Leave Specialist

About ERMCO

Electric Research and Manufacturing Cooperative, Inc. (ERMCO) is the leading manufacturer of distribution transformers and engineered electrical solutions, serving electric utilities, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and industrial customers across North America. Headquartered in Dyersburg, Tenn., ERMCO delivers reliable, high-quality products that power homes, businesses, and communities across North America.

With a commitment to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, ERMCO is at the forefront of supporting grid modernization and energy transition. Our vertically integrated operations, customer-focused culture, and investment in people and technology make ERMCO the Most Valued Partner for delivering resilient, sustainable power infrastructure for the future.

Job Summary

The Leave Specialist manages all leave of absence and job accommodation processes for a workforce of about 3,300 employees across multiple shifts. This includes administering FMLA, ADA accommodations, state‑specific leaves, military leave, bereavement, parental/bonding leave, intermittent leave, and employer-sponsored programs (STD/LTD). The role ensures accuracy, compliance, and timely communication by working closely with employees, managers, HR Site Leaders, Payroll, Safety, vendors, and other HR partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary contact for all leave requests.
• Partner with UNUM to process and update leave cases; participate in bi‑weekly vendor calls. Create and maintain leave cases in the UKG Leave module.
• Communicate procedures, timelines, and pay/benefit impacts clearly to employees and leaders.
• Manage all phases of FMLA (continuous and intermittent).
• Coordinate STD/LTD claims with carriers and align outcomes with leave status and payroll. Manage HAS/FSA payment processes during unpaid leave or upon return.
• Administer state leave programs, military/USERRA, bereavement, jury duty, personal leaves, and company‑specific leave programs.
• Ensure accurate UKG time and attendance coding (LOA, intermittent hours) and reconcile with payroll for paid/unpaid status, arrears, offsets, and PTO.
• Coordinate loan payments/repayments with Principal.
• Oversee transitions from STD to LTD to COBRA/Direct Bill.
• Participate in the ADA interactive process with HR Site Leaders and Safety, including essential job function review, restrictions, accommodations, and follow‑up.
• Support return‑to‑work planning, work restrictions, and transitional duty.
• Collaborate with Benefits, Payroll, Safety, Workers’ Compensation, Talent Acquisition, and HR Site Leaders to ensure aligned processes.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local leave laws; recommend updates as needed. Work with Legal/HR Compliance on escalated or complex cases.
• Support audits by maintaining accurate, complete case documentation.
• Identify trends (e.g., high intermittent leave in specific areas) and propose improvements.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or related field and 2–3 years of leave/accommodation experience
  OR
• 3+ years of relevant experience (manufacturing or large hourly workforce preferred)

Required Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of FMLA, ADA, USERRA, state leave laws, and STD/LTD programs.
• Experience with intermittent leave, return‑to‑work processes, and accommodations in multi‑shift settings.
• Proficiency with UKG timekeeping systems and case management tools; strong Excel skills.
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, confidentiality, and ability to manage high volumes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to resolve issues, use sound judgment, and escalate appropriately.

Preferred

• Experience in manufacturing, distribution, or other high‑volume hourly environments.
• Experience with union environments and leave‑related provisions.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Extended periods of desk/computer work; ability to manage high case volumes.
• Minimal travel (10–20%).

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary with bonus eligibility.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement plan, paid time off, and other company‑sponsored programs.