Job Title:  Specialist Leave of Absence

What You Need To Know

Shape a remarkable future with us. Build a career working for an industry leader that truly invests in their people – and equips them with leading technology, continuous learning, and the ability to bring their best selves to work. As the premier wine and spirits distributor, Southern Glazer’s isn't just one of Forbes’ Top Private Companies; it's a family-owned business with deep roots dating back to 1933.

The reputation of Southern Glazer’s is well-established, and it's no surprise that we are regularly recognized for our culture. Southern Glazer’s has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Inclusion and Diversity, as well as for Women and Parents and Families. These accolades speak volumes about our commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive culture of belonging for all employees.

As a full-time employee, you can choose from a wide-ranging menu of our Top Shelf Benefits, including comprehensive medical and prescription drug coverage, dental and vision plans, tax-saving Flexible Spending Accounts, disability coverage, life insurance plans, and a 401(k) plan. We also offer tuition assistance, a wellness program, parental leave, vacation accrual, paid sick leave, and more.

Southern Glazer’s offers a competitive compensation package with expected first year total earnings of $64,000-85,000 / year including bonus. In determining a final offer, the company will evaluate a specific candidate's education, skills and experience and will make an offer appropriately.

By joining Southern Glazer’s, you would be part of a team that values excellence, innovation, and community. This is more than just a job – it's an opportunity to build the future of beverage distribution and grow with a company that truly cares about its people.

Overview

The Leave Partner is a resource to employees for union and non-union employee leaves of absence inquiries and resolution. Reviews and works with proper parties to respond and resolve utilizing current processes, policies, and best practices. 

Primary Responsibilities

•    Responds, manages and resolves employee benefits inquiries via telephone and email regarding paid and unpaid leaves of absence, and claims issues primarily related to Workers Compensation. 
•    Assist employees with the appeal process when claims are denied.
•    Work with People Operations issues requiring Master Data changes and correction between internal HRIS and third-party vendor systems
•    Administer medical leave, personal leave, and other leaves with employees, HRBPs and third-party vendor and Risk Team
•    Communicate leave payment information with payroll department
•    Support the worker’s compensation leave process including communication with employees regarding pay and insurance premium payments during their leave period 
•    Research and complete wage statement requests from the insurance company by retrieving pay information from HRIS for a specified amount of time
•    Escalate unique situations as needed to the Leave Management Leaders 
•    Improve strategies and policies for managing leave administration efficiently and with integrity 
•    Evaluate alternatives and approve workplace accommodations
•    Follow best practices to return employees back to work utilizing return to work programs and light duty when possible, coordinating with Nurse Case Manager and EHS Partners.
•    Partner with Safety to reduce work injuries
•    Comply with and enforce adherence to federal, state, and local legal requirements including ERISA, Section 125 Cafeteria Plans, State and Federal leave laws and advise employees accordingly
•    Perform other job-related duties as assigned 

Additional Primary Responsibilities

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications
•    Bachelor’s Degree plus three years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
•    Basic understanding of various Workers Compensation state regulations and the inter workings of FMLA/ADA and individual state leave regulations.
•    FMLA/ ADAAA and Statutory Leaves (in applicable States)
•    Strong customer service skills to communicate complex information in a straightforward manner – verbally and in writing using persuasion and motivation to build relationships and facilitate understanding
•    Working knowledge of SAP, Outlook, MS Office Suite and software applications related to job functions 

Preferred Qualifications
•    Excellent accuracy and attention to detail skills in processing complex benefits and pay-related corrections and changes
•    Bilingual in English and Spanish a plus
•    Excellent interpersonal, customer service, analytical/problem solving, problem management, presentation development, presentation, and communications skills
•    Knowledge of compliance issues related to a multi-state, multi-company payroll
•    Able to communicate and work effectively with cross-functional relationships; partner with Human Resources Business Partners and all levels of personnel

Physical Demands

•    Physical demands include a considerable amount of time sitting and typing/keyboarding, reading and responding to emails using a computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse, and monitor), or adding machine
•    Physical demands with activity or condition may occasionally include walking, bending, reaching, standing, and stooping
•    May require occasional lifting/lowering, pushing, carrying, or pulling up to 20lbs

EEO Statement

Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits, an Affirmative Action/EEO employer, prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. SGWS complies with all federal, state and local laws concerning consideration of a qualified applicant's arrest and/or criminal conviction records. Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits provides competitive compensation based on estimated performance level consistent with the past relevant experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and education of employees. Unless otherwise expressly stated, any pay ranges posted here are estimates from outside of Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits and do not reflect Southern Glazer's pay bands or ranges.