HR Sr Absence Management Specialist

Columbia Bank; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Tuition assistance

Mental health resources

Volunteer days

Paid vacation

Holidays

Job summary

Columbia Bank in Tacoma, WA is seeking a Sr Absence Management Specialist to lead complex leave and ADA accommodation casework, partnering with HR and leaders to ensure compliant, fair outcomes. You will own absence program reporting and coordinate with a third‑party administrator to ensure data accuracy across cases.

This role requires 6–8 years of absence management experience and deep knowledge of ADA, FMLA, and state laws. Be prepared to drive policy updates and risk mitigation strategies.

Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of federal and state disability and leave laws, including ADA, FMLA and state plans.
• Strong consulting, advising and influencing skills with senior leaders.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite including PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, Excel, and SharePoint.
• Ability to work independently and in teams with discretion and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex leave and accommodation casework and high‑risk scenarios.
• Partner with Employee Relations and People Business Partners on escalations and risk.
• Own absence program reporting and data documentation; analyze trends for leaders.
• Coordinate with HRIS/People Analytics to optimize workflows and dashboards.

Skills

ADA/leave laws

FMLA compliance

Regulatory knowledge

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in business

HS diploma or GED

Tools

Workday

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Sr Absence Management Specialist leads complex casework, related to leave and/or ADA accommodations, and serves as a senior-level expert across all absence and/or accommodation programs. This role has responsibility for regular reporting, supporting vendor partnerships, compliance strategy, and process optimization. The Specialist manages the most complex, sensitive, or high‑risk cases and partners closely with People Business Partners, Employee Relations, and senior leaders.

About the Role

Independently manage complex leave cases and high‑risk scenarios (intermittent/continuous leave patterns, attendance intersection with performance issues, multi-state leave implications). Manage complex and high risk leave and/or accommodation cases, which may include multi-layered ADA situations, fitness–for–duty, multi-state leave implications and potential undue hardship determinations. Work closely with a third‑party administrator on daily case coordination, escalations, and data accuracy. Conduct full interactive processes with employees, managers, and healthcare providers. Serve as the senior‑level expert on applicable leave and/or accommodation laws including but not limited to: ADAAA, FMLA, USERRA, state/local leave laws, and intersecting legislation. Interpret and apply regulatory requirements to novel or precedent‑setting cases. Partner with Employee Relations and People Business Partners on sensitive issues, escalations, and recommendations that may result in corrective action, leave/accommodation denial, job placement, or separation. Lead policy updates, regulatory research, and risk mitigation strategies. Own absence and/or accommodation program reporting and case documentation; analyze trends and develop insights for leaders. Evaluate vendor performance, recommend improvements, and support RFP or vendor transition processes. Partner with HRIS/People Analytics to optimize workflows, dashboards, automations, and accuracy. Advise leadership on risk areas and long‑term impact of absence‑or accommodation‑related decisions. Lead the design and delivery of enterprise‑wide training (legal compliance, manager responsibilities, ADA/leave intersections). Influence stakeholders and ensure alignment across departments. Lead cross‑functional projects involving leave program changes, new state plan implementation, technology upgrades, or organizational process redesign. May determine eligibility, recommend reasonable accommodations, and negotiate solutions balancing business needs and legal obligations. Demonstrates compliance with all bank regulations for assigned job function and applies to designated job responsibilities – knowledge may be gained through coursework and on‑the‑job training. Keeps up to date on regulation changes. Follows all Bank policies and procedures, compliance regulations, and completes all required annual or job‑specific training. Maintain a working knowledge of Bank's written policies and procedures regarding Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, Bank Security, and other regulations applicable to this job description. May be asked to coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as subject matter expert. Actively learns, demonstrates, and fosters the Columbia corporate culture in all actions and words. Takes personal initiative and is a positive example for others to emulate. Embraces our vision to become “Business Bank of Choice” May perform other duties as assigned.

About You

Education H.S. Diploma/GED required Bachelor’s degree in business or relevant field preferred

Experience 6-8 years' experience in absence management and/or related experience required

Skills Expert knowledge of federal and state disability and leave laws and regulations governing the workplace accommodation administration, specifically the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) and state paid leave plans required. Demonstrated consulting, advising, and influencing business leaders required. Demonstrated computer and technical skills including Microsoft Office Suite to include PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, Excel, and SharePoint required. Demonstrated verbal and written communication and strong interpersonal skills to effectively consult, advise, and communicate internally at all levels of the organization and externally with health care providers, vendors, and regulatory agencies required. Experience working independently, and as part of a team, establishing effective working relationships with colleagues both internal and externally required. Experience applying a high level of discretion and independent judgment, exercising confidentiality, and demonstrating respect and due diligence in sensitive situations required. Demonstrated organizational, time‑management, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills with strong attention to detail required. Workday experience preferred.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Occasional

Compensation

The pay range for this role is $85,000.00 - $125,000.00 The pay rate for the selected candidate is dependent upon a variety of non‑discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience, education, and geographic location. The role may be eligible for performance‑based incentive compensation, and those details will be provided during the recruitment process.

Primary Location

Ability to work fully onsite at posted location(s). 1301 A Street Tacoma WA 98402

Our Benefits

• We offer eligible associates comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans)
• A 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions
• An employee assistance program
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Tuition assistance
• Mental health resources
• Identity theft protection
• Legal support
• Auto and home insurance
• Pet insurance
• Access to an online discount marketplace
• Paid vacation
• Sick days
• Volunteer days
• Holidays

Our Commitment to Diversity

Columbia Bank is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to employing, engaging, and developing a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other applicable protected status or characteristics.

If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview(s), please let us know by email: [e-mail].

To Staffing and Recruiting Agencies

Our posted job opportunities are only intended for individuals seeking employment at Columbia Bank. Columbia Bank does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies and Columbia Bank will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resume submissions. Staffing and recruiting agencies are not authorized to submit profiles, applications, or resumes to this site or to any Columbia Bank employee and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited unless requested directly by a member of the Talent Acquisition team.

About Columbia Bank

At Columbia Bank, we’re redefining what it means to bank and to build a career. As the West’s premier banking experience, we combine the strength and scale of a leading financial institution with the heart and mindset of a community bank. With more than 350 locations across eight states, we deliver relationship‑based service backed by regional expertise and resources that help families and businesses thrive. Our culture is built on Do RIGHT, which means: Relationships: We create authentic connections with customers, colleagues, and communities. Impact: Every role here makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives and local economies. Growth: We invest in your success with career development, mentorship, and learning opportunities. Heart: We care deeply about doing what’s best for our customers and each other. Trust: Integrity and transparency guide everything we do.

Why work for Columbia Bank?

A strong, stable financial foundation with over $67 billion in assets and a diverse portfolio that supports flexibility and opportunity. A culture of belonging and purpose, where your ideas matter and your work has impact. Competitive benefits and flexibility designed to help you thrive personally and professionally. Community engagement that matters, from supporting local businesses to empowering youth through financial literacy initiatives.

Ready to Do RIGHT for your career, your community, and your future? Explore opportunities and join Columbia Bank today.