Yessenia (Jessica) Walker
Prairieville
Summary
Strategic and results-driven HR professional with over 15 years of experience in leave of absence management, FMLA, ADA, disability accommodations, employee relations, benefits administration, and HR compliance. Expertise in developing and optimizing leave policies, leading process improvements, managing third-party vendors, and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. Proven track record of collaborating cross-functionally to enhance operational efficiencies, elevate employee experience, and mitigate legal risks. Fluent in English and Spanish.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sr. Leave and Benefits Analyst
Baton Rouge General Hospital
Baton Rouge
02.2022 - Current
- Lead the administration and strategic oversight of benefits programs for over 5,000 employees, ensuring compliance with FMLA, ADA, and retirement plans (401(k), 457(b), 457(f)), while driving process improvements and cost efficiencies.
- Implemented a streamlined leave administration process, reducing processing time by 30%, and improving compliance accuracy by 20%.
- Developed and conducted training programs on FMLA/ADA, increasing manager compliance by 25%.
- Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) on absence management, benefits, and advising leadership on best practices for leave and benefits administration, and regulatory updates.
- Conduct employee relations investigations related to leave abuse, performance concerns, and workplace accommodations.
- Collaborate with department leaders and HR Business Partners to review and refine job descriptions, ensuring alignment with organizational structure, and compliance with FLSA and ADA requirements.
- Collaborate in employee engagement surveys, analyzing feedback, and presenting insights to HR leadership to drive workplace improvements and retention strategies.
- Develop and implement leave policies, training programs, and process improvements to enhance HR efficiency and compliance.
- Lead vendor negotiations and benefits administration, ensuring cost-effective, high-quality services, while improving HR processes and employee experience.
Human Resources Leave Specialist
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana
Baton Rouge
04.2018 - 02.2022
- Influence, coach, and solve problems to ensure consistent application of policy, procedure, and treatment of employees in investigations and resolutions related to FMLA and ADA cases.
- Provides guidance, coaching, and interpretation of policies and procedures to ensure consistent practices across the organization.
- Conduct and lead internal investigations regarding employees' complaints and concerns.
- Prepares responses to unemployment claims and partners with internal legal counsel to prepare documentation to respond to DOL and EEOC inquiries, charges, and employment litigation, hearings, and appeals.
- Worked with third-party vendors to enhance leave and disability program effectiveness, improving overall employee experience, and compliance standards.
- Created and facilitated training programs on FMLA, ADA, and absence management best practices, increasing company-wide compliance.
- Analyzed leave-related data trends, recommending policy improvements, and proactive strategies to enhance employee satisfaction and legal compliance.
HR Leave Administrator
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System
10.2013 - 04.2018
- Managed leave of absence administration for 15,000+ employees across multiple locations, ensuring federal and state compliance
- Lead a team of 3 leave specialists and two leave coordinators
- Conducted workplace investigations into leave fraud, ADA accommodations, and policy violations, reducing compliance risks
- Provided leadership and coaching to leave coordinators and HR representatives, improving operational efficiency
- Lead HR audits, ensuring leave accuracy and regulatory adherence through payroll and benefits reviews
Interpreter/Translator (Spanish/English)
Bilingual Resources Group
03.2011 - 10.2013
- Provide consecutive and simultaneous interpretation services for clients in various settings, including medical, business, and community contexts
HR Generalist / Data Analyst / Operations Analyst
Chiquita Brands International
01.1996 - 04.2006
- I worked at Chiquita Brands International for over 10 years, during which my strong performance and dedication led to multiple promotions into roles with greater responsibility
- I was entrusted with diverse positions across HR, operations, and data analysis, reflecting my ability to adapt and contribute to different areas of the company
- Served as an HR Generalist, overseeing employee relations, recruitment, onboarding, and benefits administration
- Conducted data analysis on workforce trends, logistics, and performance metrics to optimize HR and operational strategies
- Managed HR compliance and leave administration for employees in multiple locations
Education
Bachelor's degree - Business Administration
University Mariano Galvez of Guatemala
GuatemalaSkills
- Leave of Absence Administration (FMLA, STD, LTD, ADA, Workers' Compensation)
- HR Compliance & Regulatory Affairs (EEOC, HIPAA, DOL, COBRA)
- Employee Relations and Workplace Investigations
- Benefits Administration and Vendor Management
- HR Policy Development and Implementation
- Data Analysis & Process Optimization
- Return-to-Work Programs and ADA Accommodations
- Cross-Functional Leadership & Stakeholder Collaboration
- HR Technology and Systems (Workday, Kronos)
Certification
- Certified ADA Administrator
- Certified Leave Management Specialist (CLMS)
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
English
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Sr. Leave and Benefits Analyst
Baton Rouge General Hospital
02.2022 - Current
Human Resources Leave Specialist
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana
04.2018 - 02.2022
HR Leave Administrator
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System
10.2013 - 04.2018
Interpreter/Translator (Spanish/English)
Bilingual Resources Group
03.2011 - 10.2013
HR Generalist / Data Analyst / Operations Analyst
Chiquita Brands International
01.1996 - 04.2006
Bachelor's degree - Business Administration
University Mariano Galvez of Guatemala
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