Leave of Absence Specialist

Job DescriptionJob Description

THE ROLE:    

• This position will report to the: Occupational, Health, & Safety Director
• Travel Requirement:  As required to other facilities or farm locations
• FLSA Status:  Exempt
• Shift: 1st
• Employment Category: Full-Time Regular

STRONG HISTORY. EXCITING FUTURE. 

Bolthouse Fresh Foods is a leader in carrot production, serving as a grower, packer, processor, and shipper. Headquartered in Bakersfield, California, we are a proud employer to 1,600 dedicated individuals. Since 1915, we have been committed to growing and producing high-quality carrots, and today, we are one of North America’s largest growers and distributors of fresh carrots for cooking and snacking. Additionally, we supply premium natural ingredients for the food and beverage industry. With over a century of excellence, Bolthouse Fresh™ products are available at major retailers across North America.

Bolthouse Fresh Foods is affiliated with Butterfly Equity, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm specializing in the food sector. Butterfly Equity's expertise spans the entire food value chain, from 'seed to fork,' with a focus on agriculture & aquaculture, food & beverage products, food distribution, and foodservice.

Bolthouse Fresh Foods has approximately 1,600 employees.

WHAT YOU’LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR IN THIS ROLE    

The Leave of Absence Specialist is responsible for administering the coordination and management of the company’s industrial and non-industrial leave programs including but not limited to Workers Comp, FMLA, CFRA, ADA, PDL, in alignment with our business core values. In addition, this role will work closely with the benefits, employee relations, legal and workers comp teams and serve as a resource for both employees and managers' consultation and guidance within the complex arena of leaves and accommodations.

• Serves as the primary point of contact for communications with employees regarding all leaves of absence and/or accommodation questions/requests and related processes.
• Ensures that employees are aware of their responsibilities and of any documentation and notice required to qualify for and to take leave.
• Interprets and administers leave programs and policies in accordance with the applicable state and federal employment laws.
• Responsible for gathering and completing all required paperwork, determining leave eligibility, designating leave, requesting medical certification as needed, and accounting for intermittent and reduced schedule leave use.
• Maintains reasonable communication with employees on leave to facilitate smooth and timely return to work, relays communication between employees and their managers during leave within reason.
• Advises managers and employees on the interaction of leave laws with paid time off, workers compensation, and short-term and long-term disability benefits.
• Oversees the return-to-work process for employees returning from leave, workers compensation, or other leave(s).
• Coordinate and facilitate all ADA interactive meetings with employees requesting accommodation in a timely manner.
• Prepares, sends, and tracks all Leave of Absence paperwork required in compliance with state and federal deadlines.
• Responsible for completing applicable state disability and/or paid family leave claims received, conducting system audits of all LOA processes, forms, signatures and approvals.
• Stays up to date and compliant with all state leave laws, FMLA, CFRA, ADAAA, HIPAA, WC, and regulatory federal and state laws regarding leave of absence.
• Develops standard operating procedures to support workflow and streamline processes by utilizing best practices for all leave of absence administration.
• Maintains the privacy and confidentiality of all protected health information in accordance with established policies, procedures and practices, and in compliance with applicable state and federal regulations.
• Collaborate with Benefits, Legal, and HR team to develop and deliver training and resources for employees and managers on leave of absence and accommodation policies and procedures
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR   

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Health and Safety or related areas of education and/or minimum 2-3 years’ experience in leaves management.
• Must have a valid current State Driver’s License and clean DMV record.
• Knowledge of HIPAA compliance regulations
• Bilingual- Fluent in Spanish, ability to read, write and speak required.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Experience in leave of absence administration or related HR field.
• Strong knowledge of state and federal leave laws, worker’s compensation laws and how they impact employee leave of absences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High level of organizational and time management abilities.
• Ability to identify basic problems and procedural irregularities, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain confidential information.
• Strong communication skills, and ability to make recommendations to management.
• Ability to make independent decisions using knowledge of policies and previous experiences.
• Knowledge of Microsoft programs including Outlook, Excel and Word

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of CA workers’ compensation statutes.
• Experience with UKG and ADP
• Experience working in the Ag/Food Manufacturing Industry
• Knowledge of CA and WA State Federal Leave of Absence requirements and regulations

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• May be required to sit or stand for an extended period of time during work period.
• May be required to package items, lift and carry boxes up to 20 lbs.

HOURS & WORKDAYS: 

• 1st shift (8:00am-5:00pm) Monday through Friday, onsite, when business requires before/after hours will be mandatory.
• May be part of a weekend rotation to provide weekend support as needed.

WHAT WE OFFER 

Our rich benefits packages are designed to support the health and well-being of both our eligible co-workers and their families.   

• Medical  
• Dental  
• Vision  
• Group Life and AD&D   
• Voluntary Life and AD&D   
• Group Short-Term Disability  
• Group Long-Term Disability  
• Flexible Spending Accounts  
• Employee Assistance Program  
• 401(k)  
• Paid Time Off

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 

Bolthouse Fresh Foods is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to achieve their full potential."

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS  

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you are interested in applying for employment with Bolthouse Farms and need special assistance to apply for a posted position, or if you believe you do not meet any of the required qualifications of a posted position due to a protected disability and would like to explore the possibility of an accommodation, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at: talentacquisition@bolthousefresh.com for additional support and guidance.   

RECRUITMENT AGENCIES:

Bolthouse Farms does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Bolthouse Farms is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.  

1st shift (8:00am-5:00pm) Monday through Friday, onsite, when business requires before/after hours will be mandatory.
May be part of a weekend rotation to provide weekend support as needed.

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