Penn State Job Catalog

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Absence Management

Absence Management Specialists are responsible for case management and administration of leave requests and accommodations related to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Workers’ Compensation, federal, state, and local leave laws, short-term or long-term disability plans, benefit billing, and disability retirements.

• Advise employees, managers, and human resources professionals on leave policies, processes, and laws; serve as point of contact for FMLA and leave types (paid and unpaid) and applicable time off, disability benefits, Workers’ Compensation, and benefit billing
• Coordinate leave processes and procedures; verify eligibility based on policies, guidelines, and federal/state laws
• Oversee the FMLA leave administration process from the initial leave notice to return-to-work; gather and complete required documentation, determining leave eligibility, designating leave as FMLA-qualifying, requesting medical certification, and accounting for intermittent and reduced schedule leave use
• Maintain communication with employees on leave to facilitate smooth and timely return-to-work; relay communications between employees and managers during leave
• Navigate difficult conversations, mental health situations, and in-crisis employee situations and provide resources
• Administer the return-to-work process for employees returning from extended leaves of absence, including coordinating ADA accommodations as needed
• Coordinate with management, timekeepers, Human Resources, and Payroll regarding issues relating to pay during leaves of absence and process necessary corrections
• Advise on time off entries for all leave types; monitor time off entries during leaves to ensure accurate payroll
• Oversee vacation donation program for assigned units
• Serve as a liaison with vendors relating to Workers' Compensation and disability benefits
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Level:

– Intermediate Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates ability to perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas. Demonstrates intermediate knowledge of internal procedures. Works under general supervision, performing assignments that may be varied and sometimes difficult. Supports team decisions and follows through with team responsibilities. Interprets and communicates information clearly and accurately. Demonstrates intermediate problem–solving skills.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers or volunteers

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems; occasionally faces more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– Applies knowledge of larger unit goals, priorities, and related procedures in determining course of action

Independence of Action:

– Work is generally monitored by supervisor
– Detailed instructions and procedures are generally provided
– Uses available guidelines to make appropriate adaptations to routine situations and refers other situations to supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and/or the University
– May communicate with external audiences
– Collaborates closely with team members
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly and accurately both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 7
• Minimum – $46,400.00
• MidPoint – $56,800.00
• Maximum – $67,300.00