Protected Leave and Accommodations Specialist (HRC3/ERD)

Description

Protected Leave and Accommodations Specialist (HRC3/ERD)

71114378

This recruitment will be used to fill multiple positions.

This recruitment is posted continuously. Application review will begin on 6/8/26 and you are encouraged to submit your application materials as soon as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to close the posting at any time once a selection has been made.

The Protected Leave and Accommodations Specialist provides expert-level HR consultation to directors, managers, supervisors, and employees on legally protected leave programs, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML), reasonable accommodations, and workers’ compensation. This position involves independent caseload management and requires deep knowledge of WACs, RCWs, Collective Bargaining Agreements, and other related policies. Based in Olympia, this position will be eligible to telework part-time upon successful completion of in-person training. 

All HCA employees will apply an equity lens to their work, which may include but is not limited to all analyses of core business and processes.

About the division:

Human Resources is an organizational section within the Employee Resources Division (ERD) of the Health Care Authority (HCA). ERD ensures that employees have the services, tools, and resources needed to support the agency’s mission and goals. The Protected Leave & Accommodation Manager team provides professional, senior-level human resource services in the areas of protected leave, including Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, and other statutorily protected leaves such as reasonable accommodation, worker’s compensation, and related programs.

About the position:

This position consults with and assists directors, managers, supervisors, employees, and human resource colleagues, and provides expert level consultation, interpretation, and explanation of WACs, RCWs, Collective Bargaining Agreements, policies, and procedures related to eligibility for the various types of legally protected leave and related benefits available to agency staff, as well as the interactive reasonable accommodation process. The position is responsible for independent caseload management of these programs and benefits.

This position is eligible to telework part-time but is frequently required to report on-site to meet business need. The default assigned work location of all Health Care Authority (HCA) positions – both on-site and telework eligible positions – is within the State of Washington. This position reports to Olympia, WA. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. All agency employees are required to report on-site in Olympia on their first and last days of employment to pick up and return state-issued equipment, regardless of telework status or location. 

Duties

Some of what you will do:

• Determine FMLA eligibility and conduct the approval and designation process in accordance with FMLA requirements and agency policies, procedures, and practices.
• Provide consultation and required notifications regarding PFML to employees, including making accurate determinations regarding the protected status of any PFML planned or taken.
• Identify appropriate types of protected leave that may apply to individuals, based on their specific situations. Explain processes for requesting protected leave, including documentation required and approval period. Add value to employees and management by anticipating needs and suggesting appropriate benefits and protections for which staff are eligible. 
• Notify employees and management of approvals and conditions for use of protected leave. Provides timely notification regarding depletion of protected leave options and consultation on next steps.
• Advise employees and management regarding leave sharing programs, including application processes and criteria for approval and use of donated leave. Process and tracks cases, in accordance with various Washington State Shared Leave programs.
• Facilitate the interactive RA process for routine accommodations. Provide support for complex and contentious cases, such as those that may lead to reassignment or disability separation.
• Proactively advise and consult with HCA management, health care professionals, and HR colleagues to identify the need for or changes in accommodation, to assess reasonableness of requested accommodations, and to obtain required supporting medical information.
• Draft summaries of interactive RA processes and agreements as well as voluntary and involuntary medical employment actions on behalf of the Appointing Authority.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding employee health conditions, sharing information on a need to know and authorized to know basis.
• Independently maintain complete, appropriate, and accurate records for case management and monitoring, legal compliance and defensibility for assigned caseload of staff requesting RA, FMLA, PFML, and other forms of protected leave, and Shared Leave, ensuring documentation is created, updated, distributed, and archived or retained as appropriate.
• Communicate and coordinate with HR staff on a regular and ongoing basis to ensure consistency in consultation and advice within areas of expertise. Maintain working relationships with agency staff and management, Union organizations and their representatives, and a variety of professionals to obtain services and provide consultation, share information, and coordinate work activities.
• Assist in the development and presentation of training for management and staff within areas of expertise. Attends training and reviews legislation, laws, and regulations to keep up to date in assigned program areas.
• Assist in the management of workers’ compensation claims, helping injured workers to return to work as soon as medically appropriate, including coordination with L&I claim managers, medical providers, supervisors, and injured workers to ensure efficient and timely management of workers’ claims and the facilitation of the employee’s return to work.
• Partner with the agency’s Ergonomics Specialist and Facilities Team to coordinate ergonomic assessments and adjustments and to implement facilities-based and ergonomics-based accommodations for disabled and injured workers, requiring onsite activity.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:

Option 1:

Bachelor's degree in human resources, social or organizational behavioral sciences, or related field and two (2) years of broad-based professional human resources experience that includes experience with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and reasonable accommodation, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), worker’s compensation programs, and other legally protected leave types.

Option 2: 

Associate degree in human resources, social or organizational behavioral sciences, or related field and four (4) years of broad-based professional human resources experience that includes at least two (2) years’ experience with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and reasonable accommodation, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), worker’s compensation programs, and other legally protected leave types.

Option 3: 

Six (6) years of broad-based professional human resources experience that includes at least two (2) years’ experience with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and reasonable accommodation, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), worker’s compensation programs, and other legally protected leave types.
 

Required competencies:

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Preferred qualifications:

Demonstrated Ability to:

• Resolve complex or difficult human resources issues having broad potential impact.
• Use independent judgment during challenging situations.
• Anticipate problems and influence new ways of thinking.
• Communicate with compassion and empathy, as well as clarity and firmness when facing emotional situations.
• Assess problems and propose actions and resources to accomplish change and gain agreement.
• Listen to and understand individual employee situations and customer’s organizational/business needs to provide proactive and sound guidance.
• Create and maintain accurate records with strong attention to detail.
• Assess and advise on relative risk associated with proposed courses of action.
• Present complex ideas and information in a way that is understandable and appropriate for the audience.
• Use appropriate channels of communication. foster effective working relationships. propose solutions to resolve conflict.
• Develop and deliver HR related trainings.
• Analyze, interpret, and apply HR data, laws, regulations, and policies in a fast-paced work environment.
• Effectively communicate orally and in writing regarding technical and sensitive matters to diverse groups of people.
• Prioritize workload to ensure legal compliance and responsive customer service. and
• Recognize when to seek assistance and/or elevate issues to supervisor.

How to apply:

Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach in separate files:

• A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position
• Current resume 

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter. 
• Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov. 

Supplemental Information

About HCA: 

Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid). the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs. and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.

What we have to offer:

• Meaningful work with friendly co-workers who care about those we serve Voices of HCA
• A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered HCA's Mission, Vision & Values
• A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options.
• A great total compensation and benefit package WA State Government Benefits
• A safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby. 
• And free parking! 

Notes:

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.

HCA is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. HCA has five employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with HCA’s mission. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Studies have shown women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons of disability are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. Persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are also encouraged to apply. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at HCAjobs@hca.wa.gov.Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Lisa Fleming at (360) 725-1723 or lisa.fleming@hca.wa.gov

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an E-Verify employer. All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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