Disability Leave Specialist II

Inside the Role
The Disability Leave Specialist II serves as a key resource for employees, supervisors, and business partners by administering disability and leave of absence programs in compliance with company policies and applicable federal and state regulations. This role is responsible for managing employee leave cases from intake through resolution, ensuring a positive employee experience while balancing operational needs and regulatory requirements. Working closely with employees, managers, third-party administrators, Benefits, HR Business Partners, Payroll, and medical providers, the Disability Leave Specialist II provides guidance, case management, and support for disability, FMLA, ADA, military, personal, and other protected leaves.

Posting Information

We provide a scheduled posting end date to assist our candidates with their application planning. While this date reflects our latest plans, it is subject to change, and postings may be extended or removed earlier than expected.

We Take Care of Our Team

Position offers a starting salary range of $65,000.00 - $83,000.00 USD

Pay offered dependent on knowledge, skills, and experience​

Benefits include annual bonus program; 401k company contribution with company match up to 6% as well as non-elective company contribution of 3 - 7% depending on age; starting at 4 weeks paid vacation; 13+ calendar holidays; 8 weeks paid parental leave; employee assistance program; comprehensive healthcare plans and wellness programs; onsite fitness (at some locations); tuition assistance and volunteer paid time off; short-term and long-term disability plans.

What You Drive at DTNA

- Administer disability and leave of absence programs, including Short-Term Disability (STD), Long-Term Disability (LTD), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), ADA accommodations, military leave, personal leave, and state-specific leave programs.
- Manage a caseload of employee leave and disability claims from initiation through return-to-work, ensuring compliance with established timelines and service standards.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for employees, supervisors, HR partners, and third-party administrators regarding leave-related questions and case status updates.
- Review medical documentation, leave certifications, and supporting records to determine eligibility and ensure compliance with company policies and legal requirements.
- Coordinate return-to-work and accommodation processes in partnership with employees, managers, HR, Safety, Occupational Health, and other stakeholders.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation within HR systems while ensuring confidentiality and data privacy standards are met.
- Partner with Payroll, Benefits, and external vendors to ensure timely processing of disability benefits, leave payments, and employee status changes.
- Educate employees and leaders on leave policies, disability programs, procedures, and legal requirements to promote consistent application across the organization.
- Monitor case trends, identify opportunities for process improvements, and support continuous improvement initiatives within leave management programs.
- Participate in audits, reporting activities, compliance reviews, and special projects related to disability, leave administration, and employee accommodations.

Knowledge You Should Bring

- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a related field and preferably 2-4 years of relevant experience; or 6 years of relevant experience in leave administration, disability management, human resources, benefits administration, or employee relations in lieu of a degree, is required.
- Working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, PWFA, USERRA, HIPAA, and other federal and state leave and disability regulations.
- Experience managing employee leave cases, disability claims, accommodations, or related employee support programs.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret policies, regulations, and medical documentation.
- Ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
- Strong communication, customer service, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Experience working with HRIS platforms, case management systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
- Demonstrated ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively across multiple levels of the organization.
- An attached resume is required.

Exceptional Candidates Will Have

- Certified Leave Management Specialist (CLMS), Certified Benefits Professional (CBP), PHR, SHRM-CP, or related certification.
- Experience administering leave and disability programs in a manufacturing, logistics, transportation, or unionized environment.
- Experience working with third-party leave and disability administrators such as Sedgwick, Lincoln Financial, The Hartford, or similar providers.
- Knowledge of workers' compensation administration and return-to-work programs.
- Experience supporting interactive accommodation processes under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Experience analyzing leave trends, metrics, and compliance data to support business decision-making.
- Experience participating in continuous improvement initiatives and process optimization projects.
- Basic proficiency with AI-enabled workplace tools and technologies.

Work Environment

- This position is based onsite and requires regular in-person interaction with employees, leaders, Human Resources, Benefits, Occupational Health, and other business partners.
- Work is performed primarily in an office environment with frequent employee-facing responsibilities.
- Must be able to maintain confidentiality while handling sensitive medical, disability, accommodation, and leave-related information.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively to employee inquiries in a fast-paced environment.

Where We Work

This position is open to applicants who can work in (or relocate to) the following location(s)-
Gastonia, NC US. Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Schedule Type:
Onsite

At Daimler Truck North America, we recognize our world is changing faster than ever before. By listening to the needs of today, we’re building to solve with cutting-edge solutions in sustainability and future driving technology across electric, hydrogen and autonomous. These solutions, backed by years of innovative success and achievement, continue DTNA’s legacy as the undisputed industry leader. Our evolving brand portfolio is second to none, including Freightliner Trucks, Western Star, Demand Detroit, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis, and Financial Services. Together, we work as one team towards our envisioned future – building a cleaner, safer and more efficient tomorrow for all.

That is what we are working toward - for all who keep the world moving.

Additional Information

- This position is not open for Visa sponsorship or to existing Visa holders
- Applicants must be legally authorized to work permanently in the country the position is located in at the time of application
- Final candidate must successfully complete a criminal background check
- Final candidate may be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen
- Contractors, professional services, or other contingent workers should confirm with their local agency if they are eligible to apply for FTE positions
- EEO - Disabled/Veterans

Daimler Truck North America is committed to workforce inclusion and providing an environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, age, marital status, family relationship, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (including transgender and transitioning status), genetic information, or veteran status.

For an accommodation or special assistance with applying for a posted position, please contact our Human Resources department at 503-745-8982 or toll free 800-206-3369. For TTY/TDD enabled call 503-745-2137 or toll free 866-355-6935.