Benefits Specialist - Leave and Safety Programs job in Bellingham

The Human Resources department is currently recruiting for a Benefits Specialist - Leave and Safety Programs. For full job posting and to apply, visit www.cob.org/employment.

***This position is open until filled with a first review on January 31, 2022 at 4:30 pm. The position may be closed at any time following the first review. ***

The current full salary range for this position is $5,770/month - $7,014/month. Placement within the range is based on qualifications and professional experience in accordance with City policy.

Mayor Seth Fleetwood announced on September 21, 2021 that obtaining full COVID-19 vaccination no later than December 3, 2021 will be a condition of employment for all City employees. You can read the full announcement here.

JOB SUMMARY:

Works collaboratively, but independently under general supervision in carrying out complex work in administering leave and safety programs such as Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (WAPFML), the accommodation process under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Drug Testing and Workers’ Compensation programs. Provides direct service to employees. Works closely with Human Resources colleagues, payroll staff, and department managers to ensure coordination of leave and workers’ compensation programs administered by the City. Stays informed of new employee leave and safety-related laws, regulations and trends. Works in a highly sensitive public setting with a variety of statutes, regulations and collective bargaining agreements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:

Leave Programs:

1. Administers leave programs and policies in accordance with federal and state employment laws (e.g. FMLA, ADA, USERRA, WAPFML, Pregnancy Discrimination Act), City of Bellingham Policies and Procedures and Collective Bargaining Agreements.
2. Serves as subject matter expert for Citywide leave programs under the general direction and guidance of Human Resources Department leadership. Takes a lead role in interpreting and implementing new leave laws, policies and processes.
3. Reviews and approves/denies leave requests based on relevant medical information, military orders or other criteria to ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies, procedures and collective bargaining agreements. Works directly with City employees to ensure all relevant documentation is submitted for timely review. Consults with Benefits Manager to resolve complex leave requests as necessary.
4. Coordinates administrative aspects of leave including ensuring appropriate and timely communications and notifications and tracking hours used/taken. Works closely with HR Account Managers, Department Managers, Timekeepers and Payroll to ensure that leave tracking and pay for City employees on leave is accurate and correct.

ADA Accommodation:

1. Coordinates the reasonable accommodation process under the ADA and applicable City policy. Collaborates with the Legal Department, HR Account Managers and department managers in engaging in the interactive process of evaluating requests for accommodation, identifying accommodation options and assisting with implementation of reasonable accommodations.

Workers’ Compensation:

1. Implements the City’s self-insured industrial insurance program in accordance with relevant statutes related to industrial insurance. Serves as main point of contact with the City’s third-party claim administrator and coordinates administration of claims.
2. Responsible for the day-to-day operation of workers’ compensation program functions including: claim filing; records retention; reviewing and authorizing payment vouchers; implementing and assisting in preparing the Workers’ Compensation budget. Collaborates with payroll staff in ensuring appropriate coordination of workers compensation benefits and leave use.
3. Coordinates the implementation of early return-to-work opportunities including job accommodation and alternative job placement, working with Human Resources Account Managers and department managers as needed.
4. Ensures OSHA compliance including Form 300 and works with third party vendor to ensure accurate and timely posting of annual OSHA 300A. Extracts statistical data from payroll software as needed for annual reporting.
5. Presents cases at Labor and Industries claim conferences, formal hearings, board appeals and mediations, with assistance of counsel when necessary.

General:

1. Receives and distributes monthly selections for DOT Random Drug Testing and maintains as appropriate for records retention. Ensures results are received in a timely manner and distributes results as needed.
2. Performs or directs the work of assigned staff to organize, update, maintain, purge and archive databases, files, records and other documents according to guidelines. Ensures maintenance of confidential information in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
3. Serves as HR representative on City-wide Central Safety Committee in reviewing Accident Hazard Reports.
4. Develops policies, procedures and guidelines; recommends changes to HR leadership. Participates in the implementation or communication of approved policies and procedures.

ADDITIONAL WORK PERFORMED:

1. Performs other related work of a similar nature and level.
2. May supervise lower classified staff, as assigned.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in an office environment with occasional fieldwork where City field or satellite work is conducted. Works extensively at a computer workstation. Occasional overnight travel to conferences and training sessions. May be required to work evening and weekend hours, as assigned.

Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job, including:

• Frequently operate a computer;
• Frequently communicate over the phone and in person;
• Move between work sites;
• Occasionally transport objects up to twenty-five pounds.