About UMass Amherst
The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.
Job Summary
The Absence Management Specialist II is responsible for administering complex and sensitive leave of absence and workplace accommodation cases, with a strong emphasis on compliance, consultation, and case resolution. This position provides advanced support for ADA accommodations FMLA/PMFL, Workers’ Compensation claims, and other University leave programs, and partners with campus departments to resolve nuanced employee situations, and ensures alignment with federal and state laws, university policies, and collective bargaining agreements. The Specialist II serves as a resource for campus-wide guidance on absence-related matters and contributes to the continuous improvement of absence and accommodation processes.
This position may be filled at the Absence Management Specialist III level. The Specialist III is a senior-level professional who independently manages complex and sensitive cases, serves as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor to employees, supervisors, and HR partners, and provides advanced consultation and training. The Specialist III leads the full lifecycle of leave and accommodation programs, plays a key role in process improvements, reporting, and cross-functional initiatives, and ensures positive employee outcomes through seamless program coordination and legal compliance.
Essential Functions
- Serves as a resource for faculty, staff, and department representatives seeking guidance on complex or sensitive leave and accommodation cases, including those involving the ADA, Workers’ Compensation, FMLA, PFML, and other leave programs.
- Manages ADA accommodation requests, FMLA/PMFL, Workers’ Compensation claims, and other University leave requests, ensuring a compliant, efficient, and empathetic approach.
- Facilitates the ADA interactive process independently, including documentation review, consultation with medical providers, engagement with departments, and development of accommodation plans.
- Partners with employees, departments, and other University stakeholders to coordinate the return-to-work process for employees following medical or occupational leaves.
- Interprets and applies relevant federal and state laws (e.g., FMLA, ADA, PFML, Workers’ Compensation), and advises departments on appropriate action.
- Reviews and refines documentation, correspondence, and internal protocols to support legal compliance and policy adherence.
- Leads case tracking and audit-ready recordkeeping using HRIS and case management systems; ensures data integrity and timely updates.
- Provides training and consultation to HR partners and department leaders on best practices related to leave administration and workplace accommodations.
- Identifies trends or gaps in services and recommends policy, process, or systems improvements.
- Maintains the highest standards of confidentiality, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity.
The Absence Management Specialist III also performs the following duties:
- Serves as the primary lead and subject matter expert for the most complex and sensitive leave and accommodation cases, exercising independent judgment and decision-making.
- Provides advanced consultation, training, and policy interpretation to HR partners.
- Oversees and analyzes case tracking data to produce detailed reports and identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
- Leads the development, refinement, and implementation of policies, procedures, and communications related to absence management.
- Represents the absence management function in cross-departmental initiatives and process improvement projects.
- Mentors and coaches junior team members to strengthen overall team capability.
Other Functions
- Monitors and interprets evolving federal, state, and local regulations impacting leave and accommodation programs; ensures organizational alignment.
- Participates in professional development and networks to ensure continued expertise in absence management, accommodation programs, and disability compliance.
- Supports reporting and analytics efforts related to leave and accommodation activity.
- Contributes to cross-functional projects or initiatives led by HR or campus administration.
- Collaborates with legal counsel and risk management on complex case reviews and dispute resolutions.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in human resources, disability management, compliance, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- In-depth knowledge of FMLA, ADA, PFML, Workers’ Compensation, and other relevant employment laws and leave policies.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex and sensitive cases independently.
- Strong consultation skills, including the ability to advise and influence internal stakeholders.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex concepts into clear guidance.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HRIS or case management systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, ServiceNow).
- Strong organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy.
In addition to the qualifications above, candidates at the Specialist III level should have:
- Bachelor’s degree and at least four (4) years of progressively responsible related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated expertise applying leave laws (FMLA, ADA, PFML, Workers’ Compensation) in complex organizational settings.
- Proven ability to manage highly sensitive legal and medical cases with sound judgment.
- Experience providing training and influencing diverse stakeholder groups.
- Advanced communication skills, including preparing legally compliant correspondence and guidance.
- Experience using data analytics to improve programs.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Experience working in a unionized, higher education, or public sector environment.
- ADA Coordinator Training Certification (ACTCP) or equivalent professional credential.
- Experience conducting workplace assessments, ergonomics evaluations, and developing reasonable accommodations.
- Leadership or mentoring experience within HR or disability management teams.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
Typical office environment.
Work Schedule
- Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.
- This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position is non-unit, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees Non-Unit (Professional/or Classified) Employee Personnel Policy.
- This position has the opportunity for a remote work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where the employee’s work location is to work from a site other than the UMass Amherst campus. As this position is non-unit, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees Non- Unit (Professional/or Classified) Employee Personnel Policy.
Salary Information
Absence Management Specialist II: Salary Level 26.
Absence Management Specialist III: Salary Level 27.
Exempt Hiring Ranges.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.