HR Specialist

Description Since 1972, Therapeutic Health Services (THS) has provided evidence-based, culturally appropriate and compassionate behavioral health treatment, programs and services for children, youth, and families with substance use and mental health disorders. We are on the frontlines: Fighting the region’s opioid epidemic Providing behavioral health support for those experiencing homelessness Lowering barriers to behavioral health for youth and adults who have had challenges accessing quality care Specialists in serving the needs of the BIPOC and LGBTQIA communities A family of caring and compassionate providers dedicated to serving the most vulnerable in our community The HR Specialist is responsible for administering employee benefits, leave and disability programs, and compensation processes for a multi-site behavioral health organization. This position serves as a key resource for employees and managers, ensuring compliance with federal and state employment laws while delivering exceptional customer service and support. The HR Specialist partners closely with leadership to promote employee well‑being, operational efficiency, and organizational effectiveness. Reporting Relationship: Reports directly to the Sr HR Manager Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:00AM to 4:00PM Benefits Administration Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plans, EAP, FSA/HSA, COBRA, and voluntary benefits. Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefit questions, enrollment assistance, claims issues, and benefit education. Coordinate benefit enrollments, qualifying life events, terminations, and annual open enrollment activities. Maintain accurate benefit records and HRIS data related to benefits administration. Manage new hire benefit orientations and ensure timely enrollment of eligible employees. Reconcile benefit invoices and audit enrollment, payroll deduction, and carrier data for accuracy. Coordinate COBRA administration and ensure compliance with applicable continuation coverage requirements. Partner with benefit brokers, carriers, retirement providers, and third‑party administrators to resolve issues and improve service delivery. Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state regulations, including ACA, HIPAA, ERISA, COBRA, and other benefit‑related requirements. Support annual benefits renewals, reporting, audits, and compliance requirements. Develop employee benefit communications, educational materials, and wellness initiatives. Collaborate with payroll to ensure accurate benefit deductions, employer contributions, and related reporting. Participate in vendor evaluations, requests for proposals (RFPs), and benefits program implementation projects. Maintain confidentiality of employee benefits information and protected health information in accordance with organizational policies and legal requirements. Monitor benefit trends and recommend process improvements and program enhancements. Perform other duties as assigned Leave, Disability, and Accommodation Administration Administer all leave of absence programs, including FMLA, Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML), military leave, personal leave, and other protected leaves. Manage the full leave process, including eligibility determination, documentation, required notices, tracking, and return‑to‑work coordination. Coordinate short‑term disability, long‑term disability, workers' compensation, and other leave‑related benefits. Administer ADA accommodation requests and facilitate the interactive process with employees, managers, and healthcare providers. Review medical documentation and coordinate reasonable accommodations and return‑to‑work plans. Maintain leave, disability, and accommodation records in compliance with applicable privacy and employment laws. Provide guidance to managers and employees regarding leave administration, accommodations, and disability management. Track leave utilization and identify trends, risks, and opportunities for process improvement. Conduct training related to leave administration, accommodations, and employee rights and responsibilities. Perform other duties as assigned. Compensation Administration Administer compensation programs and support equitable and competitive pay practices. Conduct compensation analyses, salary benchmarking, and market pricing studies. Evaluate positions and assist with salary recommendations for hires, promotions, transfers, and retention initiatives. Support annual compensation planning, merit increase processes, and market adjustments. Maintain compensation structures, job classifications, salary ranges, and related records. Analyze compensation data and prepare reports to support workforce planning and leadership decision‑making. Ensure compliance with wage and hour laws, pay transparency requirements, and compensation regulations. Maintain and update job descriptions to accurately reflect organizational needs and compensation classifications. Perform other duties as assigned Requirements Associate degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; Bachelor's degree preferred. Three (3) years of progressively responsible HR experience, including benefits administration, leave management, or compensation administration. Experience administering FMLA, ADA accommodations, disability programs, and employee benefits required. Knowledge of federal and state employment laws and HR best practices. PHR, SHRM‑CP, or related HR certification preferred. CBP certification preferred. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills. Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Proficiency with HRIS systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and database reporting tools. Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information with discretion. Physical Requirements Ability to use a computer, telephone, and standard office equipment. Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and electronically. Ability to sit, stand, walk, and move throughout program locations as needed. Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds. Ability to travel between organizational sites and attend meetings as required. Ability to work in a behavioral health and social services environment. Benefits Are offered to all Full-Time & Part-Time staff. Employer paid medical/dental/vision insurance packages. Employer paid life insurance. 12 accrued vacation days per year. 12 days sick leave accrual per year. Mental Health Day. 1 Personal Day. 12 Paid Holidays. Flexible Spending Plan. 403(b) Retirement plan. Employee Assistance Program. Training Allowance/License Reimbursement. We are also a Second Chance Employer. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Accommodations may be provided in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value diversity in our workforce. #J-18808-Ljbffr