Protected Leave and Accommodations Specialist (HRC3/ERD)

Salary : $67,992.00 - $91,464.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-04501
Department: Health Care Authority
Division: ERD
Opening Date: 05/29/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step


Description
Protected Leave and Accommodations Specialist (HRC3/ERD)

71114378

This recruitment will be used to fill multiple positions.

This recruitment is posted continuously. Application review will begin on 6/8/26 and you are encouraged to submit your application materials as soon as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to close the posting at any time once a selection has been made.
The Protected Leave and Accommodations Specialist provides expert-level HR consultation to directors, managers, supervisors, and employees on legally protected leave programs, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Washington's Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML), reasonable accommodations, and workers' compensation. This position involves independent caseload management and requires deep knowledge of WACs, RCWs, Collective Bargaining Agreements, and other related policies. Based in Olympia, this position will be eligible to telework part-time upon successful completion of in-person training.
All HCA employees will apply an equity lens to their work, which may include but is not limited to all analyses of core business and processes.
About the division:

Human Resources is an organizational section within the Employee Resources Division (ERD) of the Health Care Authority (HCA). ERD ensures that employees have the services, tools, and resources needed to support the agency's mission and goals. The Protected Leave & Accommodation Manager team provides professional, senior-level human resource services in the areas of protected leave, including Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Washington's Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, and other statutorily protected leaves such as reasonable accommodation, worker's compensation, and related programs.
About the position:

This position consults with and assists directors, managers, supervisors, employees, and human resource colleagues, and provides expert level consultation, interpretation, and explanation of WACs, RCWs, Collective Bargaining Agreements, policies, and procedures related to eligibility for the various types of legally protected leave and related benefits available to agency staff, as well as the interactive reasonable accommodation process. The position is responsible for independent caseload management of these programs and benefits.
This position is eligible to telework part-time but is frequently required to report on-site to meet business need. The default assigned work location of all Health Care Authority (HCA) positions - both on-site and telework eligible positions - is within the State of Washington. This position reports to Olympia, WA. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. All agency employees are required to report on-site in Olympia on their first and last days of employment to pick up and return state-issued equipment, regardless of telework status or location.
Duties
Some of what you will do:

• Determine FMLA eligibility and conduct the approval and designation process in accordance with FMLA requirements and agency policies, procedures, and practices.
• Provide consultation and required notifications regarding PFML to employees, including making accurate determinations regarding the protected status of any PFML planned or taken.
• Identify appropriate types of protected leave that may apply to individuals, based on their specific situations. Explain processes for requesting protected leave, including documentation required and approval period. Add value to employees and management by anticipating needs and suggesting appropriate benefits and protections for which staff are eligible.
• Notify employees and management of approvals and conditions for use of protected leave. Provides timely notification regarding depletion of protected leave options and consultation on next steps.
• Advise employees and management regarding leave sharing programs, including application processes and criteria for approval and use of donated leave. Process and tracks cases, in accordance with various Washington State Shared Leave programs.
• Facilitate the interactive RA process for routine accommodations. Provide support for complex and contentious cases, such as those that may lead to reassignment or disability separation.
• Proactively advise and consult with HCA management, health care professionals, and HR colleagues to identify the need for or changes in accommodation, to assess reasonableness of requested accommodations, and to obtain required supporting medical information.
• Draft summaries of interactive RA processes and agreements as well as voluntary and involuntary medical employment actions on behalf of the Appointing Authority.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding employee health conditions, sharing information on a need to know and authorized to know basis.
• Independently maintain complete, appropriate, and accurate records for case management and monitoring, legal compliance and defensibility for assigned caseload of staff requesting RA, FMLA, PFML, and other forms of protected leave, and Shared Leave, ensuring documentation is created, updated, distributed, and archived or retained as appropriate.
• Communicate and coordinate with HR staff on a regular and ongoing basis to ensure consistency in consultation and advice within areas of expertise. Maintain working relationships with agency staff and management, Union organizations and their representatives, and a variety of professionals to obtain services and provide consultation, share information, and coordinate work activities.
• Assist in the development and presentation of training for management and staff within areas of expertise. Attends training and reviews legislation, laws, and regulations to keep up to date in assigned program areas.
• Assist in the management of workers' compensation claims, helping injured workers to return to work as soon as medically appropriate, including coordination with L&I claim managers, medical providers, supervisors, and injured workers to ensure efficient and timely management of workers' claims and the facilitation of the employee's return to work.
• Partner with the agency's Ergonomics Specialist and Facilities Team to coordinate ergonomic assessments and adjustments and to implement facilities-based and ergonomics-based accommodations for disabled and injured workers, requiring onsite activity.

Qualifications
Required qualifications:

Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:

Option 1 :

Bachelor's degree in human resources, social or organizational behavioral sciences, or related field and two (2) years of broad-based professional human resources experience that includes experience with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and reasonable accommodation, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), worker's compensation programs, and other legally protected leave types.

Option 2 :


Associate degree in human resources, social or organizational behavioral sciences, or related field and four (4) years of broad-based professional human resources experience that includes at least two (2) years' experience with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and reasonable accommodation, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), worker's compensation programs, and other legally protected leave types.

Option 3 :


Six (6) years of broad-based professional human resources experience that includes at least two (2) years' experience with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and reasonable accommodation, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), worker's compensation programs, and other legally protected leave types.
Required competencies:

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Preferred qualifications:

Demonstrated Ability to:

• Resolve complex or difficult human resources issues having broad potential impact.
• Use independent judgment during challenging situations.
• Anticipate problems and influence new ways of thinking.
• Communicate with compassion and empathy, as well as clarity and firmness when facing emotional situations.
• Assess problems and propose actions and resources to accomplish change and gain agreement.
• Listen to and understand individual employee situations and customer's organizational/business needs to provide proactive and sound guidance.
• Create and maintain accurate records with strong attention to detail.
• Assess and advise on relative risk associated with proposed courses of action.
• Present complex ideas and information in a way that is understandable and appropriate for the audience.
• Use appropriate channels of communication. foster effective working relationships. propose solutions to resolve conflict.
• Develop and deliver HR related trainings.
• Analyze, interpret, and apply HR data, laws, regulations, and policies in a fast-paced work environment.
• Effectively communicate orally and in writing regarding technical and sensitive matters to diverse groups of people.
• Prioritize workload to ensure legal compliance and responsive customer service. and
• Recognize when to seek assistance and/or elevate issues to supervisor.

How to apply:

Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach in separate files:

• A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position
• Current resume

To take advantage of veteran preference , please do the following:

• Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
• Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Supplemental Information
About HCA:

Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid). the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs. and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.

What we have to offer:

• Meaningful work with friendly co-workers who care about those we serve
• A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered
• A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options.
• A great total compensation and benefit package
• A safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby.
• And free parking!

Notes:

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.

HCA is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. HCA has five employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with HCA's mission. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Studies have shown women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons of disability are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. Persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are also encouraged to apply. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at .Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Lisa Fleming at View phone number on click.appcast.io or
The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an All applicants with a in the United States are encouraged to apply.
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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 (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 (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 , 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

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
01


I acknowledge that this position will be eligible to telework after successful completion of training, but is typically required to report on-site 2-3 business days per week to meet business needs (Olympia, WA). I also acknowledge that telework is a privilege and may be revoked at any time.

• Yes
• No

02


Please select the highest level of education that you have completed:

• High school graduation or equivalent
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree or higher
• None of the above

03


Which of the following best describes your professional human resources experience?

• I do not have this experience
• Less than 1 year
• More than 1 year, but less than 2 years
• More than 2 years, but less than 4 years
• More than 4 years, but less than 6 years
• More than 6 years

04


Which of the following best describes your professional experience with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), worker's compensation programs, and other legally protected leave types?

• I do not have this experience
• Less than 1 year
• More than 1 year, but less than 2 years
• More than 2 years

05


If you indicated you have the experiences noted in the above questions, please explain how, where, and when you gained this knowledge and experience (must be reflected in the work experience of your application). Do not state "see resume" or copy and paste that material. If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.
06


Do you have the ability to take action to learn and grow?

• Yes
• No

07


Do you have the ability to take action to meet the needs of others?

• Yes
• No

08


If hired for this position, do you currently possess required documents to allow you to legally work within the United States? The attached link lists acceptable documents:

• Yes
• No

09


Will you require sponsorship for an employment-related immigration benefit, either now or in the future?

• Yes
• No

10


I acknowledge that I have included at least three references, and that I have uploaded a cover letter and resume in the attachments section of my application.

• Yes
• No

Required Question