[Hiring] Leaves and Accommodations Manager @Universal Technical Institute

Role Description

The Leave and Accommodations Manager is the organization’s expert on disability accommodations, medical and statutory leave, and Workers’ Compensation-related workplace accommodations. This role ensures consistent, compliant processes for leave, workplace accommodations, and the Workers’ Compensation interactive process across all divisions. They lead the standardization of procedures, collaborate closely with HR, business leaders, Legal, and Risk Management, and focus on delivering a positive employee experience. While not involved in benefits administration, the role is key to implementing scalable, enterprise-wide solutions and maintaining consistency in decision-making and process execution.

Pay Range: $95,000 - $120,000

Responsibilities

• Facilitate and proactively drive the interactive process between employees, managers, and other stakeholders for all workplace accommodation requests—including leaves of absence and Workers’ Compensation cases—ensuring a compliant, empathetic, and solutions-focused approach.
• Act as the primary point of contact for employees, managers, and HR Business Partners throughout the full lifecycle of an accommodation case, including Workers’ Compensation-related accommodations, providing clear and consistent guidance.
• Regularly communicate with employees, management, and other stakeholders regarding accommodation requests, medical documentation, accommodations provided and denied, future adjustments to accommodations, and resolutions regarding accommodation issues and concerns.
• Partner closely with stakeholders to communicate status updates, analyze accommodation options, flag potential risks, and ensure alignment on active cases, complex issues, and resolution strategies—including those involving Workers’ Compensation claims and return-to-work planning.
• Collaborate with Legal and Compliance teams as needed, preparing and sharing documentation that reflects sound decision-making and adherence to company policies and applicable laws (e.g., ADA, FMLA, state-specific leave laws, Workers’ Compensation regulations).
• Maintain accurate, timely, and detailed chronological documentation of all interactions, communications, internal analysis regarding feasibility of accommodations, analysis of potential undue hardship issues, accommodation request determinations, and follow-up analysis and internal reviews, in accordance with legal and internal company standards.
• Track and monitor case progress, including return-to-work plans, extensions, and accommodation effectiveness, ensuring continuity and support throughout the process.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with federal, state, workers' compensation, and local leave and accommodation laws, adapting processes as needed in response to regulatory changes.
• Analyze trends and case data to identify opportunities for operational improvements, policy updates, or other risk mitigation improvements.
• Develop and deliver training and resources to managers and HR teams to promote consistency, legal compliance, and positive employee experiences during leave and accommodation events—including those involving occupational injuries and Workers’ Compensation accommodations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• HS Diploma or GED (required) and seven (7) years progressive HR experience providing support to employees and management on disability accommodations and leaves of absence, as an accommodations specialist, analyst, or business partner (required) - or - Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, or directly related field (preferred) and five (5) years progressive HR experience providing support to employees and management on disability accommodations and leaves of absence, as an accommodations specialist, analyst, or business partner (preferred).
• Specific experience in education, or other highly regulated field, and multi-site, multi-state environments (preferred).
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • Federal and state employment laws (especially ADAAA, FMLA, and state specific leave/disability regulations), leave management best practices, and corporate policies and procedures.
  • Principles and procedures for leave management, interactive processes, engagement, project management, and HR information systems.
  • Auditing processes and procedures.
  • Record keeping, versioning, document retention and other administrative processes and procedures.

Skills

• Demonstrated commitment to supporting employees with empathy, professionalism, and responsiveness.
• Proactively identifies ways to meet employee needs while balancing compliance and operational requirements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Active listening and conflict resolution skills to navigate sensitive conversations and guide outcomes with empathy and confidence.
• Strong critical thinking and decision-making abilities, including the evaluation of complex issues and development of sound, compliant solutions.
• Experience interpreting data and case trends to inform recommendations and process changes.
• Proven ability to positively influence individuals and small groups, particularly in high-stakes or emotionally charged situations.
• Intermediate-level skills in presentation and training facilitation, with the ability to engage audiences and drive adoption of best practices.

Abilities

• Able and willing to communicate, think, learn, and reason.
• Use computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to process transactions, store documents, enter data, or perform assigned tasks.
• Safely ambulate and/or maneuver when on-site at Company locations.
• Demonstrate and utilize active listening, inductive reasoning, information ordering and category flexibility.
• Ability to use good judgment, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information with discretion.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment where deadlines are essential and multiple projects are worked simultaneously.
• Ability to gain, understand and apply information and data as it relates to essential functions of the position.
• Ability to foster long-term relationships with stakeholders.

Work Environment

Work is performed indoors in a climate-controlled environment when on site at assigned company location. Employees must be able to safely ambulate when on company premises. This position is designated as Remote. Employees must meet minimum technical standards for eligibility and participation. No travel required.

Benefits

• Tuition Waiver: Enjoy a tuition waiver after 6 months of employment for you AND your immediate family offered at UTI and Concorde campuses.
• Paid Time Off: Competitive paid time off programs for employees (Vacation, Sick, Flexible).
• Retirement Matching: 50% match on the first 6% of your contributions after 90 days.
• Paid Parental Leave: 4 weeks of paid leave for both birthing and non-birthing parents to bond with a new baby.
• Competitive Insurance: Health, vision, and dental coverage for you and your dependents.
• Pet Insurance: Competitive coverage for your furry family members through ASPCA.
• Health Plan Enrollment: Eligibility starts first of the month following completing one full month of employment.