HR Sr. Workplace Accommodations Specialist

About the Role

Join Columbia Bank as a trusted expert helping employees and leaders navigate workplace accommodations and leave-related matters. In this highly collaborative role, you'll manage complex cases, provide strategic guidance on accommodation programs, and help ensure a fair, inclusive, and compliant workplace. You'll partner closely with leaders, Employee Relations, People Business Partners, and external stakeholders to create effective solutions that support both employees and business objectives.

At Columbia Bank, we believe that creating an inclusive workplace is essential to our success. As a Sr. Workplace Accommodations Specialist, you'll play a critical role in helping employees access the support they need to perform at their best while helping leaders navigate complex accommodation and leave-related situations with confidence. Your expertise will directly influence employee experience, operational effectiveness, and compliance across the organization. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by balancing employee needs, legal requirements, and business priorities in a thoughtful and solutions-oriented way.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the organization's subject matter expert on workplace accommodations, disability-related matters, and applicable leave laws.
• Manage complex, sensitive, and high-risk accommodation cases from intake through resolution.
• Partner with managers, People Business Partners, and Employee Relations to evaluate accommodation requests and identify effective workplace solutions.
• Lead the interactive process with employees and managers, providing education and guidance on rights, responsibilities, and available accommodations.
• Review and assess medical documentation to determine eligibility and identify reasonable accommodations.
• Communicate directly with healthcare providers, when appropriate, to obtain clarification and support informed decision-making.
• Develop recommendations that balance employee needs, business requirements, and legal obligations.
• Support program effectiveness through reporting, process improvements, training, vendor collaboration, and ongoing policy enhancements.
• Deliver education and training to leaders and teams on accommodation practices and intersecting leave laws.
• Stay current on federal, state, and local employment laws and regulatory requirements impacting workplace accommodations.

What Success Looks Like

• Employees and leaders receive timely, knowledgeable, and compassionate support throughout the accommodation process.
• Complex cases are resolved effectively while maintaining compliance and minimizing organizational risk.
• Strong partnerships are established with HR, Employee Relations, business leaders, and external stakeholders.
• Accommodation and leave programs operate efficiently, consistently, and in alignment with evolving legal requirements.
• Training, reporting, and process improvement initiatives contribute to a positive employee experience and operational excellence.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 6-8 years of experience administering workplace accommodations, disability programs, leave management, or closely related HR functions.
• Expert knowledge of federal and state disability and leave laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
• Demonstrated experience consulting with and influencing leaders on complex employee matters.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with employees, leaders, healthcare providers, and external partners.
• Proven ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Excellent organizational, critical thinking, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Human Resources, or a related field.
• Experience administering complex accommodation programs in a multi-state environment.
• Workday experience.
• Experience developing and delivering training programs.
• Background supporting process improvement and operational excellence initiatives.

Schedule

Ability to work fully onsite at posted location(s): 1301 A Street Tacoma WA 98402. Occasional travel may be required.

Pay

The pay range for this role is $85,000.00 - $125,000.00. The pay rate for the selected candidate is dependent upon a variety of non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, education, and geographic location. The role may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation, and those details will be provided during the recruitment process.

Benefits

We are proud to offer a competitive total rewards package including base wages and comprehensive benefits. Eligible associates receive:

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans).
• 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions.
• Employee assistance program.
• Life insurance and disability insurance.
• Tuition assistance.
• Mental health resources.
• Identity theft protection and legal support.
• Auto and home insurance, pet insurance.
• Access to an online discount marketplace.
• Paid vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and holidays.

Benefit eligibility begins the first day of the month following the date of hire for associates who are regularly scheduled to work at least thirty hours weekly.