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Leave and Accommodation Specialist
Seattle, United States
Job Description
As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
The Leave and Disability Accommodation Specialist ensures that University of Washington employees receive the support they need when life events—such as medical conditions, welcoming a new child, or military service—impact their work.
Reporting to the Manager for Leave and Disability Accommodation, and in collaboration with HR Consultants, the Disability Services Office, and other experts, the specialist is the case manager for staff and student employee accommodation requests, ensuring the interactive process runs smoothly from start to finish. This includes clear communication with employees and departments, providing resources, and ensuring accommodations are implemented and tracked effectively. By fostering a supportive environment, the specialist helps both employees and departments understand the terms of accommodations and feel comfortable with the interactive process.
Leave and Disability Accommodation Specialists utilize their comprehensive knowledge of federal and state laws, and university policies to provide expert guidance on staff, student employee and academic personnel leave administration to their assigned departments. Using Workday, the specialist administers various leave programs, including FMLA, Family Care Act leave, military leave, shared leave, and disability leave, across all UW campuses.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Leave Administration
Lead the administration of FMLA, FCA, UW Parental Leave, Faculty Sick Leave, and Shared Leave for Seattle, Tacoma, and Bothell campuses. This includes assessing medical documentation, determining eligibility, and processing requests while ensuring compliance with University, state, and federal requirements. Communicate decisions through email, Workday, and other methods, and maintain records, following up on incomplete paperwork and contacting healthcare providers when necessary. Advise and counsel staff, managers, and administrators on leave types, regulatory compliance, and policy requirements. Serve as an expert resource, conducting training and consultations for departments as needed.
Disability Accommodation & Case Management
Manage workplace accommodation requests for employees with disabilities, covering temporary, short-term, and permanent accommodations. Use sound judgment to interpret and apply relevant policies, and collaborate with employees, managers, HR Consultants, and other partners to develop individualized solutions. Prepare and manage disability leave correspondence, track deadlines, and ensure timely follow-up on accommodation implementation, including obtaining necessary medical documentation. Maintain confidentiality and compliance with federal and state regulations, and develop case management tracking methods and metrics for reporting.
Program Coordination and Collaboration
Actively participate in team meetings to ensure consistency in decision making across the institution and collaborate on process improvements. Work with Risk Management to facilitate Workers’ Compensation cases, providing information about restrictions and potential accommodations. Ensure accurate and timely communication with Risk Management, HR Consultants, and departments when new or updated information becomes available.
Training and Communications
Collaborate with client departments, Employee and Labor Relations, the Disability Services Office and other subject matter experts to develop, design, and deliver training for employees, supervisors, and managers on leave policies and accommodation processes. Create and update online resources, forms, and templates to support consistent communication and understanding of leave and accommodation procedures.
Other Duties
Perform additional tasks related to leave and accommodation policy, processes, or special projects as needed, including analyzing and recommending process improvements. Participate in cross-functional projects as assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources or related field.
- At least three years of experience in a human resources setting, with specific experience in leave administration and/or disability accommodation, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Knowledge of federal and state regulations governing leave administration, including FMLA and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with diverse populations.
- Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply complex policies, including labor contract provisions and University programs, in problem-solving and consulting with clients.
- Proven ability to use independent judgment when providing information and assistance, particularly in urgent or sensitive situations.
- Demonstrated ability to use tact and discretion when handling confidential medical information and addressing sensitive issues.
- Capacity to maintain a professional demeanor while advising distressed individuals.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team, establishing positive working relationships with colleagues and clients.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Hybrid work schedule, at least 2 days in office per week
Compensation, Benefits and Position Details
Pay Range Minimum:
$68,664.00 annualPay Range Maximum:
$79,560.00 annualOther Compensation:
Benefits:
For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/Shift:
First Shift (United States of America)Temporary or Regular?
This is a regular positionFTE (Full-Time Equivalent):
100.00%Union/Bargaining Unit:
Not ApplicableAbout the UW
Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.
UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
Our Commitment
The University of Washington is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu .
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law .
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