Leave and Accommodation Specialist

Company Overview

Asset Living is a third-party management firm and a proven partner in fostering thriving communities nationwide. Founded in 1986, Asset Living has decades of experience delivering exceptional value to our partners. Since the beginning, our undeniable passion has driven our organic growth from a small property management firm to one of the most trusted allies in real estate. Asset Living's growing portfolio includes a multitude of properties across the country that span the multifamily, single-family home rentals, affordable housing, build-to-rent, active adult, and student housing divisions.  

Asset Living is a fast-growing company made up of talented individuals from diverse backgrounds that differentiate us and help us drive innovation and results for our clients and communities across the US. At Asset Living, we wholeheartedly believe 'Together We Lead, Together We Succeed. We empower each other to lead by example, collaborate, and evolve – inspired by our belief that we can continually improve as individuals and as an organization. Together, we create an environment where every voice is heard, every idea is valued, and every individual experiences opportunities to grow as our company grows. When you join Asset Living, you become part of a dynamic team that thrives on unity, unique talents, and a universal culture of winning.   

Recognized as one of the nation's Best and Brightest Places to Work and ranked in the NMHC top 50 professionals, join Asset Living because of its reputation as the most trusted partner in real estate, workplace culture, and growth opportunities. Asset Living is a member of The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and is recognized as an Accredited Management Organization (AMO). Together, we lead the way, and together, we achieve excellence in all that we do. Join a workplace where success is a collective journey and leadership is a shared responsibility.

Leave and Accommodation Specialist

The Leave and Accommodations Specialist partners with employees, managers, and HR teams to administer leaves of absence and workplace accommodations in a consistent, timely, and compliant manner. This role serves as a primary resource for leave and accommodation matters, coordinates with third-party administrators, guides employees and managers through applicable processes, and supports effective return-to-work planning while maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive medical information.

This role manages a diverse caseload involving federal, state, local, and company-provided leave programs, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, military leave, state paid leave programs, personal leaves, intermittent leave, disability and return-to-work restrictions. The Specialist evaluates documentation, monitors deadlines and claim activity, facilitates the interactive process, identifies potential compliance concerns, and escalates complex matters to HR leadership or Legal as appropriate.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversee leave requests from intake through closure, including eligibility review, certification, appropriate designation, extensions, intermittent leave, and return-to-work coordination across applicable federal, state, and company programs.
• Lead and document the ADA interactive process, evaluate reasonable accommodation options, conduct hardship analysis, coordinate implementation, and escalate complex or potential undue-hardship matters.
• Independently analyze matters involving extended or indefinite leave, intermittent leave, medical restrictions, overlapping leave protections and benefits, hardship considerations, and alternative placement options.
• Serve as a trusted resource by explaining leave and accommodation requirements, responsibilities, documentation expectations, timelines, and applicable company policies compassionately, and in a manner employees understand.
• Communicate professionally as the primary liaison with third-party leave and accommodation administrators to coordinate claims, review determinations, monitor documentation, resolve discrepancies, and support timely case resolution.
• Manage return-to-work planning, including medical releases, work restrictions, modified-duty considerations, accommodation needs, alternative placement considerations, and communication with appropriate stakeholders.
• Maintain current knowledge of leave and disability accommodation requirements, identify compliance concerns, and partner with Employee Relations, HR leadership, Benefits, Payroll, or Legal when protected leave or accommodation matters intersect with performance, discipline, organizational changes, or separation decisions.
• Partner with appropriate teams to ensure leave status, return dates, timekeeping, pay-related changes, benefit considerations, and employee records are processed accurately and timely.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and confidential case records, correspondence, medical documentation, approvals, restrictions, timelines, and decisions in applicable systems.
• Conduct regular reviews of leave, accommodation, intermittent leave, reduced schedule, and return-to-work activity to promote accurate records, consistent administration, and legal compliance.
• Partner with operational leaders and HR teams to assess staffing impacts, temporary coverage needs, employee status changes, and broader workforce considerations related to leaves and accommodations.
• Assist with the development, implementation, and communication of leave and accommodation procedures, resources, training materials, and process improvements.
• Support HR projects, compliance activities, and other duties as assigned while safeguarding confidential information.

Education & Experience

• Associate’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Two or more years of Human Resources experience preferred, including direct exposure to leave administration, disability accommodations, benefits, employee relations, or a related specialty.
• Working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, USERRA, state and local leave requirements, paid leave programs, and the interactive accommodation process.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex or sensitive information clearly and professionally to employees and leaders at all levels.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage a high-volume caseload, prioritize competing deadlines, and provide timely follow-up.
• Sound judgment, critical-thinking skills, and the ability to evaluate documentation, identify risk, navigate complex situations, and escalate appropriately.
• Ability to handle medical information and other sensitive employee records with discretion and in accordance with confidentiality requirements.
• High level of accuracy in documentation, deadline tracking, data entry, audits, and recordkeeping.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience using HRIS, case-management, ticketing, or leave-administration systems.
• Ability to remain professional and empathetic during difficult conversations and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

This job description should not be considered all-inclusive. It is merely a guide of expected duties. The employee understands that the job description is neither complete nor permanent and may be modified at any time. At the request of their supervisor, an employee may be asked to perform additional duties or take on additional responsibilities without notice. This is a safety-sensitive position and may be subject to additional compliance requirements.

Originally posted on Himalayas