Family Medical Leave (FMLA) Specialist

Location: New Carrollton Metro Building

WMATA Reference: 240132

General Hybrid Work Statement: This opportunity is a hybrid opportunity allowing for flexibility between virtual and in-person work subject to the Authority’s telework policy.

Marketing Statement:
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) FMLA Department is seeking a FMLA Specialist who will be responsible for supporting the administration, implementation, and communication of new and existing FMLA employee leave cases. The ideal candidate will have an extensive Benefits background, specifically in ADA, Workers Compensation and FMLA administration, able to work independently, as well as collaboratively with internal and external partners. This role is critical to the Organization in administering leave and requires a strategic and analytical thinker who is organized and can work on multiple tasks.

Summary
The Family Medical Leave (FMLA) Specialist is responsible for effectively coordinating Metro’s Family Medical Leave program and coordinating placements for employees who are medically disqualified, to include general administration, comprehensive case management, and program compliance with federal law, WMATA policies and collective bargaining agreements. This position will provide proactive education, guidance, and training to WMATA employees regarding FMLA requirements and other related WMATA programs. The incumbent serves as the subject matter expert for FMLA, in alignment and under the general direction and guidance of HR leadership and COUN; has latitude for independent judgment, action, and initiative within established guidelines.

Essential Functions

• Independently approves and/or denies FMLA cases based on relevant medical information. Coordinates and organizes all medical information and ensures that HIPAA and Employee Privacy guidelines are closely monitored and effectively executed.
• Reviews and assesses current FMLA leave practices and propose revisions to improve overall accuracy, consistency, efficiency and communication with stakeholders.
• Counsels employees, supervisors and management about FMLA rights and responsibilities while maintaining appropriate confidentiality of employee medical information.
• Communicates as necessary with employees, supervisors and departments to keep stakeholders informed and up to date through FMLA leave application process, period of FMLA leave, and return to work.
• Analyzes data, producing and managing reporting metrics and analytics for all leave cases. Coordinates process for statistical reporting as requested.
• Coordinates the medically disqualified placement program for employees. Monitors employees’ participation in accordance with applicable policies and bargaining agreements.
• Assists in the creation and facilitation of FMLA training programs for employees and management.

The essential duties listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education
Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field.

Or in lieu of the degree, a high school diploma or GED education and four (4) years of professional experience in the human resources field administering benefits programs, to include FMLA and ADA may be considered.

Experience
A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in the human resources field administering FMLA and ADA programs.

Preferred

Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field.

Experience
Experience working in a unionized environment is highly desirable.

Medical Group:
Satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this position, if required. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of this position either with or without reasonable accommodations.

Evaluation Criteria:
Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.

Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:

• Skills and/or behavioral assessment
• Personal interview
• Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)
• Criminal background check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)
• Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety-sensitive positions)
• Review of a current motor vehicle report

Closing:
WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.

This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.

Please apply before 5/1/2024

To apply for this position, visit WMATA's Career Center