Leaves & Benefits Coordinator

About the role

This position serves as the primary subject matter expert and administrator for leave of absence, workplace accommodation, and employee benefit programs across a multi-site public regional district. Reporting directly to the Human Resources Director, the Leave & Benefits Coordinator provides district-wide guidance to ensure program administration remains compliant, consistent, and supportive of the employee experience. Operating under limited supervision, this role manages the complete lifecycle of leave requests, leads the interactive process for disability accommodations, oversees benefit continuation and vendor relationships, and interprets complex regulations alongside collective bargaining agreements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and administer district-wide leave programs, including federal FMLA, Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (WA PFML), and contractual leaves; track balances, evaluate overlapping entitlements, and manage return-to-work protocols.
• Direct the interactive accommodation process under ADA guidelines; analyze medical documentation, evaluate essential job functions, and collaborate with staff and supervisors to implement reasonable workplace accommodations.
• Administer employee benefit programs, manage benefit continuation during leaves of absence, coordinate COBRA processes, and resolve vendor service or administrative issues.
• Serve as the district-wide advisor for leave, accommodation, and benefit policies, interpreting federal, state, and local regulations, organizational policies, and labor agreements.
• Analyze program utilization, leave trends, and operational data; recommend policy and process enhancements; and implement system updates or vendor transitions.
• Develop educational resources, workshops, and guidance materials to improve supervisor and employee understanding of leave rights and benefit options.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field (additional relevant experience may substitute for education).
• 3+ years of progressive HR experience directly administering leave of absence programs, workplace accommodations, and employee benefits.
• In-depth knowledge of federal and state leave laws (including FMLA, ADA, and WA PFML) and benefit compliance frameworks.
• Proven experience navigating the interactive accommodation process and reviewing confidential medical documentation.
• Proficiency with Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), benefits administration portals, and data reporting tools.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret collective bargaining agreements and public-sector employment regulations.
• High degree of discretion, tact, and judgment when handling sensitive medical and personnel records.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Retirement
• Paid leave programs

Pay

Salary range: $85-110k DOE