Senior Disability & Leaves Program Manager

County of San Mateo; Redwood City (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of San Mateo Human Resources Department seeks a dynamic leader to manage Workplace Accommodations and Leaves, overseeing ADA Title I accommodations, leave programs, and long‑term disability. You will partner with departments, labor relations, and legal to ensure compliant, fair, and efficient processes.

The role emphasizes policy development, training, confidentiality, and continuous improvement in a complex public sector environment. Strong communication and judgment are essential.

Qualifications

• Three years of progressively responsible professional experience administering ADA Title I reasonable accommodation, return-to-work, disability management, leave‑of‑absence, or closely related HR programs.
• Education, training, or coursework in human resources, public administration, business administration, disability management, employment law, or a related field.
• Experience in a federal, state, or local government agency or another large, highly regulated organization is strongly preferred.
• Experience developing and delivering training for managers and employees is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead, administer, and continuously improve County-wide ADA Title I reasonable accommodation, return-to-work, leave-of-absence, and Long-Term Disability programs.
• Serve as the principal resource for County departments, managers, supervisors, and employees regarding disability accommodation, medical and family leave, and return-to-work matters.
• Facilitate timely, individualized, good‑faith interactive processes; evaluate accommodation options; and work with departments to develop and implement reasonable accommodation plans.
• Coordinate return-to-work plans for employees recovering from work-related and non-industrial injuries or illnesses, considering medical restrictions, essential job functions, operational needs, and applicable legal requirements.
• Administer and interpret federal, state, and County leave provisions, including FMLA, CFRA, Pregnancy Disability Leave, military-related leave, paid family leave, disability-related leave, and other applicable protected and non-protected leaves.
• Oversee the County’s Long-Term Disability program, including recipient eligibility and tracking, payment-schedule coordination with the Controller’s Office, case review, program entries and exits, and opportunities to improve program efficiency and cost effectiveness.
• Develop, revise, and implement policies, procedures, forms, correspondence, tracking tools, and intranet content to promote consistent, accessible, and efficient program administration.
• Monitor changes in statutes, regulations, case law, and best practices; evaluate program impacts; and recommend policy, procedural, and operational improvements.
• Create and deliver practical trainings and presentations for managers, supervisors, employees, and HR staff on leave administration, disability management, reasonable accommodation, return-to-work responsibilities, and related topics.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and confidential records; prepare reports, metrics, and recommendations for Human Resources leadership and County stakeholders.
• Build effective partnerships with County departments and advise leadership on complex, sensitive, and high‑risk employee matters.
• Collaborate with the County Attorney’s Office on relevant administrative matters, investigations, claims, and litigation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Disability management

Leave administration

Employee relations

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Public sector experience

Tools

MS Office

Case management systems

Job description

The County of San Mateo Human Resources Department seeks a dynamic leader to manage Workplace Accommodations and Leaves, overseeing ADA Title I accommodations, leave programs, and long‑term disability. You will partner with departments, labor relations, and legal to ensure compliant, fair, and efficient processes.

The role emphasizes policy development, training, confidentiality, and continuous improvement in a complex public sector environment. Strong communication and judgment are essential.