Leave and Disability Accommodation Specialist

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

UW Human Resources is hiring a Leave and Disability Accommodation Specialist to help University of Washington employees navigate leave and workplace accommodation needs arising from events such as medical conditions, welcoming a new child, or military service. The specialist serves as case manager for staff and student employee accommodation requests, coordinating the interactive process from start to finish. The role supports clear communication, provides resources, and ensures accommodations are understood, implemented, tracked, and followed up on. Reporting to the Manager for Leave and Disability Accommodation, the specialist works with HR Consultants, the Disability Services Office, and other experts. The specialist also provides expert guidance to assigned departments on leave administration, applying federal and state laws and University policies. Using Workday, the role administers leave programs across UW campuses, including FMLA, Family Care Act leave, military leave, shared leave, and disability leave. The position is regular and full-time, with a hybrid schedule requiring at least two days in the office per week. It is a first-shift position. The annual pay range listed is $90,552.00 to $90,552.00. UW describes its work environment as diverse and offers benefits and professional growth opportunities; details are available through the UW staff benefits page.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field; equivalent education and/or experience may substitute except where legal requirements apply.
At least three years of experience in a human resources setting, with specific experience in leave administration and/or disability accommodation.
Knowledge of federal and state regulations governing leave administration, including FMLA and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations.
Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply complex policies, including labor contract provisions and University programs, in problem-solving and client consultation.
Ability to exercise independent judgment when providing information and assistance, particularly in urgent or sensitive situations.
Tact and discretion in handling confidential medical information and sensitive issues.
Ability to maintain a professional demeanor while advising distressed individuals.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team and establish positive working relationships with colleagues and clients.

Responsibilities

Administer FMLA, Family Care Act leave, UW Parental Leave, Faculty Sick Leave, and Shared Leave for the Seattle, Tacoma, and Bothell campuses.
Assess medical documentation, determine eligibility, process leave requests, and ensure compliance with University, state, and federal requirements.
Communicate leave decisions through email, Workday, and other methods; maintain records; follow up on incomplete paperwork; and contact healthcare providers when necessary.
Advise and counsel staff, managers, and administrators on leave types, regulatory compliance, and policy requirements; provide training and consultations to departments as needed.
Manage temporary, short-term, and permanent workplace accommodation requests for employees with disabilities.
Interpret and apply relevant policies and collaborate with employees, managers, HR Consultants, and other partners to develop individualized accommodation solutions.
Prepare and manage disability leave correspondence, track deadlines, obtain necessary medical documentation, and follow up on accommodation implementation.
Maintain confidentiality and regulatory compliance, and develop case-management tracking methods and metrics for reporting.
Participate in team meetings to promote consistent decision-making and collaborate on process improvements.
Work with Risk Management on Workers’ Compensation cases, providing information about restrictions and potential accommodations; communicate new or updated information accurately and promptly to Risk Management, HR Consultants, and departments.
Collaborate with client departments, Employee and Labor Relations, the Disability Services Office, and subject matter experts to develop and deliver training on leave policies and accommodation processes.
Create and update online resources, forms, and templates supporting consistent communication and understanding of leave and accommodation procedures.
Perform other leave- and accommodation-related tasks and special projects, analyze processes, and recommend improvements; participate in cross-functional projects as assigned.