Leave Benefits Policy Advisor

Leave Benefits Policy Advisor

The King County Department of Human Resources (DHR) has an immediate need for a seasoned professional to serve as the Leave Benefits Policy Advisor to provide countywide leave benefits policy expertise and guidance to all Executive departments and oversee the creation and maintenance of standardized processes and procedures for all County leave benefits. This position serves as a key advisor to the Executive Branch, on projects and issues that have a profound and enduring impact on how the County manages leaves.

As HR policies pertaining to leaves are amended via Executive directive or Council ordinance, or new benefits are implemented through legislation at the local, state, or federal level, this position will be a key advisor on implementation and policy revisions in addition to any amended or new benefit oversight resources. This position will provide leadership regarding countywide leaves benefits and represent DHR in a variety of settings across all Executive departments.

As a key member of DHR's Policy Team, the individual we seek will be relied on to provide knowledge and expertise about leaves policies, strategic planning, labor and employee relations, and processes and procedures to human resources professionals, county management, and executive staff.

Successful candidates will be able to clearly demonstrate the skill and ability to:

• Conceptualize, establish, and maintain countywide policies, practices, processes, and procedures that support countywide leave benefit functions and compliance.
• Coordinate the development, review, and revision of leaves policies, systems, and strategies.
• Recommend and draft changes to King County Code to support changes.
• Create resource guidance to promote accurate delivery and accounting of employee leave entitlements (such as leave guides, forms, FAQs, etc.).
• Evaluate new legislation for impact on leaves benefits.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and lead the consultation of leave benefits to department human resources professionals, which includes but is not limited to, Family and Medical Leave, Paid Sick Leave, WA Paid Family and Medical Leave, and Paid Parental Leave.
• Co-Supervise the Benefits Project Manager IV and work related to leave benefit programs in collaboration with the Benefits, Payroll and Retirement Operations Section Manager.
• Provide advice to human resources professionals and leadership on leaves policy, strategic planning, labor and employee relations, and countywide system development needs, which may involve applying or tailoring methods and procedures to a variety of situations.
• Research complex leaves legal problems and collaborate with the Prosecuting Attorney's Office and Labor Relations to evaluate the impacts of recommended approaches.
• Direct Labor Relations on required changes to CBAs based on new laws, etc.
• Direct and provide oversight to team(s) engaged in special studies and projects affecting departments or countywide leaves benefits, policies, and processes.
• Testify before legislative committees, at hearings, and/or at arbitrations as an expert witness.
• Assist human resources professionals and executive management in addressing sensitive, or controversial employee leaves issues. Prepare recommendations for executive management.
• Proactively identifying and responding to trends, problems, and issues.
• Coordinate continuous improvement.
• Assist with other Policy team subject areas as needed.
• Provide coverage and backup function for peer positions.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned, provided they fall within the general scope and level of this position and classification.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, law, or social science with emphasis in management, organizational theory, or a related field; AND
• Five years of increasingly responsible experience in human resources and/or public sector management with a leaves focus; OR
• Any combination of education and extensive human resources experience, which may include providing legal advice to human resource professionals, that…