Leave and Accommodation Specialist

Company Overview

Leave and Accommodation Specialist

Scottsdale, AZ

Cadence Education is currently in search of our next LOA and ADA Compliance Specialist in Scottsdale, AZ.

Cadence Education is one of the premier early childhood educators in the United States, operating over 330 private preschools and elementary schools across 30 states. With over 30 years in business, we have developed an unparalleled expertise in preparing students to thrive in the next step of their childhood.

Our overall mission is to provide parents with peace of mind by giving children an exceptional education every fun-filled day in a place as nurturing as home. This mission can only be accomplished through a team of passionate childcare professionals who combine their talents to provide an unparalleled level of care and compassion for children and their families. Our research-based curriculum and home-based environments are anything but a “daycare” – we are the evolution of early education.

Our schools are staffed with individuals who are talented, fun, and genuinely enthusiastic about child development and learning. We encourage collaboration and cherish open-communication in each school and with our corporate office.  We work hard to create an outstanding work-life balance by supporting leaders and staff members every step of the way. For additional information about Cadence, please visit www.cadence-education.com.

Benefits of Working at Cadence Education:

• Competitive compensation
• 50% childcare tuition discount
• Educational and professional development
• 401K with employer match 
• Comprehensive benefit package for all full-time employees, including:
• Paid time off that increases with seniority
• Medical, dental, vision options available
• Additional life, disability, and retirement plans
• Tuition reimbursement
• Company-paid life insurance
• Paid holidays

Job Description

Job Summary

Join our team as an LOA/ADA Specialist and play a pivotal role in supporting employee well-being and organizational compliance. Reporting to the Benefits Director, you will expertly manage all leave of absence programs, including Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), non-medical leaves, military leave, short-term disability, and company-sponsored leaves. You’ll also oversee workers’ compensation claims and facilitate seamless return-to-work processes, including coordinating light-duty assignments for employees with medical restrictions or reduced schedules. Your expertise will ensure compliance with state and federal regulations while fostering a supportive workplace.

Essential Functions

• Serve as a Trusted Expert: Provide clear, accurate guidance to employees on all leave types, including FMLA, short-term disability, ADA accommodations, and workers’ compensation, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and company policies.

• Streamline Leave Management: Track and update leave statuses daily using our leave management system, HR payroll platform, and spreadsheets, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.

• Identify Trends and Drive Insights: Monitor absence patterns, report trends to HR Operations and leadership, and recommend proactive solutions to support employee engagement and retention.

• Interpret and Communicate Regulations: Compile reports, analyze data, and provide expert support to employees, managers, healthcare providers, attorneys, and insurance partners.

• Guide Compliance and Policy: Act as the go-to resource on FMLA, ADA, and state/local leave laws, advising on interactions with paid time off and short-term disability benefits.

• Facilitate Smooth Transitions: Oversee the return-to-work process for employees resuming duties after extended leaves, workers’ compensation, or other absences, ensuring a supportive and compliant reintegration.

The above statements outline the general nature of the role and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities.

Marginal/Additional Functions

• Support other HR and benefits-related tasks as needed to contribute to team success.

Job Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• ADA Expertise: Skillfully manage the end-to-end ADA interactive process, including collecting medical documentation and coordinating accommodations.

• Leave Administration Mastery: Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of FMLA, workers’ compensation, ADA, and related leave policies.

• Exceptional Communication: Build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, from employees to executives, vendors, and external partners, conveying complex information clearly in writing and verbally.

• Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Tackle challenges with sound judgment, prioritize tasks effectively, and complete projects within tight deadlines.

• Professionalism and Discretion: Engage with a wide range of individuals, from employees to senior leaders, while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism in a fast-paced environment.

• Tech Proficiency: Leverage strong skills in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word in a Windows-based environment to manage data and communications efficiently.

• Language Skills: Read, write, and speak English fluently to ensure effective communication.

Education or Equivalency

• Associate degree in Human Resources or a related field, or an equivalent combination of training and progressively responsible experience that equips you with the required expertise.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive leave administration experience, showcasing a deep understanding of the required skills and knowledge.

• Preferred: Experience supporting a high-volume customer base, ideally in an educational or similar setting.

Specialized Training

• Experience with UKG (Kronos) systems is a plus.

Certification/Licensure

• None required.

Why Join Us?

At Cadence Education, you’ll make a meaningful impact by supporting employees through critical life moments while ensuring compliance with complex regulations. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we value diversity and offer a dynamic, collaborative environment where your expertise will shine. Full-time employees are eligible for comprehensive benefits.

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