations and Leaves.
Essential Functions
- Administer various leave of absence programs (FMLA, ADA, STD/LTD, other medical, parental, personal, military, etc. leaves), serving as the primary contact for leave administration for all cases/claims and ensuring appropriate parties are made aware in a timely manner.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for employees, facilitating coordination with the firm’s external leave management vendor to ensure smooth administration of leave requests.
- Inform employees about their leave eligibility, rights under FMLA and state laws, leave status, and the return-to-work process, in coordination and alignment with the firm’s external leave management vendor.
- Manage ADA accommodations, including assessing and processing accommodation requests, engaging in the interactive process with employees and managers, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, and maintaining accurate documentation – all in coordination and alignment with the firm’s external leave management vendor.
- Act as subject matter expert on leave of absence administration to ensure compliance with federal and state leave laws on FMLA, ADA, and PWFA.
- Serve as an initial resource for employees with leave and accommodation-related questions.
- Offer guidance and support to employees with information and explanation of leave processes, practices, and procedures, including required documentation, follow-up communications, and resolution of concerns.
- Collaborate effectively with the HR team, managers, and firm leadership to ensure seamless leave administration and maintain positive relationships between the employee and the firm.
- Work with the Senior Benefits and Well-Being Manager to ensure that employees who are returning from parental and other leaves are aware of the firm’s back-up day care program and other well-being resources, as well as options to modify benefits program elections on a timely basis (e.g., coverage of a newborn child under the firm’s health plan).
- Oversee ongoing leave cases, handle extensions, and manage return-to-work processes, ensuring effective communication with managers and practice group leaders to address workforce impacts.
- Work closely with payroll to ensure accurate advice to pay and assist in coordinating firm PTO, sick leave, and other leave payments.
- Collaborate closely with the Senior Manager of People Operations and Leaves and the Chief Human Resources Officer to address possible discrepancies and resolve escalated leave cases.
- Liaise with the firm’s external leave management vendor to ensure accurate tracking, documentation, and note-taking in compliance with confidentiality and legal requirements, while also holding the vendor accountable to maintaining the highest standard of client service.
- Monitor the firm’s HRIS system to ensure all leaves are up to date and tracked accurately.
- Continuously assess and improve leaves and accommodation processes to enhance efficiency, employee experience, and compliance, by proactively identifying process gaps and recommending solutions.
- Perform other responsibilities as assigned.
- Work additional hours as needed to fulfill job requirements.
The above essential functions represent the general nature and level of responsibilities for this position and is not intended to be an all-inclusive list. The firm may modify and amend any job description at any time in its sole discretion.
Skills/Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience in leaves and accommodation administration management, preferably within a legal environment, professional services environment, or with a leave management service provider.
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience preferred.
- Certification in FMLA, ADA, and PWFA is preferred.
- Proven ability to provide high-touch, confidential support with a focus on responsiveness and client service.
- Proficiency in handling complex leave and accommodation cases, including conducting detailed interactive discussions and managing intricate leave scenarios.
- Extensive knowledge of laws and regulations for leaves of absence programs such as FMLA, PFL, ADA, USERRA, and other state and city specific programs.
- Experience working with a leave management vendor and familiarity with Workday is a plus.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information effectively within the HR department and with firm leadership.
- Strong analytical skills, enabling informed decision-making and the ability to handle sensitive situations with empathy and discretion.
- Strong ability to handle sensitive conversations with confidentiality and professionalism.
- Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships, both in-person and virtually.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
- Self-motivated and capable of multitasking in a high-volume, time-sensitive role.
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines under time constraints.
- Strong listening, problem-solving, and follow-up skills, with the ability to anticipate needs.
- Adherence to policies, procedures, and guidelines, with the ability to follow directions accurately.
- Proficiency in preparing, drafting, and updating sensitive communication materials.
- High degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams).
- Competence in using web-based conference call and web-sharing applications.
Compensation
The salary range for this role is $80,000 - $105,000. Actual salaries will depend on a candidate's geographic location, relevant experience, and skillset. The salary range listed is just one component of Blank Rome’s total compensation package for employees. Other monetary rewards include annual discretionary bonuses based on performance and profit-sharing contributions based on eligibility and firm profitability.
In addition, Blank Rome provides a comprehensive suite of benefits to promote health and financial security, including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as life, accident, and disability insurance plans. The firm also provides the opportunity to participate in 401(k) retirement benefits, commuter benefits, and well-being programs.
EEO Statement
Blank Rome is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information, marital or family status, or any other status protected by law.
Our core values of respect for the individual, the community, and the law are clearly demonstrated in our ability to recruit and develop a diverse group of exceptionally talented attorneys and professional staff who enable us to best serve our clients and our communities.
Pay: $80,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Remote
