Rice University · 4 hours ago
Leave, Accommodations, & Benefits Specialist
Houston, TX
Full-time
Hybrid
Entry, Mid Level
2+ years expRice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities and is seeking a Leave, Accommodations, and Benefits Specialist to support employees during important workplace moments. This role involves administering employee leave requests and workplace accommodations while partnering with the Benefits team to ensure smooth and compliant processes.
EducationHigher EducationService IndustryUniversities
Responsibilities
Coordinates and processes FMLA and ADA leaves with other leaves
Communicate with employees regarding their need for various types of leave and accommodations
Instructs faculty and staff on requirements to apply and qualify for STD, WC, FMLA, and ADA
Maintains reasonable communication with employees to facilitate return to work and coordinates with supervisors/managers
Ensures timely leave reporting and documentation accuracy
Manages claims in coordination with third-party administrators
Serves as the primary contact for FMLA/ADA cases, maintaining communication with faculty, staff, departments, external partners, and other University stakeholders
Guides employees regarding Rice’s leave policies, procedures, and benefits, including Paid Time Off
Delivers ongoing education and training to faculty, staff, supervisors, and managers on FMLA/ADA procedures and policies
Stays up to date and knowledgeable on federal, state, and local leave laws and industry best practices
Applies subject matter expertise in resolving benefit issues at the plan level or at the employee level in a manner that meets the university’s total reward strategy
Takes a new perspective on existing solutions
Represents the highest level, non-managerial, escalation level in resolving employee benefit issues
Participates in compliance reporting and communication development
Participates in the strategy, design, and revision of benefit communications and training materials and HR / Benefits website
Oversees HR and vendor management for assigned caseload
Has accountability for processes for assigned areas
Acts as a resource for faculty, and staff benefits teams
Other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's Degree
2 or more years of experience in leave or benefits administration
Strong knowledge of FMLA and ADA laws, claims processes, and regulatory compliance
Ability to interpret changes in legislation and regulatory updates, and effectively communicate their impact to campus constituents
Knowledge of multi-state regulations
Proficiency in Excel
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
Ability to interpret various health and disability plans
Attention to detail and focus on accuracy
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality
Collaboration both in and out of the department
Preferred
5 years of experience in FMLA/ADA leave administration
Certified Benefits Professional (CBP)
PHR or SHRM-CP preferred
Benefits
Paid Time Off
Company
Rice University
Rice University is a private research university that focuses on providing undergraduate education services.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$80.9MKey Investors
National Heart, Lung and Blood InstituteAdvanced Research Projects Agency for HealthUS Department of Energy
2024-09-19Grant
2024-08-13Grant· $18M
2023-07-27Grant
Leadership Team
Ken Medlock
James A Baker III and Susan G Baker Fellow in Energy and Resource Economics
Kyle Judah
Executive Director, Liu Idea Lab for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (Lilie)
Recent News
2025-12-16
2025-12-16
2025-11-23
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