Workplace Accommodations and Leaves Manager; and Promotional

The County of San Mateo Human Resources Department is seeking a dynamic, collaborative, and service-driven leader to join our team as the
Workplace Accommodations and Leaves Manager!

This high-impact position leads the County’s disability-management and employee-leave programs, helping employees navigate complex circumstances while supporting departments in meeting their operational responsibilities. The Workplace Accommodations and Leaves Manager serves as the County-wide subject matter expert for ADA Title I reasonable accommodations, the interactive process, return-to-work coordination, protected and non-protected leaves of absence, and the County’s Long-Term Disability program.

The successful candidate will balance sound judgment, empathy, confidentiality, and strong compliance expertise. They will partner closely with employees, departmental leadership, labor relations, Workers’ Compensation, Benefits, Payroll/Controller partners, medical providers, and County attorneys to resolve sensitive cases fairly, consistently, and efficiently.

Workplace Accommodations and Leaves Manager duties may include, but are not limited to

• Lead, administer, and continuously improve County-wide ADA Title I reasonable accommodation, return-to-work, leave-of-absence, and Long-Term Disability programs.
• Serve as the principal resource for County departments, managers, supervisors, and employees regarding disability accommodation, medical and family leave, and return-to-work matters.
• Facilitate timely, individualized, good‑faith interactive processes; evaluate accommodation options; and work with departments to develop and implement reasonable accommodation plans.
• Coordinate return-to-work plans for employees recovering from work‑related and non‑industrial injuries or illnesses, considering medical restrictions, essential job functions, operational needs, and applicable legal requirements.
• Administer and interpret federal, state, and County leave provisions, including FMLA, CFRA, Pregnancy Disability Leave, military‑related leave, paid family leave, disability‑related leave, and other applicable protected and non‑protected leaves.
• Oversee the County’s Long-Term Disability program, including recipient eligibility and tracking, payment‑schedule coordination with the Controller’s Office, case review, program entries and exits, and opportunities to improve program efficiency and cost effectiveness.
• Develop, revise, and implement policies, procedures, forms, correspondence, tracking tools, and intranet content to promote consistent, accessible, and efficient program administration.
• Monitor changes in statutes, regulations, case law, and best practices; evaluate program impacts; and recommend policy, procedural, and operational improvements.
• Create and deliver practical trainings and presentations for managers, supervisors, employees, and HR staff on leave administration, disability management, reasonable accommodation, return-to-work responsibilities, and related topics.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and confidential records; prepare reports, metrics, and recommendations for Human Resources leadership and County stakeholders.
• Build effective partnerships with County departments and advise leadership on complex, sensitive, and high‑risk employee matters.
• Collaborate with the County Attorney’s Office on relevant administrative matters, investigations, claims, and litigation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a trusted advisor who combines technical expertise with a respectful, employee‑centered approach. They are skilled at explaining complex requirements in plain language, guiding stakeholders through difficult decisions, and managing multiple cases with discretion and consistency.

The…