Basic Function

Assists the Director, Benefits, Pension & Wellness in providing communication and customer service strategies for METRO’s Leave of Absence and Wellness Programs. Provides assistance to all employees, managers, and other personnel on issues related to LOA, FMLA, STD, ADA, and pandemic-related processes. Coordinates the fit-for-duty/return-to-work process. Assists in the development and promotion of wellness initiatives, goals, employee assistance offerings and related metrics. Serves as the primary resource and the subject matter expert for these programs. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Coordinates and administers all employee leave of absence programs to include, but not limited to FMLA, Disability, leave donations, pandemic leave, medical leave, military leave, ADA, etc.
• Provides information and counsel to employees and management on the LOA processes and related policies.
• Coordinates leave initiation, ensures accurate timekeeping during the duration of the leave and leave payments while employees are on leave status.
• Coordinates return to work accommodation requests and assists with the coordination of fit for duty/return to work physical examinations. Evaluates with the assistance of contracted medical personnel.
• Serves as the liaison to the third (3rd) party administrator assisting with the transitioning of employees who require Short-Term and Long-Term Disability.
• Coordinates and leads various task force groups associated with Leave programs.
• Interprets and administers leave programs and policies in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Keeps abreast of current compliance and laws relative to benefits/leave programs.
• Compiles quarterly Leave of Absence and Wellness data/metrics and provides Director with analysis, findings and recommendations.
• Works cross functionally within the organization to organize and coordinate wellness initiatives to promote employee engagement.
• Assists in the development, formulation, planning and implementation of wellness programs, events and presentations. Provides recommendations to ensure continuous improvement and success of the Wellness Program.
• Assists in the presentation of programs; schedules events and selects speakers/presenters for various Benefits employee programs. Aids in the development and dissemination of communication and promotional material for overall benefit events and presentations.
• Assists with the coordination and implementation of wellness related activities such as health screenings, lunch and learn seminars, bloodmobile, flu shots, fitness classes, etc.
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Applies SMS (Safety Management System) methods and principles in daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
  Pay Range: $63,200 - $82,800

Education Requirement

High School or GED is required. Additional college preferred.

Years & Experience Required

Minimum four (4) years’ experience in administration of FMLA, medical leave, wellness and other benefits programs. Lead experience and work experience in a union environment preferred.

Knowledge & Skills Required

General knowledge of overall benefits, wellness, medical, life, disability insurance and medical terminology. Strong knowledge of principles and practices of benefits compliance laws including FMLA, ADA, USERRA, HIPPA, etc. Excellent communication (oral and written), customer service and conflict resolution skills. Ability to interact professionally at all levels in and out of the organization. Excellent administrative and organizational skills. Strong analytical, problem solving and reconciliation skills. Good working knowledge of computers and related software including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint). SAP experience is preferred. Professional certifications (CBP, CEBS, S/PHR, SHRM S/CP) and Wellness certifications desirable.

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.