Human Resources Consultant - Leave and Accommodation

PIERCE COLLEGE
A Community College District in Puyallup and Lakewood, Washington
invites applications for the position of:

Human Resources Consultant - Leave and Accommodation SALARY: $4,509.00 - $5,229.00 Monthly
$54,108.00 - $62,748.00 Annually OPENING DATE: 08/03/21 CLOSING DATE: 08/17/21 05:00 PM POSITION SUMMARY: The mission of Pierce College is to create quality educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world.

Recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the Top 10 community colleges in the nation, Pierce College is an innovative and equity-focused community college dedicated to helping all students achieve their academic and professional goals. This is Pierce College’s second time as an Aspen Prize top finalist. Check out our Aspen Institute Award for Community College Excellence.

Please note
Human Resources is transitioning back to working in the office at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom after more than a year of primarily-remote work. One or two days in the office per week will be required at first (other days remote). This will increase over time. Health and safety precautions are in place.

About the District
The College enjoys a strong presence in the community and participates in numerous partnerships with business, community, government, and educational organizations. The campuses have modern facilities that include state-of-the-art teaching and learning spaces; an immersive, full-dome digital planetarium; child development centers; and health education centers, all with a beautiful view of nearby Mount Rainier. Want a feel for our District? Take a peek at our campus views!

Pierce College Fort Steilacoom

• Located on a beautiful 140-acre site adjacent to a 340- acre community and recreational park, and Waughop Lake.

Pierce College Puyallup

• Located on a lush 125-acre wooded site with beautiful spaces for exploring.

Pierce College at JBLM

•  Located at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord military sites, serving many of our military and active duty families serving our country.

Job Summary
The HR Consultant is a senior-level human resources advisor who independently performs professional-level human resource assignments, primarily focusing on leave and reasonable accommodation. Under general direction, independently provides direction and counsel to internal customers regarding complex human resource management issues which require the application of professional judgment. The work requires providing excellent customer service in-person, by phone and email to both internal and external customers. This work requires regular and consistent attendance. This position actively supports and engages in Pierce College’s goals for equity and inclusion in order to provide access and support for our diverse community of learners. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Leave Administration

• Administer leave programs, including: Family and Medical Leave (FMLA), WA Family Care Leave, pregnancy disability leave, military leave, and shared leave, in accordance with federal and state laws, Pierce College policies and procedures, and collective bargaining agreements. 
• Explain leave options and procedures to employees and supervisors. 
• Determine employee eligibility for leave and track leave use.
• Respond to Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML) inquiries from WA Employment Security and Pierce College employees. 
• Explain how PFML works with other leave entitlements to employees and supervisors and coordinate tasks as needed between employees, supervisors, and Payroll in order for leave to process correctly.
• Communicate with employees, supervisors, or health care providers regarding necessary medical documentation and the status of the employee’s situation. 
• Create and maintain leave information for employees on the Pierce College intranet/web site.

Reasonable Accommodation

• Coordinate the interactive process for reasonable accommodation with employees and supervisors in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), WA Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), and Pierce College policies and procedures. 
• Identify the essential functions of the employee’s position in consultation with the supervisor. 
• Work with other HR staff to track accommodations provided, including any equipment or expenditures involved.
• Communicate with employees, supervisors, or health care providers regarding necessary medical documentation and the status of the employee’s situation. 
• Create and maintain accommodation information for employees on the Pierce College intranet/web site.

Human Resource Projects

• Design and develop or take an active role in the design and development of various HR programs and initiatives, such as onboarding and district-wide equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts.  

Departmental Support

• Provide back-up human resource assistance and services to employees, applicants, and general public.  
• Respond to inquiries and provide information in writing (including email) and/or by telephone; develop, modify and maintain HR forms, reports and other documents using Microsoft Word and Excel; perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: Required Education

• An Associate's Degree OR some college credit AND equivalent work experience in Human Resources.

Required Experience

• Two years of successful Human Resource experience, including leave administration and reasonable accommodation under the ADA.
• Familiarity with PeopleSoft software.

Computer Skills

• MS Excel skills to create and manipulate large or complex spreadsheets using complex mathematical formulas to calculate data and link worksheets, and import data from other sources.
• MS Word skills using standard functions to create, format, edit, preview, print and save documents; use mail merge.
• Database skills to create simple tables, queries, data entry forms and/or reports.

Core Competencies
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Traits & Characteristics:

• Communication: Effectively communicates by actively listening and sharing relevant information with coworkers, supervisor(s) and other external constituents to anticipate problems and ensure effectiveness of the District; clearly and effectively communicates with individuals and groups within and outside of the organization verbally and in writing.

• Adaptability & Flexibility: Adapts to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilities; responds positively to change, embracing and using new practices or values to accomplish goals and solve problems. Changes behavioral style or method of approach when necessary to achieve a goal; adjusts style as appropriate to the needs of the situation. Responds to change with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn new ways to accomplish work activities and objectives.

• Customer Service: Establishes and nurtures relationships with stakeholders, regularly inviting feedback and suggestions; strives to anticipate, identify, understand and be responsive to customer needs and expectations; delivers products and services when and where the customer needs them; explores options when unable to deliver and pursues solutions until the customer is satisfied; ability to work cooperatively with and offer assistance to others; ability to predict potential problems and offer solutions.

• Explain Complex Information: Knowledge of applicable federal, state regulations, and college policies and procedures, with the ability to interpret and apply those regulations; ability to explain complex or technical information regarding rules, rights, regulations, policies, procedures, programs, or services to answer questions, resolve problems, communicate decisions or actions.

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Uses critical, creative, and reflective thinking skills to identify problems, analyze and evaluate various solutions, implement solutions, and monitor their effectiveness; ability to analyze data and resolve problems; Sees opportunities for creative problem solving while staying within the parameters of good practice; generates unique but workable and useful solutions to difficult problems.

• Ethics and Integrity: Earns the trust, respect and confidence of coworkers and customers through fairness, truthfulness, honesty, sensitivity, reliability and professionalism in all interactions; builds and maintains the trust of others; willing to maintain the highest level of confidentiality at all times.

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Has an understanding of antiracist policy development coupled with the skills to eliminate barriers that harm underrepresented people, and verbal and nonverbal communication skills in interaction with those who are culturally different from one's self. Able to work with culturally diverse groups toward a common goal by involving, including and valuing others; able to productively engage in cultural conflicts that occur between individuals and groups.

• Teamwork: Works cooperatively with others as an active member of a team; listens and responds honestly and constructively to their team members’ ideas; is open with other about concerns; provides assistance to others as needed; works for solutions that all team members can support.

• Job Management: Takes responsibility for own work performance and balancing critical job requirements; initiating and completing work; managing time/conflict/stress; uses systems to organize, prioritize, and keep track of information and/or work in progress; maintain accurate and complete electronic and manual records; exhibits attention to detail; ability to multi-task in a high pressure environment.

• Technical Expertise: Demonstrates appropriate depth of knowledge in assigned areas; takes initiative to learn about software and its efficiencies.

1. MS Excel skills to create and manipulate large or complex spreadsheets using complex mathematical formulas to calculate data and link worksheets, and import data from other sources.
2. MS Word skills using standard functions to create, format, edit, preview, print and safe documents; use mail merge.
3. Database skills to create simple tables, queries, data entry forms and/or reports.
4. Outlook:  Ability to compose, send, and respond to electronic email and utilize functions such as calendars and meeting requests.

Special Requirements and/or Conditions of Employment

• The successful candidate must consent to and pass a criminal background check after a conditional offer of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability to perform in this position.
• Ability to regularly travel between work sites in Puyallup, Lakewood, and access Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Application Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must:

• Meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.
• Complete the online application profile at https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr.
• Apply for the specific job opening.
• Upload (attach) a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement. At Pierce College, we value cultural humility and vulnerability in individuals who bridge diverse backgrounds and perspectives in support of academic equity and excellence. In your cover letter, please address how you will support the mission of Pierce College to create quality educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world. Please include in your response how your previous education and/or professional experience contribute to your effectiveness in promoting a climate of student success for a diverse community of learners. (Cover Letter)
• Upload (attach) detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience. (Résumé)
• Transcripts are not required in order to apply for this position; however, if you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to bring copies of unofficial transcripts showing completion of the required level of education. Please upload current copies of your transcripts, if available. Unofficial copies of all college and university transcripts must include degree received and conferral date. International transcripts must include a foreign transcript evaluation. For a list of approved credential evaluation services visit: www.naces.org/members.htm (Unofficial transcripts acceptable for application process; official transcripts required upon hire). (Transcripts)
• Upload (attach) a list of at least two professional references with names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. Letters of recommendation will not be
• accepted. (References)
• Provide a response to the following question. (Supplemental Question)

1. How do you conceptualize the relationship between equity, diversity and inclusion and excellence? Please limit your response to a maximum of 500 words.

Special Note
To ensure consideration, application materials should be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.

Terms of Employment
This is a full time (40 hours per week) classified, overtime-exempt position with Pierce College District. The primary work location will be at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom, but infrequent travel to Pierce College campuses or sites may occur. Work hours are between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. These positions may be subject to reassignment between campuses or sites.

Salary & Benefits
The starting salary range of this position is $4,509.00 - $5,229.00 a month (dependent upon qualifications), with annual periodic increments up to $6,063.00. However, your paycheck is just part of the total compensation package. There is an outstanding benefits package which is worth an additional value equivalent to about 30% of your salary. A comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance. Life and long- term disability insurance plans; vacation, sick and personal leave; reduced tuition; and retirement benefits are also provided. For more information, please visit our Benefits and Leave website at: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr-benefits.

Physical Work Environment
This position works indoors in an office environment. During this time, core staff approved by their supervisors to come onto campus are covered by a safety plan that follows social distancing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) protocols. This includes minimizing close contact by limiting time on campus; conducting meetings virtually; and implementing other creative strategies to reduce the density of employees on campus to keep everyone safe.

Reasonable Accommodation
Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the application and employment process will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible. Requests should be made to the District Human Resources Office by calling 253-964-7342. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state's free telecommunication access service.

Screening & Interview Process
Only those candidates who have complied with the application process and meet the required qualifications will be considered. Following the review of application materials, the most qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Check the email account you used for the application process for communication regarding the status of your application. Application materials submitted to Pierce College are the property of the College and will not be returned.

Please note
This is a competitive selection process. Your application materials will be reviewed and evaluated based on the minimum qualifications listed for the position. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the District's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 4 to 6 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include written, oral and performance examinations, and final interviews.

Conditions of Employment
An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the District to sponsor an H-1B visa. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.

Pierce College has adopted a Drug Free Workplace policy. As a condition of employment, employees must agree to abide by the requirements established in that policy.
 
Bargaining Unit
This position has been designated as a bargaining unit position represented by the Washington Public Employee Association (WPEA).

Equal Opportunity
The Pierce College District is an equal opportunity employer. The Board of Trustees and Pierce College District are committed to providing equal opportunity and will not discriminate in terms and conditions of employment and personnel practices. Decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal.

For more information about this position or assistance regarding your application, contact Human Resources at: jobs@pierce.ctc.edu.

Questions regarding equal employment opportunities or discrimination may be directed to the following:

Sean Cooke, Title IX Coordinator 
(253) 840-8472

Holly Gorski, Vice President for Human Resources
(253) 964-6519

Paula Henson-Williams, District Affirmative Action Officer
(253) 864-3229


    APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT:
https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr

9401 Farwest Drive SW
Lakewood, WA 98498
253.964.7342

jobs@pierce.ctc.edu

 

 

Human Resources Consultant - Leave and Accommodation Supplemental Questionnaire   * 1. How do you conceptualize the relationship between equity, diversity and inclusion and excellence? Please limit your response to a maximum of 500 words.

* Required Question