SDG&E is an innovative San Diego-based energy company that provides clean, safe and reliable energy to better the lives of the people it serves in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The company is committed to creating a sustainable future by providing its electricity from renewable sources; modernizing natural gas pipelines; accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles; supporting numerous non-profit partners; and, investing in innovative technologies to ensure the reliable operation of the region’s infrastructure for generations to come. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE).

Our highly trained and responsive employees with their diverse skills, talents and ideas are the reason we can deliver on our commitment and are building America’s best energy company. They are also the reason why we have been recognized with the industry’s most coveted awards. Our employees undertake challenging work and receive highly competitive compensation and benefits. As one of the region’s largest employers, we’re always searching for talented and bright people to join our team. After all, it takes the best to build the best. Learn more about benefits HERE.

Diversity and inclusion are core values of SDG&E. Empowering our employees to be their whole selves at work is our competitive advantage. This is where new ideas come from and meaningful collaboration gets an authentic start. By bringing together people with different perspectives, diverse backgrounds and real commitment to their own individuality, we have built a stronger business. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion HERE.

For more information, visit SDGEnews.com or connect with SDG&E on Twitter (@SDGE), Instagram (@SDGE) and Facebook.

Primary Purpose
Primary resource for responding to questions/concerns from the Absence Leave Specialist. Responsible for editing standard letters, leave request forms and other program documents and training. Provide primary back up support to Lead Claims Advisor – ECS. Oversight in managing, tracking, and determining eligibility for all aspects of job-protected leaves including Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), California Family Rights Act (CFRA), Family Sick Leave (FSL) and Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL). Determines if leave is to be authorized or denied based on statutory requirements and individual circumstances. Leave calculations include determining the employee’s own intermittent leave, family leave, other complex leave issues and/or other types of job-protected leave. Act as primary resource to employees, supervisors, managers and other Employee Care Services (ECS) staff regarding the requirements and regulations of the above mentioned leaves in coordination with company benefits and internal leave policies. Ensure compliance with state and federal laws. Administer sickness, long term disability (LTD) and Total Disability Under The Pension Plan (TDI) claims.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Act as an information resource to clients and internal and external contacts for sickness, LTD and total disability under the pension plan. Ensure understanding of claims process, benefits integration and direct employees to resources that will aid in their return-to-work (RTW). Administer sickness, LTD, and TDI claims in compliance with all plan provisions, regulations and reporting requirements. Focus on cost effective delivery of benefits and resolution of cases. Review and approve benefits payable to employees. Review and monitor employee medical records to ensure scope and duration of treatment are appropriate based on the injury and diagnosis. Apply applicable offsets from State Disability, and social security disability benefits to sickness, LTD, and TDI under the pension plan. Coordinate and pay applicable benefits under the Parental Leave Program. Advise employees of leave requirements. Coordinate RTW efforts with Supervisors and ECS staff. May be required to handle more complex and catastrophic sickness and LTD claims.
• Manage, validate and determine eligibility for leave. Determine and execute appropriate notification to the employee. Provide FMLA forms if qualified as requested by employee or employee’s supervisor for employee’s own illness or family illness. Review absence request for compliance with Federal/State regulations and company policy. Notify employee if leave is approved, denied or pending medical certification. If not approved, determine and provide appropriate notification required by regulations. Process and track FMLA periods using timekeeping system and VOS Portal Claims System. Determine eligibility within requirements of leave law and company policy.
• Review medical information and determine if medical condition qualifies for job-protected leave. Determine appropriate steps to validate medical information with employee and employee’s doctor in coordination with company medical consultant as needed. Request medical re-certification at appropriate intervals and track follow-up in VOS Portal Claims System. Coordinate information as needed with ECS Claims Coordinators and follow-up on complex FMLA related tracking and recertification issues involving family member illness and intermittent employee absences.
• Facilitate FMLA related services and medical resources as needed. Provide return to work status information to supervisors.Act as primary FMLA and leave of absence resource. Provide guidance to supervisors and managers on leave policy and procedures, including creating and providing formal training presentations on legal requirements and company procedures.Provide guidance and direction to ECS Claim Staff on complex leave issues related to employee’s own illnesses.
• Responsible for being the point person for questions/concerns from the Absence & Leave Specialist. Responsible for editing standard letters, drafting new letters as needed, leave request forms and other program documents. Act as backup for primary duties of Lead Claims Advisor – ECS.
• Assist in preparation and distribution of accumulated data reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned (no more than 5% of duties).

Required Qualifications:

• H.S. Diploma/GED.
• 3 years – Experience in human resources, absence leave administration, sickness, long term disability (LTD) or Total Disability Under The Pension Plan (TDI).
• Thorough understanding of Federal/State regulations regarding Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), California Family Rights Act (CFRA), Family Sick Leave (FSL) and Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL), as well as State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL).
• Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, with employees, supervisors, and external providers using tact and diplomacy when explaining decisions.
• Good planning and organizational skills to multitask in a fast paced, high volume work environment.
• Basic math skills and the ability to navigate and analyze data from payroll system.
• Basic computer skills and proficiency in Word and Excel.
• Ability to work with company and database applications.
• Knowledge and understanding of company benefits and collective bargaining agreement preferred.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of all information and materials.
• Must reside in Southern California or be willing to relocate upon hire.
• We offer a hybrid work environment. Although the schedule may vary, typically this will allow you to work from the office two to three days per week and work remotely on the remaining workdays.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Rehabilitation Counseling, Psychology or related field, or equivalent training and experience.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability or protected veteran status.

Note: SDG&E strives to ensure that employees are paid equitably and competitively. Starting salaries may vary based on factors such as relevant experience, qualifications, and education.

SDG&E offers a competitive total rewards package that goes beyond base salary. This position is eligible for an annual performance-based incentive (bonus) as well as other merit-based recognition. Company benefits include health and welfare (medical, dental, vision), employer contributions to retirement benefits, life insurance, paid time off, as well as other company offerings such as tuition reimbursement, paid parental leave, and employee assistance programs.