Absence & Disability Advisor (StratAdvsr1, Exempt BU-P)

Seattle, OR - USA

Yearly Salary: $ 108325 - 162488

Posted on: 2 days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Position Description

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking an experienced Absence & Disability Advisor (SA1) to join our Human Resources team. This strategic role is responsible for administering workers compensation programs coordinating return-to-work processes and managing ADA accommodations. The ideal candidate will provide expert guidance on complex absence and disability matters while ensuring compliance with federal state and City regulations. This position serves as a trusted advisor to employees managers and leadership promoting a culture of support accountability and regulatory compliance.

About Seattle Public Utilities:Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water drainage and wastewater and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPUs work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) checkout the:

SPU Website
Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits toOur City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting hiring and promotional opportunities. We know work isnt only about what you do its also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance including:

Hybrid work schedule opportunities
Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
Generous benefits package
Free public transportation options
City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Job Responsibilities

Program Administration & Compliance: Administer workers compensation return-to-work processes and ADA accommodations by coordinating all required interactive processes maintaining comprehensive documentation in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and ensuring confidentiality and appropriate handling of sensitive employee information in accordance with HIPAA ADA and other privacy regulations.
Consultation & Problem Resolution: Provide expert guidance and problem resolution to employees and managers on complex absence and disability matters including FMLA workers compensation ADA accommodations and Washington State Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) ensuring clear compliant and customer-focused solutions that balance organizational needs with employee support.
Stakeholder Liaison & Claims Management:Serve as the primary liaison with Seattle Human Resources (SHR) third-party administrators medical providers and other stakeholders on workers compensation claims ensuring timely claim management accurate documentation and proactive identification of trends or risks while partnering with employees supervisors and leadership on complex absence and disability issues.
Return-to-Work & Accommodation Coordination: Lead return-to-work initiatives and oversee ADA accommodation plans by developing and implementing modified duty programs conducting interactive processes evaluating accommodation requests coordinating with supervisors to identify suitable work assignments collaborating with medical providers monitoring employee progress and ensuring reasonable accommodations are implemented in accordance with applicable laws.
Data Management & Strategic Analysis: Maintain tracking reporting and recordkeeping systems aligned with City policies and regulatory standards analyze data and identify trends related to workplace injuries absences and accommodations to inform strategic decision-making and risk mitigation efforts generate reports on workers compensation trends and accommodation outcomes and support the development and continuous improvement of absence and disability policies procedures and best practices.
Training & Technical Support: Conduct training and provide technical assistance to managers and supervisors on absence management disability accommodation workers compensation procedures and related employment laws to enhance program efficiency compliance and overall program effectiveness.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:A bachelors degree in human resources Business Administration (with emphasis in Human Resources Healthcare or Risk Management) Healthcare Administration Vocational Rehabilitation Public Health Risk Management or a related field AND three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in human resources absence management disability management workers compensation administration or a related field.

Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in human resources absence management disability management workers compensation administration or a related field.

Experience must include managing leave of absence programs (FMLA ADA workers compensation) conducting interactive processes and coordinating workplace accommodations interpreting and applying employment laws and regulations and working with employees managers and external stakeholders on complex HR matters.

Desired Qualifications:

Experience in absence and disability management workers compensation or ADA accommodations; data analysis and risk mitigation; training development and delivery on leave management and ADA compliance.
Public sector or municipal government experience; experience with third-party administrators (TPAs) and workers compensation claim management systems.
Advanced knowledge of federal and state employment laws (ADA FMLA Washington State PFML WISHA workers compensation regulations).
Understanding of medical terminology functional capacity evaluations and workplace ergonomics; expertise in conducting interactive processes and evaluating accommodation requests; proficiency with HRIS systems (PeopleSoft Workday SAP) and case management software.
Strong analytical skills to interpret data and identify trends; excellent communication skills to explain complex regulations to diverse audiences; proven ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.
Strong customer service orientation; experience working with diverse populations and providing culturally responsive services; experience working collaboratively with union representatives and understanding collective bargaining agreements.

Additional Information

Workplace Schedule/Environment:

Hybrid schedule with remote work flexibility (minimum 3days/weekin-office). Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.
Work is performed both in an office environment and in a public setting.
Collaborative inclusive team environment

Application Requirement(s):

A complete NEOGOV/Government Jobs on-line application
Supplemental questionnaire responses
Attached Resume & Cover Letter describing your skills and experience in relation to this position.

Candidates submitting an incomplete Application Packages will NOT be considered

The salary range for this position is $108325.44 - $162488.16annually

This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records incompliance with Seattles Fair Chance Employment Ordinance SME 14.17. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

Benefits:The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation holiday and sick leave as well as medical dental vision life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their information about employee benefits is available on the Citys website at: may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply including people of color immigrants refugees women LGBTQ people with disabilities veterans and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race color creed national origin ancestry sex marital status disability religious or political affiliation age sexual orientation or gender identity.

If you have any questions please contact Erika Monroe at .

Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page Experience:

Unclear Seniority

Position DescriptionSeattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking an experienced Absence & Disability Advisor (SA1) to join our Human Resources team. This strategic role is responsible for administering workers compensation programs coordinating return-to-work processes and managing ADA accommodations. ...