About us

KnitWell Group, a specialty retail operating company, comprises some of the most iconic brands in America – Ann Taylor, Chico's, Haven Well Within, Lane Bryant, LOFT, Soma, Talbots, White House Black Market. Individually, our brands are unique and strong. Together, we are powerful.

Our common thread is our commitment to create exceptional products, provide memorable experiences, and achieve superior results. Our associates are innovators who thrive through collaboration and are dedicated to excellence. At the heart of it all are the customers we serve. We are dedicated to creating fashion that not only looks good but also makes our customers feel good.

HR Specialist - Leave, Disability & Support

About the role
KnitWell Group's Duluth-based (MN) HR team is expanding and we are looking to add a Leave, Disability & Support Specialist to our close-knit team.

This position is primarily responsible for administering and coordinating the leave administration function for both company-sponsored and state mandated benefits, including short-term and long-term disability, Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA), state disability, unprotected leave, and personal leave.  Position ensures compliance with the Company’s policies, and state and federal regulations.  This person will work closely with the myHR Support team (Tier 1 & Tier 2) to strive to meet all expected service levels and business performance goals, performing a range of services and fully documenting all cases in the case management system.

The impact you can have

• Partners with management regarding Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation requests.  Provides communication, forms, job descriptions and related information as appropriate per established guidelines.   
• Conducts the interactive process with associates during request for accommodations (both stay at work accommodations and continuous leave as an accommodation)
• Coordinates State disability program administration as applicable.  Ensures coordination between State and vendor to achieve correct disability payments for Associates.  Completes related audit reports as required. 
• Coordinates workers’ compensation claims with regard to timely communications and accurate tracking of status regarding return-to-work, FMLA, ADA, compliance and related issues as assigned.
• Completes payroll-related processes by reconciling reports with vendor and HR system to ensure correct disability payments. 
• Prepares, maintains and provides leave status and eligibility census reports, including weekly, monthly, and ad hoc reports as required.  Ensures the integrity of related data in the company’s HR system and leave vendor website. 
• Provides accurate and timely reporting and communication with business partners, including vendors, Payroll, HRIS, Risk Management, and Legal, as necessary to ensure the correct execution of leave programs. 
• Advises managers and employees on the interaction of leave laws with paid time off, and short-term and long-term disability benefits. Maintains email and voice mail logs of contacts and resolution of issues.
• Maintains excellent records of all transactions, communications and resolutions to issues that would allow reconstruction of history in the case of an appeal or dispute on coverage. 
• Delivers excellent customer service to KnitWell Group associates; acts as liaison with associates and vendors in claim resolution and appeal process.
• Maintains knowledge of all applicable leave and accommodation laws including the FMLA, ADA, and state and local laws.
• Assists with special projects as needed.

You’ll bring to the role

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.
• Strong knowledge of benefit programs including how to manage medical leaves and FMLA
• Workday HCM/Payroll/Case Management system a plus

• Two years of human resource experience in leave/ADA management required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field preferred.
• Completion of specialized certification or training on FMLA/leave administration a plus.
• Extensive knowledge of the leave requirements and other legal protections afforded by the FMLA, ADA, and other applicable laws.

Benefits

• Merchandise discount at our brands: 50% off regular-priced merchandise at Ann Taylor, LOFT, & Lane Bryant (in store and online) 
• Support for your individual development plus career mobility within our family of brands   
• A culture of giving back – local volunteer opportunities, annual donation and volunteer match to eligible nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic activities to support our communities*  
• Medical, dental, vision insurance & 401(K)* 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Time off – paid time off & holidays*
• The target salary range for this role is: $22-28/hr*  (Full-time/Non-exempt)

*Any job offer will consider factors such your qualifications, relevant experience, and skills. Eligibility of certain benefits and associate programs are subject to employment type and role.

Applicants to this position must be authorized to work for any employer in the US without sponsorship. We are not providing sponsorship for this position.

This position works in a hybrid model, with three days per week worked in our Duluth (MN) office location and two days per week worked remotely. 

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Location:

Corporate Office-ascena-Duluth, MN 55802

Position Type:

Regular/Full time

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Company is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based upon a candidate's qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration and are made without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by applicable law. The Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential duties of the position you are seeking or to participate in the application process, please contact myHRSupport@knitwellgroup.com. The Company will make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified applicants or employees, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the operations of the Company’s business. The Company will not revoke or alter a job offer based on an applicant’s request for reasonable accommodation.