Job Title:Sr. Leave & Workers Compensation Specialist

Department: Human Resources

Location: On-Site - Milwaukie, OR

Shift: Monday - Friday, Full-time

Wage: $72,500 - $85,000, depending on experience

Our success begins and ends with our people. We embrace diverse perspectives and value unique human experiences. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that celebrates the diversity of the communities where we live and do business. Applicants for our positions are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.  

  
Company Overview: At Bob’s Red Mill, we inspire joy with wholesome foods. Since 1978, we have been leading the natural foods industry by providing our customers with good food that makes them feel great. Wholesome means ensuring our food is of the highest quality, empowering and supporting our diverse group of employee owners, respecting our planet, and bettering our communities. We believe that joy is for everyone. 

Position Overview: The Senior Leave and Workers’ Compensation Specialist actualizes our values of respect, teamwork, accountability, and determination through creating positive experiences during the leave of absence and accommodation process.  This role will be responsible for managing and administering the company's leave of absence and workers' compensation programs. This role ensures compliance with federal and state laws, such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. 

Essential Job Functions: 

• Manages the FMLA leave administration process from the employees’ initial notice of the need for leave to the return to work. This includes gathering and completing all required documents, determining leave eligibility, designating leave as FMLA-qualifying, requesting medical certification as needed, documentation of use, and accounting for intermittent and reduced schedule leave use.  

• Serves as a walk-in resource for employee and manager concerns related to leave and workers’ compensation and resolves non-investigatory issues with comprehensive corrective actions that uphold corporate values.  

• Investigates work-related injuries and communicates with all vendors and stakeholders. 

• Manages the workers compensation process from initial injury to return to work. 

• Identifies modified job duties to ensure employees are working within their restrictions. 

• Reviews all leave requests and supporting medical certifications submitted for consideration.  

• Communicates with employees regarding their needs for leave and/or modified work schedules. Ensures that employees are aware of their responsibilities and of any documentation and notice required to qualify for and to take leave. 

• Provides technical claim support, including settlement authority up to authorized limit, and administers consistent and compliant execution of workers’ compensation claims. 

• Works with the Total Rewards Team and Payroll to implement and manage the Paid Leave Oregon program.  

• Supports employees during the initial leave of absence request and subsequent certifications.  

• Advises and collaborates with supervisors and managers on leaves of absence and accommodations.  

• Presents requests for reasonable accommodation with recommended course of action to other people team members to review for potential biases and identify equitable outcomes.  

• Makes determinations based on supporting medical documentation and investigate discrepancies.  

• Advises and trains managers, supervisors, and employees on the interaction of leave laws with paid time off, workers compensation, and short-term and long-term disability benefits.  

• Oversees the FMLA, OFLA, workers compensation, or other leave(s) return-to-work process for employees.   

• Facilitates other leave requests, which may include accommodation requests under the ADA.  

• Recommends revisions to company leave policies to stay current with regulations while addressing diversity, equity, inclusion, and access considerations.  

• Serves in-office traffic by answering general HR questions and referring employees to specialists.  

• Maintains the highest level of confidentiality.  

• Complies with all company policies and procedures and operates all equipment in a safe and food-safe manner. 

• Complies with Bob’s Red Mill food safety policies and procedures including adherence to FDA regulations, Safe Quality Food (SQF) Standards, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).  

• Responsible for reporting food safety and quality concerns to Supervisors and/or Department Manager.  

• Performs other duties and tasks as assigned.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:   

• Ability to research HR and legal topics using multiple resources and vendors. 

• Knowledge of US and OR employment law.  

• Ability to resolve conflict with all levels of employees.  

• Knowledge of HR trends and best practices. 

• Capable of tailoring communication style and content to reflect the audience and provide clear, concise information. 

• Ability to work effectively with a team using direct communication, respect, creativity, and emotional intelligence. 

• Able to work in a fast-paced environment and under pressure. 

• Ability to adapt to changes, problems, and shifting priorities. 

• Effective customer service skills to assist clients, customers, and team members. 

• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with others. 

• Adept at finding simple solutions to complex problems.  

• Possesses effective communication skills, both verbal and written. 

• Ability to read, understand, and communicate information in English. 

• Demonstrates Respect, Teamwork, Accountability, and Determination. 

• Ability to work in an environment where exposure to potential food allergens is or may be present.  

Supervisory Responsibilities:  

• None. 

• This position reports to the Human Resources Manager 

Education and Experience 

• 3 or more years of experience in administering workers compensation and leaves of absence, AND 

• A bachelor's degree in human resources or other business discipline, AND 

• Completion of specialized training in workers compensation and leave administration; OR 

• Any combination of education and additional years of experience that provides the necessary skills, knowledge, and ability to perform assigned tasks.   

• SHRM-CP or PHR certification preferred.  

Physical Demands:   

• Position requires the ability to sit for up to approximately two hours at a time. 

• May be required to lift items weighing up to 25 pounds.   

Work Environment:  

• The primary work environment for this position is within an office setting. There are no adverse conditions associated with this position.   

• Employees will be exposed to common food allergens.