Human Resources Associate

Kitsap Transit•Bremerton, WA

20h•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, perform, plan and/or assist in Human Resource functions which includes coordinating support for all medical leaves including Family Medical Leave Act qualifying absences, Washington Paid Family Medical Leave, disability plans and Workers Compensation. Effectively coordinate all leaves/claims to include general administration, comprehensive leave management and program compliance with all federal and state leave and employment laws.

Requirements

Associate’s degree or equivalent in Human Resources, business administration or a closely related field and three (3) years of in-depth Human Resources experience with a focus on program management experience in Human Resources functions such as leave management, workers compensation, etc. or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of Kitsap Transit operations, programs, policies and practices.
Knowledge of principles, practices and policies of public personnel administration, including leave administration, Workers Compensation, OSHA etc.
Knowledge of relevant local, state and federal employment laws.
Knowledge of current laws and legal issues in Human Resources.
Skill in maintaining confidentiality and sensitive information.
Skill in implementing, assessing and managing agency leave programs.
Skill in presenting information clearly and effectively orally and in writing.
Skill in working independently, addressing problems and tasks.
Skill in performing work on various projects simultaneously under strict timelines.
Skill in maintaining and evaluating records and preparing comprehensive reports.
Skill in gathering relevant data, analyzing problems, evaluating and making appropriate recommendations.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees and the public.
Skill in understanding, interpreting, and explaining programs, regulations, procedures and guidelines.
Skill in conducting insightful discussions.
Skill in using personal computer and office software including word processing, spreadsheets and database programs in a Windows-based operating environment.
Skill in problem solving, time management and prioritizing.
Skill in empathizing with employees as they go through possibly life altering circumstances.
Ability to analyze information and convert related activities into a comprehensive work plan.
Ability to communicate and make recommendations to Supervisor.
Ability to identify basic problems and procedural irregularities, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to multi-task and drive multiple projects.
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and tight deadlines.
Ability to deal with confidential information.

Responsibilities

Serve as the liaison between employees and their departments for all medical leaves and workers’ compensation claims.
Interpret and administer leave programs and policies in accordance with applicable federal and state employment laws (FMLA, WPFML, Pregnancy Discrimination Act, etc.).
Ensure that the workers’ compensation program is managed in accordance with applicable OSHA and workers’ compensation laws.
Administer all aspects of medical leave and workers’ compensation programs in a timely manner and in compliance with all applicable deadlines.
Provide extensive leave management and coordinate all administrative aspects of medical leaves and claims.
Conduct/coordinate investigations of all reported workers’ compensation claims.
Receive, coordinate, review, input and maintain the database for on-the-job injuries.
Ensure investigative paperwork is completed by employees and supervisors.
Coordinate and process Workers Compensation claims.
Communicate with employees, health care providers and third-party administrators regarding L&I claims and light duty; facilitate in placing the injured worker in the light duty job and monitor the return-to-work process.
Create and distribute the annual OSHA federal statistical reports.
Monitor and update the agency bulletin boards to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Provide substantiating documentation for the Department of Labor and Industries Stay At Work reimbursement program.
Independently approve and/or deny leave requests based on relevant medical information.
Coordinate and organize all medical information and ensure that HIPAA and Employee Privacy guidelines are closely monitored and effectively executed.
Ensure that all reportable workers’ compensation claims are submitted within 48 business hours from the date of the incident.
Manage all administrative aspects of leave and workers’ compensation claims to include tracking and ensure that paperwork submitted substantiates the need for leave.
Receive, review and process short- and long-term disability claims; communicate with and coordinate claims processing with insurance companies; review and approve/deny employee applications for self-insured portion of long-term disability claims.
Work closely with departments to ensure that all relevant completed medical documentation is submitted for timely review.
Maintain contact with employees on leave and coordinate all aspects of their return to work.
Work closely with supervisors and other department staff to identify, research and resolve leave-related issues.
Partner closely with other Human Resources staff on all leave issues and workers’ compensation claims.
Partner closely and contact other department staff regularly to review employees’ leave status and develop legally sound strategies for resolution.
Produce and manage reporting metrics and analytics for all leaves and workers’ compensation claims.
Gather and analyze data for trend analysis and present reports as requested.
Manage vendor relationships (Association of Washington Cities, Kaiser Permanente Occupational Medicine, etc.).
Ensure that Short-Term and Long-Term Disability claims are coordinated with FMLA, PFML or other medical leave programs.
Prepare and process HR related invoices and paperwork for submittal to the Finance department.
Provide back-up support for correspondence with the Employment Security Department and Secure Access Washington.
Review and suggest modifications to the agency’s medical leave and workers’ compensation programs for greater efficiency, quicker return-to-work and lower claim costs.
Perform other Human Resources related duties as assigned.