Protected Leave/Accommodation Specialist (HRC3/ERD)

Salary: $64,092.00 - $86,208.00 Annually

Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type: Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number: 2024-03493

Department: Health Care Authority

Division: ERD

Opening Date: 03/15/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description

Protected Leave/Accommodation Specialist (HRC3/ERD)

71055787

This recruitment is posted continuously. Application review will begin on Friday, March 22, 2024 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.

This position serves Health Care Authority employees and their managers by providing compassionate assistance and resources related to protected leave and reasonable accommodations. The Protected Leave and Accommodation Specialist keeps up with evolving guidance and regulations in order to provide accurate eligibility determination for Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requests and consultation on Washington's Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML). If you are a clear communicator who pays attention to detail in critical documentation and is enthusiastic about supporting employees, at times through very challenging personal circumstances, then this may be the position for you.

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) within the Central Services Administration (CSA) of HCA. In support of the agency, the HR team's purpose is to create and maintain the professional structure that provides extraordinary services to customers and ensures the well-being of HCA employees. This position reports and provides sole professional administrative support for the Human Resource Office.

About the position:
Under general direction by the Protected Leave & Accommodation Manager, the HRC3 independently provides professional, senior-level human resource services in the areas of protected leave, including FMLA, Washington's PFML program, and other statutorily protected leaves; reasonable accommodation; Worker's Compensation/Time-Loss; and related programs.

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 for intermittent telework but is expected to report onsite on a regular basis. 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. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. HCA may choose, but is not required, to support out-of-state telework on a case-by-case basis.
Duties

Some of what you will do:

Provides senior level HR consultation and case management in the area of legally protected leave, in accordance with the FMLA, the Washington State PFML Program, RCW 49.76 (domestic violence leave), the Shared Leave program, and other legislatively mandated protected leave types and related benefits.

• Determines FMLA eligibility and conducts the approval and designation process.
• Provides consultation and required notifications regarding PFML to employees, including making accurate status determinations.
• Identifies appropriate types of protected leave based on individual situations. Explains processes for requesting protected leave, including documentation required and approval period. Adds value to employees and management by anticipating needs and suggesting appropriate benefits and protections for which staff are eligible.
• Advises employees and management regarding leave sharing programs, including application processes and criteria for approval and use of donated leave; processes and tracks cases, in accordance with various Washington State Shared Leave programs and agency policies, procedures, and practices.

Provides HR consultation and case management in the area of reasonable accommodation
(RA), in accordance with federal and state regulations.

• Facilitates the interactive RA process with management, health care providers, employees, and other stakeholders for routine accommodations.
• Provides expert professional advice to management and employees on RA processes and issues.
• Proactively advises and consults with HCA management, health care professionals, and HR colleagues to identify the need for or changes in accommodation, to assess reasonableness of the requested accommodation, and to obtain required supporting medical information.
• Works with Facilities and Safety/Wellness staff to ensure the identification and implementation of ergonomic and other facilities-based and ergonomics-based accommodations, requiring on-site activity.

Maintains and manages accurate and legally compliant records.

• Maintains confidentiality regarding employee health conditions, sharing information on a need to know and authorized to know basis.
• Independently maintains complete and accurate records for case management, legal compliance, and defensibility for assigned caseload of staff requesting reasonable accommodation, FMLA and other forms of protected leave, PFML, and Shared Leave, ensuring documentation is created, distributed, and retained as appropriate.

Other duties as assigned.

• Assist with processes related to death of an employee, requiring in-person consultation.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, social or organizational behavioral sciences, or related field.
• Three years of broad-based professional human resource experience, which includes experience with: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and reasonable accommodation, FMLA and other protected leave, and worker's compensation.
• Knowledge of complex HR-related laws, rules, and policies and the ability to quickly and independently interpret and analyze case-specific facts and circumstances, and accurately apply appropriate situational responses based on legal requirements and best practices.
• Professional human resource experience must include the ability to independently research and analyze HR data and requirements

Note: excess related professional experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis.

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:

• 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
• A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered
• A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options.
• A great total compensation and benefit package
• A safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby.
• Tuition reimbursement
• 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 Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Rachel Tillman at 360-725-1180 or

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an All applicants with a in the United States are encouraged to apply.

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More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington We...