Position Summary:

This position is a critical role on the Shared Services team, providing care and resources for our associates’ health and wellbeing while supporting business continuity. The Leave and Accommodations Case Specialist provides expert and empathetic guidance to our associates related to their leave of absence and workplace accommodation needs. This position will help the associates and managers navigate through Penske’s Leave of Absence and Job Accommodation process. You will manage leaves and disability accommodations in accordance with applicable laws and local regulations, including FMLA, ADA, state and local guidance. The Leave and Accommodations Case Specialist role serves as guide to associates, managers, human resources, and labor by ensuring compliance with all leave and disability-related laws, regulations, guidelines, and labor contracts. This role is responsible for leading the interactive process under the ADA or other applicable disability-related guidance, and making recommendations to HR and Operations Leaders regarding accommodations (leave and on-the-job). The Leave and Accommodations Case Specialist will serve as the subject matter expert for FMLA, ADA and all other state, local and company leaves of absence (LOAs). The Case Specialist creates a seamless customer experience by building rapport with the associate and maintaining knowledge of the associate's case throughout leave or accommodation journey.

Qualified individuals will have at least 3 years of prior experience managing complex leave of absences and/or workplace accommodations. Optimal candidates will demonstrate strong communication, documentation, organization, and problem-solving skills, and an ability to hold information in confidence.

Major Responsibilities:

• Lead the ADA leave and on-the-job interactive process using strong problem solving and creative thinking skills; analyze essential job functions as compared to restrictions; develop recommendations for HR and operators regarding leave and on-the-job accommodations; determine final decision whether to grant or deny accommodation; consult with Risk Management (workers comp), Labor and Legal as necessary

• Resolve issues escalated from leave vendor on associate requests for leaves; discuss with HR and Operations (as appropriate), and make recommendations regarding grant/denial of ADA leave requests

• Serve as subject matter experts to associates and managers regarding the LOA process, ADA job accommodations

• Lead ADA reassignments/vacant position search process with HR and Staffing team

• Thoroughly document all cases in appropriate systems accurately and timely.

• Other projects as assigned by the Manager

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree plus equivalent relevant work experience required
• 3+ years of experience managing various leave programs and end-to-end interactive processing of ADA job accommodations
• Strong working knowledge of ADA/ADAAA, FMLA, USERRA and similar state and local laws
• Ability to deliver professional, associate-centered service in sensitive situations
• Strong negotiation/influencing skills
• Strong, independent problem-solving skills
• Ability to clearly and professionally communicate information in writing and verbally
• Demonstrated ability to produce clear, accurate, and thorough case documentation
• Exceptional ability to manage multiple priorities, break down problems, evaluate options, and maintain orderly documentation
• Regular, predictable, full attendance is an essential function of the job
• Willingness to travel as necessary, work the hours necessary to accomplish the job duties, work at the specific location required, complete Penske employment application, submit to a background investigation (to include past employment, education, and criminal history) and drug screening.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting multi-state leave or accommodation processed
• Proficiency in Word, Excel and Access
• Experience with HRIS preferred
• Certified Leave Management Specialist (CLMS) or equivalent leave‑related professional certification preferred

Physical Requirements:

-The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
-The associate will be required to: read; communicate verbally and/or in written form; remember and analyze certain information; and remember and understand certain instructions or guidelines.
-While performing the duties of this job, the associate may be required to stand, walk, and sit. The associate is frequently required to use hands to touch, handle, and feel, and to reach with hands and arms. The associate must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25lbs/12kg.
-Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Penske is an Equal Opportunity Employer.