Absence Management Advisor bei City of Seattle, WA

About the Department

The Absence Management Advisor is responsible for the efficient and compliant administration of employee leave and accommodation programs. This role plays a key part in enhancing leave management systems and processes, maintaining current policies and documentation, and driving clear, proactive communication across the organization. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong understanding of federal, state, and local leave laws; a commitment to providing excellent service to internal customers; and the ability to work collaboratively across the People & Culture team, City Light leadership, and partners in other City departments.

As a People Leader, the Absence Management Advisor will provide day-to-day supervision for two ADA/Leave Coordinators who: (1) deliver excellent customer service to more than 1,800 City Light employees; (2) administer City Light’s accommodations programs; and (3) partner with the City of Seattle’s Workers’ Compensation Unit to facilitate the return-to-work process. This position serves as a strategic leader within the Employee Relations team and reports to the People Relations & Partnership Director.

Position Duties

Seattle City Light values the unique skill set that an absence management professional brings to the utility. In partnership with a strong team of professionals, you will drive the operational strategy, administration, compliance, and end-to-end management of leave, reasonable accommodation, and return-to-work programs.

You will apply your advanced knowledge of job-protected leave and accommodation laws to provide oversight and strategic guidance, ensuring City Light’s compliant and effective administration of leave programs, return-to-work, and accommodation processes under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), Title VII, and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA).

You will be relied upon to develop data-driven process improvement initiatives and to provide training and guidance for employees and People Leaders navigating overlapping leave, accommodation, and return-to-work programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee program processes and communication to ensure quality service delivery, timely processing, and effective issue resolution.
• Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and best practices for absence management, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local legal requirements while supporting a positive workplace culture.
• Collaborate to address escalated employee issues involving absenteeism, return to work, accommodations, and other confidential or complex situations.
• Monitor trends and identify opportunities for program improvement, process efficiency, and policy enhancement.
• Recommend updates to current practices and develop new initiatives to ensure programs meet the needs of both the utility and its workforce.
• Collaborate with People & Culture Business Partners, leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth and efficient execution of leaves and accommodations, including coordination of return-to-work plans and education on leave and disability awareness programs.
• Manage a team of direct reports, including performance management, coaching, professional development, and employee engagement.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Qualifications: In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes and has:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. 
• Three (3) or more years of experience in leave administration, accommodations, or HR compliance in Washington State or another highly regulated U.S. jurisdiction.
• Two (2) or more years of supervisory or people management experience (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:   

• Professional experience in managing and/or administering return-to-work, leave, accommodations, work-injury claims, or other EEO programs, preferably in the public sector, with experience that includes budgetary and analytical duties. 
• Thorough knowledge of FMLA, Workers’ Compensation, Military Leave, ADA, PWFA, and other applicable federal, state, and local laws; advanced knowledge preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and confidently across all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated skill and sensitivity in working with others, with the ability to manage difficult or complex issues using professionalism and sound judgment.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with proven ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to build relationships, collaborate, and problem-solve effectively across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to providing a high level of service while adapting to shifting priorities and operational needs.
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility and empathy in the face of varied employee needs, while meeting regulatory requirements of complex programs
• Proficiency with computer databases and Windows-based software; ability to quickly learn new computer systems and programs.
• Experience developing or implementing data-driven improvements to HR processes, practices, or policies.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and safeguard sensitive information.

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.

Other Qualifications

The full salary range for this position is $50.08 to $75.12 per hour.

Application Process

Please submit the following with your online application:

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement.
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle City Light 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. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

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 dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers.