Protected Leave & Accommodation Manager (WMS2/DLS)

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work options

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Washington State Health Care Authority in Olympia seeks a Protected Leave & Accommodation Manager to lead the Protected Leave and Accommodations program for ~1,800 employees. You will interpret laws, guide leadership, and ensure compliance with FMLA, PFML, ADA, WA WLAD, PWFA/HSA, USERRA, and related policies.

You will also coordinate Workers’ Compensation, manage RA and return-to-work processes, develop agency policies, and provide training to agency leaders.

Qualifications

• ADA/RA/FMLA knowledge and compliant implementation.
• Ability to research complex HR data and laws.
• Experience handling workers’ compensation and RA processes.
• Strong communication of complex policies to diverse audiences.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional integrity.

Responsibilities

• Research legislation and trends for ADA, WLAD, FMLA, PFML and related acts.
• Develop and present training to agency leaders on compliance.
• Lead investigations for HR complaints as requested.
• Manage case workflows for RA, FMLA, PFML, and Shared Leave.
• Oversee documentation/database management for programs.
• Advise management on accommodation and leave strategy.

Skills

ADA compliance

RA management

FMLA knowledge

Legislation research

Training delivery

Investigation support

Confidentiality

Effective communication

Policy interpretation

Education

Master’s degree in HR or related field

Job description

Protected Leave & Accommodation Manager (WMS2/DLS)

The Protected Leave and Accommodation Manager provides expert human resource guidance and operational leadership to the Protected Leave and Accommodation Team, and is responsible for directing, managing, and maintaining the agency’s Protected Leave and Accommodations program for approximately 1,800 HCA employees throughout the state. It ensures legal compliance, strategy formulation, administration, consultation, and resolution of issues for:

• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
• Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML).
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Reasonable Accommodation (RA).
• Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD) related to religious accommodations.
• Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) and Healthy Starts Act (HSA).
• Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).
• Other legally protected leaves.
• Shared Leave.

This position also serves as the agency’s Workers Compensation Coordinator, managing all Labor and Industries (LI) workers’ compensation claims for the agency, and managing the Infants at the Workplace program. It provides expert interpretation and consultation to agency employees, supervisors, and executive leadership regarding relevant WACs, RCWs, and relevant articles of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), policies, and procedures, and processes that apply to reasonable accommodation and legally protected leave. The incumbent is responsible for reducing and mitigating the risks associated with protected leaves, RA, and Worker’s Compensation claims (including Return to Work) on behalf of the agency.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Research legislation, case law, and trends relating to ADA, WLAD, FMLA, PFML, USERRA, Shared Leave, PWFA/HSA, and Workers Compensation and develops and updates agency policies, procedures, and practices to ensure compliance with federal and state requirements and reduce agency liability.
• Develops and presents training to agency leaders in areas of assigned responsibilities to support agency-wide compliance with federal, state, and agency requirements.
• Conducts legislative analysis on behalf of the agency for bills related to scope of assigned subject matter expertise, as detailed above.
• Provides subject-matter expertise and participates in internal agency investigations in response to HRC/EEOC complaints, as requested.
• Develops and maintains processes and databases for case management, documentation, and analysis, for all assigned programs. Independently manages, maintains, monitors and/or assigns case load of employees requesting RA, FMLA, PFML, and Shared Leave, ensuring documentation is received.
• Facilitates the interactive RA process with management and employees, including: reviews medical information to assess accommodation needs; explores options and negotiates appropriate accommodations consistent with business needs, documented medical necessity, and reasonableness under the ADA. Provides advice on implementation of agreed upon accommodation(s) to applicants/employees, supervisors, and managers.
• Reviews cases, researches options, and consult with senior Human Resources Management and/or Assistant Attorney General (AAG) staff to formulate strategies to minimize agency legal exposure when addressing unprecedented cases. Consults with senior management to review and determine options for managing complex cases and facilitates the interactive RA process according to planned strategy.

Why You’ll Love This Role:

This role is an exceptional opportunity for an HR leader who wants to help employees be aware of and receive protected leave entitlements and supports, and make a tangible, positive impact on employee well‑being, while ensuring agency compliance with these programs.

What You Bring:

The ideal candidate for this role is an experienced human resources professional who excels at balancing empathetic employee advocacy with high-level business planning.

Required Qualifications

Broad-based senior-level professional human resource competencies, which includes professional knowledge and legal understanding of: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodation (RA), and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Professional human resource competencies must include the demonstrated ability to:

• Determine accurate FMLA eligibility.
• Implement effective and ADA compliant reasonable accommodations.
• Process worker’s compensation claims.
• Understand WA state’s PFML eligibility.
• Understand authorizing environments for professional personnel administration in public sector employment.
• Research complex HR data, apply appropriate legal and policy requirements, and develop appropriate options.
• Resolve complex or difficult human resources issues having broad potential impact.
• Understand and apply complex human resource related laws, rules, and policies.
• Interpret and apply concepts in the context of a dynamic workforce.
• Effectively manage competing priorities.
• Effectively communicate complex ideas and information orally and in writing regarding highly technical and sensitive matters to diverse groups of people.
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality at all times.
• Anticipate problems and use appropriate independent judgment during challenging situations.
• Understand the customer’s organization and mission and provide proactive guidance.
• Use appropriate channels of communication; foster effective working relationships, maintain composure during tense situations and propose solutions to resolve conflict.
• Develop and deliver HR-related trainings in area of expertise.
• Take action to learn and grow.
• Take action to meet the needs of others.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in human resources, social or organizational behavioral sciences, or related field.
• Six (6) or more years of recent direct experience as a Protected Leave Specialist or similar role in Washington State government.
• Certification as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).
• Certification through the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) as a Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).
• Understanding of Medicaid, Public Employee Benefits, and the mission and organizational structure of HCA.

About the Division of Legal Services

DLS provides centralized administrative and legal support to all divisions to mitigate risk, comply with changing state and federal laws, and assist HCA in accomplishing its goals. The HR office manages the agency’s people resources and all aspects of employment including: classification, compensation, recruitment and hiring, terms of employment, onboarding, HR data and reporting, labor relations, training, organizational development, DEI, protected leave, reasonable accommodation, employee relations, out-of-state telework, personnel policies, employee performance management, employment investigations, separation/offboarding, and unemployment.

The Washington State Health Care Authority:

Better Health. Better Care. A Healthier Washington

At HCA, we work to ensure people across Washington have access to high-quality health care. As the state’s largest health care purchaser, we serve nearly 3 million Washington residents through Apple Health (Medicaid), public and school employee benefits, and behavioral health programs. Together we’re building a stronger Washington.

More than a benefits package:

We want our employees to have the support, flexibility, and benefits they need to do their best work and build a career that works for their life. As a Washington State HCA employee, you’ll have access to a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, financial well‑being, and work-life balance. Our benefits are designed to support you today while helping you plan for the future. Learn more about why HCA by visiting the Voices of HCA and the "Who we are" section of our website.

Your total compensation is more than your paycheck:

• Remote work and flexible schedules
• Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and 12 paid holidays
• Paid Family and Medical Leave (PMFL)
• Retirement options to plan for the future
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Employee wellness programs
• Learn more about Washington State Employee Benefits

Work Location and Schedule:

This is a full-time 40-hour-per-week HYBRID position. You will report to the HCA office located in Olympia, WA 2 days a week and occasionally at other times to meet business needs for in-person work. Our standard business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with alternative work schedules considered based on business needs. When working in-person, you will work in a shared space, open office environment. In this role you’ll regularly collaborate with colleagues, Agency leaders, state and federal partners, and other external partners or customers. Occasional travel may be required for meetings, training, or other business needs. All employees are required to report to our Olympia office on their first and final day of employment.

Our commitment to an inclusive workplace

The Health Care Authority is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a workplace where employees are respected, included, and supported in bringing their experiences, perspectives, and ideas to work.

Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in how we work together and serve the people of Washington. HCA also supports five voluntary employee led Employee Resources Groups (ERGs), which create opportunities for connection, community, learning, and professional growth.

Veterans

We value the experience and skill veterans bring to the workforce and encourage veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses to apply. Eligible veterans may qualify for veterans’ preference in accordance with Washington State Law. If you are claiming veterans’ preference, be sure to attach your applicable DD-214 documentation to your application. Please redact your social security number, date of birth, and any other sensitive information before uploading and attaching the document.

Need accommodations or have questions?

If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact Angelic Matthews Human Resources Consultant - Recruiter at [e-mail] and reference the recruitment title and job number in the subject line.

Technical Support

Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.

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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