Protected Leave Specialist (HRC2) - Olympia

Protected Leave Specialist (HRC2) - Olympia

Salary

$61,332.00 - $82,440.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-06730

Department

Dept of Children, Youth, and Families

Division

Human Resources

Opening Date

08/19/2026

Closing Date

8/26/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Our vision is to ensure that "Washington state's children and youth grow up safe and healthy, thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community."

Job Title: Protected Leave Specialist (HRC2)

Location: Olympia, WA (This position is hybrid with periodic in-office presence required)

Telework: This position is currently designated as a telework position. Telework arrangements are subject to business needs and may change. You must be willing to report to the office for quarterly in-person meetings, IT or equipment support, or if the position is transitioned to an in-office work arrangement.

Closes: Wednesday, August 26th, 2026

Salary: $61,332 - $82,440 Annually

Were looking for a dynamic and high-performing person to join our team; someone who embodies DCYFs core values of inclusion, respect, integrity, compassion, and transparency. Someone who has excellent communication skills and can prioritize tasks and collaborate with team members as their workload evolves. Our vision is that "All Washingtons children and youth grow up safe and healthy - thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally; nurtured by family and community."

Click here to learn more about DCYF.

The Opportunity:

This position supports the agencys mission to protect children and strengthen families by providing independent professional Human Resource (HR) consultation, advice, and support to assigned regions or functional areas. You will consult with and provide assistance to managers, supervisors, and employees on a variety of HR matters, including DCYF policies and procedures, Civil Service laws (WAC), Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and laws and regulations related to protective leave. This includes the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML), pregnancy disability, domestic violence leave, and military leave. This role operates with general guidance from higher-level HR professionals.

Some of what you will get to do:

• Provide professional consultation to managers, supervisors, and employees on protected leave matters, including FMLA, PFML, pregnancy disability, domestic violence leave, military leave, and shared leave.
• Explain applicable state and federal regulations, agency policies and procedures, and Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA); anticipate needs and identify appropriate benefits and protections available to employees.
• Guide employees and supervisors through protected leave processes, including documentation requirements, required notifications, and determining FMLA eligibility through review of medical documentation.
• Facilitate and participate in interactive meetings with employees and management regarding protected leave matters and prepare necessary paperwork for management approval.
• Collaborate with higher-level HR Consultants on complex protected leave matters.
• Assist managers and employees with reasonable accommodation, return-to-work, and transitional duty processes, including participating in interactive meetings and consulting on workers compensation-related leave.
• Maintain accurate and confidential documentation in Medical/Affirmative Action (Med/AA), Workplace Claims and Accommodations Unit (WCAU), shared leave, reasonable accommodation, and other applicable files; track protected leave activity and ensure required records retention.
• Provide back-up support to Protected Leave Consultants across other coverage areas as needed.
• Provide guidance, support, training, and assistance to new and lower-level HR Consultants.
• Conduct HR-related research; compile and analyze reports and statistical data; review HR reports for quality assurance and process corrections as needed.
• Create and maintain confidential HR electronic files in compliance with personnel rules (WAC), agency policies, and Collective Bargaining Agreements.
• Compose HR-related correspondence and provide training and coaching on protected leave and other HR-related matters, as needed.
• Attend and actively participate in HR unit and HR Programs team meetings.

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree with focus on business, human resources, social or organizational behavioral sciences, or related field; AND One (1) year of professional human resource experience (professional human resource experience means working full time as a human resource professional performing HR functions).

OR

• Five (5) years of professional human resources experience, OR a mixture of relevant education and experience equaling five (5) years.

OR

• One (1) year as Human Resource Consultant 1 (HRC1).

AND

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.

• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to explain complex information, navigate difficult conversations, resolve conflict, and build collaborative relationships.

• Strong research, analytical, and independent decision-making skills, with the ability to identify solutions, provide proactive consultation, and recommend process improvements.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, maintain confidentiality, and effectively manage multiple competing and time-sensitive priorities with minimal oversight.

• Ability to support organizational change and provide training to managers and employees; proficiency with Microsoft Word and Outlook and the ability to use Microsoft Excel.

• Education must be with an emphasis on business or public administration, human resources, social or organizational behavioral sciences, or a related field from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Preferred Qualifications

• SHRM-CP/SCP, S/PHR, or other professional HR certification
• Professional experience providing consultation and administrative support within a Human Resources Office with regard to matters of protected leave.
• Six (6) months or more experience using HRMS.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite programs, including SharePoint.

How do I apply?

Complete your applicant profile on careers.wa.gov and attach the following documents:

• College Transcripts -If applicable. (An unofficial copy is acceptable for applying).
• Cover Letter (describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position).
• Resume

Supplemental Information:

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington's children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our goal to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you are excited about this role but you believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

Successfully complete, within mandated timeframes, employee orientation and all other mandatory annual, in-service, and other required training.

Degrees must be obtained from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or a foreign equivalent verified by a NACES-approved organization at naces.org. Foreign Equivalency certification must be attached to the application for degrees obtained outside the U.S.

Benefits eligibility for this position may be different than what's listed in the benefits tab of this recruitment announcement. For more information on employee benefits eligibility, visit: Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB).

If you would like to request an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact DCYF Recruiter. If youre experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at360-664-1960.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veterans Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, NGB Form 22, or Predischarge Certification (issued not more than 120 days prior to End of Term of Service (ETS) by date of submission). If claiming preference based on Predischarge Certification, the individual will be required to provide their official discharge documentation, such as a DD Form 214, NGB Form 22, or equivalent, within 30 days after the date of discharge. Please blackout (redact) the social security number before attaching any documents. For additional information on Veterans' Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

DCYF participates in the federal E-Verify program. The selected candidate must provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States, consistent with E-Verify requirements, on their first day of employment.

2026-06730

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. Thats 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

01

Which of the following best describes how you meet the required qualifications for this position?

• I have a bachelors degree with a focus in business, human resources, social or organizational behavioral sciences, or a related field AND at least one (1) year of professional human resource experience.
• I have at least five (5) years of professional human resource experience.
• I have a combination of relevant education and professional human resource experience totaling at least five (5) years.
• I have at least one (1) year of experience as a Human Resource Consultant 1 (HRC1).
• I do not meet any of the above requirements.

02

How much professional experience do you have providing consultation and/or administering protected or medical leave, such as FMLA, PFML, pregnancy disability, domestic violence leave, military leave, shared leave, and/or reasonable accommodations?

• No experience
• Less than six (6) months
• Six (6) months to less than one (1) year
• One (1) year to less than two (2) years
• Two (2) years to less than three (3) years
• Three (3) years to less than four (4) years
• Four (4) or more years

03

Which of the following best describes your level of professional experience with protected leave and/or reasonable accommodation matters?

• No experience - I have not performed this type of work.
• Support - I have provided administrative or procedural support related to protected leave and/or reasonable accommodations.
• Working - I have independently processed protected leave and/or reasonable accommodation matters using established policies and procedures.
• Skilled - I have independently advised employees and/or managers, reviewed documentation, determined eligibility or applicable requirements, and guided protected leave and/or reasonable accommodation processes.
• Advanced - I have independently handled complex protected leave and/or reasonable accommodation matters, interpreted applicable laws and policies, facilitated interactive discussions, and provided recommendations or consultation to management.

04

Which of the following best describes your professional experience interpreting and applying HR-related laws, rules, policies, procedures, and/or Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA)?

• No experience - I have not performed this type of work.
• Limited - I have used established HR policies or procedures with guidance from others.
• Working knowledge - I independently apply established HR policies, procedures, laws, rules, and/or CBAs in my work.
• Skilled - I regularly interpret and apply HR laws, rules, policies, procedures, and/or CBAs and explain requirements to employees or managers.
• Advanced - I independently interpret complex requirements, provide consultation to management, and make or recommend decisions based on applicable HR laws, rules, policies, procedures, and/or CBAs.

05

Please select the areas of protected leave, medical-related leave, and/or accommodation in which you have professional experience. Select all that apply:

• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
• Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)
• Pregnancy disability
• Domestic violence leave
• Military leave
• Shared leave
• Reasonable accommodations
• Return-to-work and/or transitional duty
• Workers compensation-related leave
• None of the above

06

Please briefly describe your professional experience providing consultation or support related to protected leave and/or reasonable accommodations. Include the types of leave or accommodation matters you handled, your level of responsibility, and your experience interpreting or applying applicable laws, rules, policies, procedures, and/or Collective Bargaining Agreements. The experience described must be reflected in your application. Do not type "See Resume" or "See Application." If you do not have this experience, type "N/A."

07

Which of the following best describes your experience communicating complex or sensitive information to employees, managers, or other customers, particularly when the information may be difficult to understand or the individual may disagree with the outcome?

• No experience - I have not been responsible for these types of conversations.
• Limited experience - I have participated in these conversations with guidance or support from others.
• Working experience - I independently explain complex or sensitive information and respond to questions or concerns.
• Skilled - I regularly navigate difficult or sensitive conversations, adapt my communication to the audience, clarify complex information, and work through concerns or disagreement.
• Advanced - I regularly manage highly complex or sensitive conversations, de-escalate conflict, build understanding, and guide employees or managers toward productive solutions while maintaining professional working relationships.

08

Please provide an example of a time you provided professional consultation to an employee, supervisor, manager, or other customer regarding a complex or sensitive issue. Describe the situation, how you assessed the issue, the guidance or information you provided, and how you worked with the individual to address their needs or concerns. Your response should clearly identify your individual role and actions. Do not type "See Resume" or "See Application."

09

Do you have six (6) months or more of experience using a Human Resources Management System (HRMS)?

• Yes
• No

10

If claiming veterans preference in obtaining state employment, have you attached a redacted DD214, NGB22 or Predischarge Certification validating service type and discharge.

• Yes - DD214/NGB22
• Yes - Predischarge Certification (issued not more than 120 days prior to End of Term of Service (ETS) by date of submission).
• N/A

11

How did you hear about this career opportunity (select all that apply)?

• Washington States career website: www.careers.wa.gov
• Washington State Work Source office or website (Go2WorkSource.com)
• Washington State employee
• DCYF Recruiter
• College/university career fair or website
• Diversity network meeting/event
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• ZipRecruiter
• Handshake
• Other

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov