Leave of Absence Case Manager (, NJ, United States)

Astound is a leading provider of internet, WiFi, mobile, and TV services, dedicated to connecting communities and empowering lives through innovative technology. We also keep businesses connected with dependable fiber infrastructure and internet solutions backed by award-winning service, helping organizations thrive in an increasingly connected world.

At the forefront of digital transformation, we continuously evolve our offerings to meet the dynamic needs of our customers—delivering reliable connectivity and groundbreaking digital experiences.

Our commitment to excellence extends beyond infrastructure. We invest in our people through personalized training, coaching, and a supportive work environment that fosters growth and opportunity. Employees are empowered to represent a superior telecommunications company while making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.

We offer a robust benefits package that includes rewards, recognition programs, and employee discounts—ensuring our team members are supported in both their professional and personal journeys. At Astound, we believe in creating astounding possibilities for everyone, everywhere.

The Leave of Absence Case Manager is a key operational role within Astound's centralized Total Rewards function. This role owns the end-to-end administration of employee leave cases — from initial intake through return to work — ensuring consistent, compliant, and employee-centered case management across all leave types. The Case Manager serves as the primary point of contact for employees and HR partners on active leave matters and contributes actively to the continuous improvement of LOA processes, documentation, and service delivery.

• Manage the full lifecycle of leave of absence cases, including FMLA, ADA, personal, military, bereavement, and state-mandated leave programs

• Conduct leave intake, determine eligibility, issue required notices and designation letters within regulatory timeframes

• Track open cases, key dates, and documentation requirements; proactively follow up with employees and medical providers as needed

• Coordinate with Payroll to ensure accurate benefit continuation, premium deductions, and pay adjustments throughout the leave period

• Manage return-to-work processes including fitness-for-duty clearances, phased return arrangements, and accommodation referrals

• Maintain complete, audit-ready case files in the case management system

• Apply working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, ADAAA, USERRA, applicable state leave laws, and company policy to all case decisions

• Identify cases with potential legal exposure or intersecting compliance obligations (e.g., workers' compensation, ADAAA) and escalate appropriately to the LOA Manager

• Ensure all leave notices, designations, and documentation meet regulatory requirements and internal SLAs

• Flag patterns of potential policy abuse, noncompliance, or documentation gaps

• Serve as the primary contact for employees on leave, providing clear, empathetic, and timely communication throughout the leave experience

• Partner with HR partners to ensure alignment of employee status, return plans, and accommodation needs

• Respond to manager and HR inquiries regarding leave status, expected return dates, and coverage planning — maintaining appropriate confidentiality

• Communicate with third-party leave administrators or insurers as applicable

• Identify recurring workflow inefficiencies, documentation gaps, and process inconsistencies; surface findings and recommend solutions to the Director, Compensation & Benefits

• Assist in developing and maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs), employee-facing guides, and templated communications

• Support implementation of new leave-related processes, system updates, or policy changes as directed

• Participate in audits, reporting, and data integrity reviews of the LOA case management system

• Actively support, promote, and advance all aspects of Astound’s Inclusion and Belonging work, recognizing it as a business priority, including creating a work environment where all employees feel valued, respected, heard, and empowered.

• Other duties as assigned

What You Bring to the Table:

• Minimum 2–4 years of experience in leave of absence administration, benefits administration, or HR operations

• Hands-on experience administering FMLA, ADA, and state leave programs required

• Experience in a centralized or shared services HR model preferred

• Working knowledge of federal and state leave laws including FMLA, ADA/ADAAA, USERRA, PWFA, and applicable state-specific statutes

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage a high-volume caseload accurately and within defined SLAs

• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and empathetically with employees by navigating difficult personal circumstances

• Proficiency with HRIS and case management systems; experience with platforms such as Workday, SAP, or dedicated LOA tools a plus

• Ability to identify process gaps and contribute practical, actionable improvement recommendations

• High attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy and documentation integrity

• Collaborative working style with the ability to build effective relationships with HR Business Partners, Payroll, and business managers

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources , Business Administration, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience

We're Proud to Offer a Comprehensive Benefits Package Including:

• 401k retirement plan, with employer match

• Insurance options including: medical, dental, vision, life and STD insurance

• Paid Time Off/Vacation: Starting at 80 hours per year, and increases based on tenure with the organization

• Floating Holiday: 40 hours per year

• Paid Holidays: 7 days per year

• Paid Sick Leave: Astound allows a number of paid sick hours per calendar year and varies based on state and/or local laws

• Tuition reimbursement program

• Employee discount program

*Benefits listed above are for regular full-time position

Base Compensation: The base compensation range for this position is $75,000 - $110,0]]> <