LOA Program Specialist

Role of a Leaves of Absence Program SpecialistLocation: Marysville, CA

Under general supervision, is responsible for administering all aspects of employee leave programs in compliance with federal, state, company policies, local laws and ordinances. This role serves as a key resource for employees and managers, providing guidance, ensuring accurate documentation, and supporting a consistent seamless and compliant leave experience.

This is a hybrid role, coming into the office at least three days per week, the rest from home.

Essential Responsibilities

• Administer a variety of leave programs including but not limited to: FMLA, ADA, CFRA, PDL, OFLA, WA PFML, personal leaves.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees and managers regarding leave eligibility, requirements, timelines, and return-to-work procedures.
• Provide timely and clear communication throughout the entire leave lifecycle, from initial request to return-to-work or separation.
• Maintain accurate records in HRIS, trackers and other case management systems; ensure timely and accurate entry of leave status, dates, documentation, and updates.
• Monitor certification and documentation deadlines; follow up on expirations, recertifications, and leave exhaust dates.
• Partner with People Managers to facilitate leave planning and ensure business continuity during absences.
• Collaborate with Payroll and Benefits teams to ensure accurate pay, benefits continuation, and leave deductions during an employee’s absence.
• Coordinate with Labor & People Relations, particularly for complex leave cases involving investigations, unionized employees, or leave accommodations under ADA.
• Collaborates with the workers’ compensation team on ADA and WC/FMLA claims.
• Track and report on leave usage, trends, and compliance metrics as needed.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives for leave-related processes, tools, and employee education materials.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local leave laws and regulations across California, Oregon, and Washington.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in human resources; leave of absence administration experience preferred.
• Possession of a high school diploma or GED.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• HR related certification preferred.
• Technical and professional principles, practices, laws, applications and programs in position related area including expert knowledge of a human resources theory and practice. Knowledge of JD Edwards, or other HRIS systems.
• Strong understanding of federal and state leave laws; preferably in CA, OR and WA.
• Ability to handle confidential information with a high degree of professionalism and discretion.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a focus on employee support and service excellence.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working with unionized environments is a plus.

Recology Offers

• An ecologically innovative company that finds and mentors people committed to protecting the environment and sustaining our communities.
• The largest employee-owned resource recovery company in the industry with terrific benefits to help you prosper.
• A creative and caring culture that values community, diversity, altruism, accountability, collaboration, and learning by doing.
• An inspired company mission driven to use and return resources to their best and highest use through the practice of the 4R’s: Reduce, Re-use, Recycle, and Recologize.
• Distinct professional challenges to connect with, care for, and grow community that sees a world without waste.

Recology Benefits May Include

• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Health and wellness benefits including medical, dental, and vision.
• Retirement plans (Employee Stock Ownership Plan, 401(k) with match).
• Annual wellness incentives.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Educational assistance.
• Commuting benefits.
• Employee referral program.

Supplemental Information

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job; and pursuant to applicable law, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal records. It is important that you provide accurate information on the job Application, inaccurate information may cause delays in the processing of your application and/or may disqualify you as a candidate.

Recology is an equal opportunity employer committed to supporting an inclusive work environment where employees are valued, heard, and provided development opportunities. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis that is prohibited by law.

This description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, effort, work conditions, and benefits associated with the job.