JOB SUMMARY
The Sr Absence Management Specialist leads complex casework, related to leave and/or ADA accommodations, and serves as a senior-level expert across all absence and/or accommodation programs. This role has responsibility for regular reporting, supporting vendor partnerships, compliance strategy, and process optimization. The Specialist manages the most complex, sensitive, or high‑risk cases and partners closely with People Business Partners, Employee Relations, and senior leaders.
About the Role:
- Independently manage complex leave cases and high‑risk scenarios (intermittent/continuous leave patterns, attendance intersection with performance issues, multi-state leave implications).
- Manage complex and high risk leave and/or accommodation cases, which may include multi-layered ADA situations, fitness‑for‑duty, multi-state leave implications and potential undue hardship determinations.
- Work closely with a third‑party administrator on daily case coordination, escalations, and data accuracy.
- Conduct full interactive processes with employees, managers, and healthcare providers.
- Serve as the senior-level expert on applicable leave and/or accommodation laws including but not limited to: ADAAA, FMLA, USERRA, state/local leave laws, and intersecting legislation.
- Interpret and apply regulatory requirements to novel or precedent-setting cases.
- Partner with Employee Relations and People Business Partners on sensitive issues, escalations, and recommendations that may result in corrective action, leave/accommodation denial, job placement, or separation.
- Lead policy updates, regulatory research, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Own absence and/or accommodation program reporting and case documentation; analyze trends and develop insights for leaders.
- Evaluate vendor performance, recommend improvements, and support RFP or vendor transition processes.
- Partner with HRIS/People Analytics to optimize workflows, dashboards, automations, and accuracy.
- Advise leadership on risk areas and long-term impact of absence- or accommodation-related decisions.
- Lead the design and delivery of enterprise-wide training (legal compliance, manager responsibilities, ADA/leave intersections).
- Influence stakeholders and ensure alignment across departments.
- Lead cross-functional projects involving leave program changes, new state plan implementation, technology upgrades, or organizational process redesign.
- May determine eligibility, recommend reasonable accommodations, and negotiate solutions balancing business needs and legal obligations.
- Demonstrates compliance with all bank regulations for assigned job function and applies to designated job responsibilities – knowledge may be gained through coursework and on-the-job training. Keeps up to date on regulation changes.
- Follows all Bank policies and procedures, compliance regulations, and completes all required annual or job-specific training.
- Maintain a working knowledge of Bank's written policies and procedures regarding Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, Bank Security, and other regulations applicable to this job description.
- May be asked to coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as subject matter expert.
- Actively learns, demonstrates, and fosters the Columbia corporate culture in all actions and words.
- Takes personal initiative and is a positive example for others to emulate.
- Embraces our vision to become “Business Bank of Choice”
- May perform other duties as assigned.
About You:
Education
- H.S. Diploma/GED required
- Bachelor’s degree in business or relevant field preferred
Experience
- 6-8 years' experience in absence management and/or related experience required
Skills
- Expert knowledge of federal and state disability and leave laws and regulations governing the workplace accommodation administration, specifically the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) and state paid leave plans required.
- Demonstrated consulting, advising, and influencing business leaders required.
- Demonstrated computer and technical skills including Microsoft Office Suite to include PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, Excel, and SharePoint required.
- Demonstrated verbal and written communication and strong interpersonal skills to effectively consult, advise, and communicate internally at all levels of the organization and externally with health care providers, vendors, and regulatory agencies required.
- Experience working independently, and as part of a team, establishing effective working relationships with colleagues both internal and externally required.
- Experience applying a high level of discretion and independent judgment, exercising confidentiality, and demonstrating respect and due diligence in sensitive situations required.
- Demonstrated organizational, time-management, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail required.
- Workday experience preferred.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Occasional
The pay range for this role is $85,000.00 - $125,000.00
The pay rate for the selected candidate is dependent upon a variety of non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, education, and geographic location. The role may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation, and those details will be provided during the recruitment process.
Primary Location: Ability to work fully onsite at posted location(s).
1301 A Street Tacoma WA 98402
Our Benefits:
We are proud to offer a competitive total rewards package including base wages and comprehensive benefits.
We offer eligible associates comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), a 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions, an employee assistance program, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition assistance, mental health resources, identity theft protection, legal support, auto and home insurance, pet insurance, access to an online discount marketplace, and paid vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and holidays. Benefit eligibility begins the first day of the month following the date of hire for associates who are regularly scheduled to work at least thirty hours weekly.
Our Commitment to Diversity:
Columbia Bank is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to employing, engaging, and developing a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other applicable protected status or characteristics. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview(s), please let us know by email: careers@columbiabank.com.
To Staffing and Recruiting Agencies:
Our posted job opportunities are only intended for individuals seeking employment at Columbia Bank. Columbia Bank does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies and Columbia Bank will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resume submissions. Staffing and recruiting agencies are not authorized to submit profiles, applications, or resumes to this site or to any Columbia Bank employee and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited unless requested directly by a member of the Talent Acquisition team.
