Leave of Absence Specialist; TEMPORARY - Modesto, CA area

Leave of Absence Specialist (TEMPORARY) - Modesto, CA area

We are California’s largest regional, full-service grocery chain, founded over 70 years ago in Modesto, California, where our headquarters are still located today. With 194 stores across Central and Northern California and Western Nevada, our banners–Save Mart, Lucky, and Food Maxx–are cherished regional brands, serving the unique needs of their communities.

It’s our 12,000 passionate associates who make our company a great place to work and shop. We prioritize investing in our people, stores, and neighborhoods, and work closely with local suppliers to bring fresh, quality products at affordable prices to our customers. Shoppers can access our offerings in-store, online, or through convenient home delivery and curbside pick-up.

The Save Mart Companies is part of The Jim Pattison Group, a family-owned, diversified holding company operating primarily in the U.S. and Canada and headquartered in Vancouver, BC. The Jim Pattison Group has a long-term strategic focus to see its companies succeed and grow. Together, our dedication to our associates and customers, commitment to growth and innovation, and our family traditions continue to thrive.

The Leave of Absence (LOA) Specialist works closely with the Manager of Benefits and Leave Administration to ensure that Save Mart administers the Leaves Program based on all the various leave types. The LOA Specialist is responsible for all ADA interactive processes that must occur relative to any accommodation requested by a team member. This position works closely with management stakeholders to determine whether Save Mart can accommodate the request, temporarily or permanently, tracking the various accommodations and the reasons to ensure consistency.

The Specialist also interacts with various HR stakeholders, Payroll, Training, Operations, Distribution Centers, Risk Management, and external third‑party administrators.

• Interpret and administer leave and accommodation programs and policies in accordance with applicable federal and state laws (FMLA, ADA, Pregnancy Discrimination Act, etc.) and collective bargaining agreements.
• Work closely with Manager of Benefits & Leave Administration on leave strategy and execution of tasks.
• Serve as subject‑matter expert (SME) by consulting, advising, administering, and training managers and others on accommodations, FMLA, and other leave types.
• Provide guidance on resolution of accommodation requests by understanding medical needs and essential functions of the job to ensure smooth transition and compliance.
• Review information and documentation for completeness and clarity.
• Assist with investigations into disability‑related grievances and claims.
• Partner closely with HR business partners on accommodation cases and workers’ compensation claims.
• Escalate complex issues to Manager and work with legal counsel to resolve complex leave and accommodation issues.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records.
• Track and report key elements of the Leaves database, ensuring trends are surfaced so leadership can make informed decisions on directions and changes.
• Research and investigate in a complex environment to establish timelines, decisions, and events that occur in Leaves Administration for a team member.
• Assist in creation and update of leave administration and accommodation processes to ensure compliance.

Hiring pay range: $28.35 - 30.00

• Understanding of the various rules, regulations, and policies governing all policies and collective bargaining agreements, union and non‑union.
• Experience in the field of LOA/HR.
• Knowledge of various leaves and ADA processes.
• Working knowledge of leave administration, inclusive of working with management, team members, and third‑party administrators.
• Understanding of all types of leaves: FMLA, CFRA, PDL, ADA, STD, LTD, USERRA, CA SDI, CA/NEVADA DFEH/EDD, and Workers’ Compensation.
• Ability to research electronic sources to investigate timelines and chronological sequences of decisions and events.
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Consistency in application and ability to ensure, recall, and track decisions.
• Ability to skillfully coordinate the ADA interactive process; timely, accurate, and knowing when to partner with management on issues.

4‑year/Bachelors Degree and/or equivalent experience/training.

2 years related experience.

Must be able to work overtime when needed.

• Instagram: @savemart
• Facebook:
  Save Mart
• You Tube: @savemartsupermarkets
• Linked In:
  The Save Mart Companies

The Save Mart Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we welcome resumes from individuals who will contribute to our diverse workforce.