Human Resources Specialist - Leave & ADA

Support leave of absence case management and ADA accommodation compliance for represented and non-represented employees within the City of Bellevue.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact and subject matter expert for qualified continuous or intermittent leave requests and reasonable accommodation requests.
• Partner with the Assistant City Attorney on complex or high-risk leave and accommodation cases.
• Lead or contribute to HR operations process improvement initiatives related to accommodations and leave management.
• Manage the leave lifecycle from employee initial notice through return to work, including:
  • Gathering and completing required paperwork
  • Determining leave eligibility
  • Designating or denying leaves as appropriate
  • Requesting medical certification when needed
  • Recertifying leaves
  • Managing independent medical evaluation processes when required
  • Tracking and accounting for leave time used, including intermittent and reduced schedule leave usage
  • Performing audits
• Manage ADA workplace accommodation requests by:
  • Understanding job analysis to assess essential functions
  • Conducting meetings for the interactive process
  • Assessing accommodation needs and the department’s ability to reasonably provide accommodation
  • Managing documentation
  • Tracking accommodation status
  • Providing guidance to employees and recommendations to departments
• Communicate legal and technical process details in an empathetic, neutral, and clear manner.
• Deliver excellent customer service and ensure employees understand their responsibilities and documentation and notice requirements to qualify for and take leave.
• Advise managers on the leave and accommodation process and best practices.
• Maintain reasonable communication during leave to support a smooth, timely return to work; keep managers updated on leave status, changes, and work restrictions.
• Protect confidentiality of employee medical documentation and records.
• Maintain complete and accurate records, ensuring leave and accommodation requests (including intermittent and reduced schedule leaves) are processed accurately and timely, including notifying employees of expirations and recertification needs.
• Collaborate with city-wide departmental leadership and HR partners (HR Consultants, Benefits, Payroll, Risk/Workers’ Compensation, HRIS, and Legal) on leave and ADA accommodations, independent medical evaluations, performance issues, and related matters.
• Hold monthly meetings with department leadership experiencing high utilization and HR consultants to support smooth facilitation.
• Monitor continuation of group health plan benefits during leave per City policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements; collaborate with the Benefits Administrator on eligibility criteria changes.
• Document internal workflow processes and research, recommend, and streamline workflows to improve efficiency while maintaining consistency, compliance, and a positive employee and manager experience.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in human resources or a related field.
• Five or more years of experience administering federal and Washington state leaves of absence and ADA workplace accommodations, with working knowledge of best practices for leaves and accommodations.
• Or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Excellent organizational and prioritizing skills; detail oriented; ability to handle multiple tasks and assignments.
• Professional and personable; exercises sound judgment with sensitive and confidential matters.
• Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Self-starter with motivation and proactive work habits.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills; experience working with an HRIS and leave management software.
• Ability to build positive relationships across the organization and deliver consistent results as a subject matter expert.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and anticipate client needs, convey options, and make recommendations for implementation.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Certification in Human Resources or completion of specialized certification or training on FMLA/leave administration and ADA is preferred.

Technologies

• Microsoft Office
• HRIS
• Leave management software

Physical Demands

• Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms.
• Vision abilities required: close vision and ability to adjust focus.
• May be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 20 pounds.
• Noise level is usually moderately quiet.

Flexible/Hybrid Working

• Hybrid schedule available after an orientation period working in the office after hire.
• Hybrid position requires two onsite days per week.
• Remote work is subject to department operational needs and discussed with candidates during selection.
• Full-time remote work is not available.
• Once hired, employees must reside in the State of Washington and within reasonable commuting distance to Bellevue City Hall.

Hiring Process

• The City evaluates candidates based on information provided in the online application only.
• Do not submit resumes and cover letters.
• Applicants are screened anonymously; name, address, and other demographics are redacted from the application.
• Answer Supplemental Questions when requested (Questions tab of the posting).
• Resumes and cover letters are not accepted during anonymous application screening unless otherwise stated in the job description.
• Applicants advancing may be required to provide a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references.

Conditions of Employment

• Employment authorization and identity verification at time of hire are required.
• The City cannot sponsor work visas.
• References checks are required for all positions, including at least one prior supervisor.
• Some positions may require a criminal background check prior to start.
• Some positions may require obtaining a commercial driver's license (CDL), licensures, or additional certifications.

Location: Bellevue, WA (hybrid)

Compensation: USD 92,431 - 127,597 per year

Experience: 5+ years

Summary focus: Processes and supports leave of absences and ADA workplace accommodations, ensuring compliance with FMLA, Washington PFML, ADA, related employment laws, collective bargaining agreements, and City policies while maintaining accurate employee records.