Workforce Availability Specialist

General Hybrid Work Statement:

This opportunity is a hybrid opportunity allowing for flexibility between virtual and in-person work subject to the Authority's telework policy.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate Degree in Business, Human Services, Human Resources or a related field.
  • In lieu of an Associate's Degree, a High School Diploma or GED and 2 years of experience in human resource policy administration, medical case management, claims administration, or experience in supporting employer programs which deal with leave and absences such as FMLA, workers' compensation and/or ADA required.

Experience

• A minimum two (2) years of experience with human resource policy administration, medical case management, claims administration, or experience in supporting employer programs which deal with leave and absences such as FMLA, workers' compensation and/or ADA.

Certification/Licensure

• N/A

Preferred

Experience

Mission Essential Designation:

In accordance with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) this job has been identified as critical to mission essential functions. Incumbents in this role may be required to report to or continue to work in the event of authorized office closings or service suspensions due to severe weather, natural disaster, fire, operational emergencies or related events.

SUMMARY

The Workforce Availability Specialist is responsible for supporting the effective and consistent administration of policies, work rules, and established procedures which are utilized by Operations to ensure workforce readiness and employee availability. This position provides administrative and technical assistance to internal business partners within Operations ensuring that all parties are able to properly fulfill Metro's obligations and ensure that employees are fit for duty, reporting to work as scheduled and have the appropriate credentials necessary to safely perform their essential job functions. The incumbent works with our internal stakeholders to prepare, schedule, document and track the status of all cases which are referred to Workforce Availability, to ensure that cases are updated timely and accurately and are brought to an acceptable resolution. Workforce Availability Specialists supporting the department of Operations may either be centrally located or may be co-located with the department that is being supported.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Monitors employee and department level compliance with policies and procedures related to Absenteeism , Return - to-Work, and Fitness for Duty programs.
• Works with department managers to update employee status information in the Authority's Human Capital Management system of record so that appropriate leave reasons and dates of leave are accurately recorded on employee job records.
• Prepares and presents timely reports on employee availability and long-term absence tracking efforts. OTHER FUNCTIONS
• Conducts training for current and newly hired supervisors and front line employees on policies related to excessive absenteeism and long term absence procedures.
• Ensures that division management appropriately tracks employee absences and applies the appropriate mitigation and disciplinary steps throughout the absenteeism process when employee demonstrates non-compliance.
• Validates that employees returning to work from long-term absences have passed the required positive return to work checks in place within Operations prior to performing safety sensitive work.
• Communicates with employees (verbally and in writing) to ensure that they are aware of attendance and return to duty requirements. Prepares memorandums, letters and other official communications which are used to inform employees of their responsibilities.
• Acts as a liaison between support offices, division management and the employees in order to ensure that each functional area has the appropriate level of information regarding an employee's absences from work (both short and long term). Ensures that documented information is sufficient, timely and complies with the medical standards.
• Reviews, collects and analyzes confidential and sensitive information related to employee's status and absence reasons. Ensures that all steps taken by management are in line with applicable state and federal guidelines and laws.
• Ensure that covered employees comply with Fitness for Duty program requirements, to include periodic safety sensitive medical evaluations and tracking, ensuring that employees who do not comply are identified and subsequently removed from service.
• Creates and maintains new referrals, interview notices and compliance documentation; validates that employees are compliant with follow up instructions that they are provided when necessary.
• Tracks and maintains electronic files and case records within current systems used to manage employee availability and ensures that as new information is received that it is appropriately categorized and provided to the appropriate Case Managers.
• Reviews employee work records and determines if the employee is compliant with Attendance Policy rules and refers cases of non-compliance to the appropriate internal work units.

The essential duties listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

Evaluation Criteria:

Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.

Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:

• Skills and/or behavioral assessment
• Personal interview
• Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)
• Criminal Background Check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)
• Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety sensitive positions)
• Review of a current motor vehicle report

Closing

WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.

This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.