Senior Leave Specialist

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s Core Values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, and culture. Each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

The Senior Leaves Specialist is responsible for overseeing and managing various leave programs, including but not limited to ADAAA, PFML, FMLA, and Military Leave. Your expertise in these areas will ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations while also providing support to employees navigating the leave process.

• Serve as the subject matter expert on all aspects of leave management, including ADAAA, PFML, FMLA, and Military Leave.
• Review and analyze leave requests to determine eligibility and appropriateness.
• Coordinate with HR business partners and managers to ensure accurate tracking and documentation of leaves.
• Serve as the key point of contact for third-party leave vendors for case management.
• Provide guidance to employees regarding leave policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with legal counsel to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Conduct investigations into potential leave abuse or fraudulent claims.
• Generate reports pertaining to leave of absences and accommodation and provide analysis, where necessary.
• Stay up to date on industry best practices and changes in laws related to leave management.
• Develop and deliver training programs for HR professionals and managers regarding leave administration.
• Manage and oversee Leave Coordinators in their handling of ADAAA caseloads including training, processing, coaching and team relations.
• Manage the HRAbsence and HRADAAA shared mailbox email inquiries, providing timely customer service to employees, departments and managing complaints or disputes.
• Assist in responding to leave applications from the Department of Family Medical Leave (DFML), escalating and managing all appeal disputes and inquiries with the DFML.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Human Resources, Business, or related field.
• Four (4) years of experience in HR, with at least three (3) years specifically focused on leave management.
• In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local laws related to ADAAA, PFML, FMLA, and Military Leave.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to review complex data and make informed decisions.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively communicate complex information to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information in a professional manner.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.
• Proficient in HRIS systems and other software applications used for leave management.

• A High School diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the Bachelor's degree requirement.
• An Associate’s degree from an institution and an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
• A Master’s degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general experience.
• A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one (1) year of experience.

• Five (5) years of experience in HR, with at least three (3) years specifically focused on leave management.

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the…