Human Resources Consultant 3 – Leave Administrator

About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a Human Resources Consultant 3 – Leave Administrator to join our team in Lacey, WA. In this role, you will serve as a subject matter expert in protected leave, ensuring employees receive timely, accurate, and compliant support during critical life events. You will independently manage complex leave cases, interpret federal and state regulations, and provide trusted guidance to employees and leadership across the agency. Your work plays a key role in supporting employee well-being, ensuring legal compliance, and fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace.

This position contributes directly to the agency’s strategic plan by ensuring thorough adherence to policies, rules, and regulatory compliance measures and work is performed to expected standards to support Washington’s long-term resilience. This position helps ensure employees are afforded rights to legally protected leave types and/or reasonable accommodation entitlements; thereby assisting in protecting and improving the health of all WSDOT employees.

What to Expect

This role offers a balance of independent case management and collaborative consultation in a fast-paced environment. You will work with confidential information and support employees navigating complex and often sensitive situations.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• Serve as senior advisor for the Leave Administration Program; and process requests for protected leave including FMLA, Paid Family and Medical Leave, military leave, and other applicable leave laws such as shared leave. 

• Provide expert consultation, guidance, and analysis of leave laws, policies, and compliance requirements across federal, and multi-state frameworks. 
• Independently manage a caseload by determining eligibility, reviewing medical documentation, designating leave, and communicating decisions. 

• Review, evaluate, and process employee requests to receive or donate Shared Leave.  

• Coordinate the return-to-work process for employees returning from leave; review medical documentation, fitness for duty requirements, and assure appropriate clearance is obtained; and communicate with HR, payroll, and leadership. 
• Develop and deliver training and guidance to employees, supervisors, and HR partners on leave programs and requirements. 
• Support reasonable accommodation processes, including evaluating leave as a potential accommodation and participating in the interactive process. 

• Maintain accurate records, ensure data integrity, and uphold confidentiality of sensitive information.

To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

• Human Resources Expertise: Progressive experience in a broad-based human resources role providing independent consultation and guidance to managers and employees on complex and sensitive matters related to employee relations, labor relations, protected leave, and/or reasonable accommodation. 
• Protected Leave Expertise: Demonstrated experience managing processes and carrying a caseload related to ADA accommodations, FMLA, or other protected leave types; to include but not limited to evaluating and assessing confidential medical documentation, designating leave entitlements, identifying risks, and/or accommodations. Experience with HRIS (tracking system, leave management system, learning management system, etc.). 
• Independent Judgement and Analysis: Demonstrated experience analyzing, applying, interpreting, and advising on state and federal leave laws, policies, civil service rules, collective bargaining agreements, policies, procedures, and best practices. Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment, while meeting deadlines. 
• Service Oriented: Willingness to take action to meet the needs of others; possesses strong interpersonal skills to be able to work with managers and employees on issues that are often sensitive and confidential in nature. Demonstrated skill in conflict resolution and ability to support employees by navigating emotionally charged situations involving distressing situations, and sensitive medical information. 
• Strategic Communication: Demonstrates care, empathy, and equity principles when evaluating requests and communicates respectfully with others. Establish collaborative workplace relationships, encourage teamwork, and establish trust and credibility with others. Strong communication skills, both in written and verbal forms, to prepare letters, reports, spreadsheets, training, and deliver presentations. Strong interpersonal skills to be able to work with managers and their employees on employee requests and issues that are often sensitive and confidential in nature. 
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth. 
• Time Management: Independently prioritize workload, multi-task, and meet necessary and/or reasonable timelines. 

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Public Sector HR Experience: Applies HR practices within a public sector or similarly regulated environment.
• Multi-State Leave Expertise: Interprets and applies multi-state leave laws and programs.
• Military Leave Knowledge: Advises on military leave, job protection, and reemployment rights.
• Shared Leave Administration: Manages shared leave programs and related processes.
• Technical Proficiency: Uses HR systems and tools, including Microsoft Office and virtual collaboration platforms.

Important Notes 

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is eligible for remote work up to 100%, per supervisor approval.
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code. 
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Why WSDOT 

• Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.  
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.  
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information. 

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible. 

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment. 

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Rachel.Giese@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-05585 in the subject line.