Leave Administration Supervisor (HRC4)

About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible for planning, designing, building, and operating an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking a people-focused, senior-level advisor to serve as the Leave Administration Supervisor within the Statewide Human Resources and Safety Team. Reporting to the Internal EEO Manager, this position leads the daily administration ofthe agency’s Leave Administration Program and provides expert guidance on WSDOT’s most complex medical, family, and military leave cases, identifies risks, and recommends improvements to policy, processes, and training.

This role supervises Senior HR Consultants and directs the daily work activities of Leave Administration team members responsible for processing employee leave requests; and ensures consistent interpretation and application of leave laws across the agency. Working with a high level of independence, this position analyzes complex issues, interprets laws and policies, and makes sound decisions that directly support WSDOT’s strategic goals. Most importantly, this role helps ensure employees receive the leave and accommodation protections they are entitled to, supporting both employee well-being and the long-term resilience of the agency. The position also provides Internal EEO programmatic support and may serve as Acting Internal EEO Manager when needed.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Leave Administration Supervisor will:

• Serve as the Leave Administration Program’s senior-level advisor.
• Administer protected leave policies and oversee the agencywide application of federal, state, and agency leave entitlements.
• Supervise, coach, performance manage and direct the daily work activities of Leave Administration team members.
• Provide expert consultation, guidance, and analysis of the EEO regulatory frameworks and processes that apply to the program.
• Manage and facilitate the interactive reasonable accommodation (RA) process.
• Mitigate potential risk and ensure compliance, including relevant out-of-state leave programs applicable to employees working across state lines to ensure compliance with multi-state regulations and requirements.
• Independently manage, maintain, process, and monitor a caseload of leave requests; determine leave eligibility, prepare paperwork, evaluate medical documentation, designate leave entitlements, and communicate approvals.
• Plan, organize, and provide operational coverage for team members during approved leave including, assigning, assuming, and managing caseloads.
• Generate, review, and analyze leave management reports.
• Conduct case audits to maintain data integrity, reporting metrics, support reconciliation efforts, identify emerging risks, and monitor compliance.
• Recognize and consult with the Internal EEO Manager when working on complex cases.
• Ensure Leave Administration practices align with EEO standards and equity principles.
• Assist with the development, maintenance, and management of leave and medical databases, files, and tracking mechanisms; coordinate with IT/HR partners to ensure data integrity and system functionality.
• Correspond with external entities.
• Safeguard sensitive information.

Qualifications

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

• Employee & Labor Relations Expertise: Demonstrated ability to independently advise and consult with managers and employees on complex and sensitive employee and labor relations matters, protected leave, reasonable accommodation, performance management, workplace issues, and compliance with employment laws and policies.
• Leave Administration & Accommodation Management: Proven ability to manage a high-volume, complex caseload involving ADA accommodations, FMLA, and other protected leave types, including evaluating confidential medical documentation, determining eligibility and entitlements, identifying risks, and implementing appropriate accommodations. Demonstrates care, empathy, and equity principles when evaluating requests and communicating respectfully with others.
• Regulatory Interpretation & Compliance: Demonstrated expertise in analyzing, interpreting, and applying federal and state laws, civil service rules, collective bargaining agreements, and agency policies to ensure consistent, compliant, and equitable outcomes.
• Analytical Thinking & Risk-Based Decision Making: Strong ability to research, analyze, and resolve complex issues with significant legal, operational, or organizational impact; exercising sound independent judgment while appropriately escalating high-risk or precedent-setting matters.
• Leadership & Staff Development: Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to lead, coach, mentor, and develop professional HR staff; conduct quality assurance reviews and case audits; and effectively recommend and support personnel actions in a compliance-driven environment.
• Supervision & Team Management: Experience supervising or leading staff, including performance management, workload prioritization, training, and professional development to ensure high-quality and consistent program delivery.

• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Multi-State Leave & Regulatory Expertise: Demonstrated ability to advise on and administer complex leave programs across multiple jurisdictions, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML), and Paid Leave Oregon (PLO); with the ability to interpret, analyze, and apply compliant, cross-jurisdictional practices.
• Public Sector HR Knowledge: Experience applying human resources principles within a public sector environment, including advising management on employee relations matters and interpreting civil service rules, collective bargaining agreements, and personnel policies to ensure consistent and legally compliant outcomes.
• Labor Relations & Performance Management Application: Demonstrated ability to apply labor relations principles and performance management practices to address employee performance concerns, ensuring alignment with policies, employment laws, and progressive discipline processes.
• HR Systems & Technology Proficiency: Proficiency in utilizing HR systems and technology, including HRIS platforms (e.g., applicant tracking, leave management, learning management, and performance systems), to support efficient program administration and data-informed decision-making.
• Digital Collaboration & Productivity Tools: Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and virtual collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams) to effectively communicate, manage workflows, and support remote or hybrid work environments.
• Professional HR Certification: Possession of a recognized HR certification (e.g., PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP), demonstrating a commitment to professional development and applied HR knowledge.

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.
• To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the “Contact Us” section of this posting.
• 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 offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees mayearn 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 recruiter listed.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, at amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference Leave Administration Supervisor #05576 in the subject line.

Salary

• $75,108 - $100,980/year

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026