What are the responsibilities and job description for the Protected Leave & Accommodation Manager (WMS2/DLS) position at Washington State Health Care Authority?
Description
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Supplemental Information
- Cover letter: describing your qualifications for this specific position
- Resume: that details your applicable experience and education.
- 3 Professional References: References must be entered directly into the designated references section of your application. We require 3 professional references including at least one current or recent supervisor.
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 Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
Salary : $89,412 - $125,184