About

ABOUT THE OFFICE

What is an Ombuds (ahm-buds)? What does the Paid Family and Medical Leave Ombuds do?

An Ombuds investigates, reports on, and helps settle complaints.

The Office of the Paid Family and Medical Leave Ombuds identifies and eliminates service deficiencies and continuously seeks to improve the Paid Family and Medical Leave insurance program. We advocate for the rights of Washington workers and employers who need help in their dealings with the Employment Security Department (the Department) and Paid Family and Medical Leave.

We work to improve Paid Family and Medical Leave by making recommendations based upon the results of complaint investigations in an impartial, efficient, and timely manner. We address concerns as quickly and efficiently as possible. We believe it is important for government to embody a culture of customer service and actively work with residents to solve problems.

Our office embraces the values of Ombuds work: impartiality, independence, confidentiality and informality.

Independence

Although the Office of the Paid Family and Medical Leave Ombuds is physically located in the Employment Security Department, the Ombuds is appointed by the Governor and serves as an independent third party to help workers and employers in their dealings with the Department.

The Office of the Paid Family and Medical Leave Ombuds is a neutral, independent third party and maintains full autonomy from the Department.

Confidentiality

The Paid Family and Medical Leave Ombuds maintains confidentiality of all records, materials, and information gathered in the course of providing services, unless disclosure is required by law.

Information about an inquiry or complaint will not be disclosed without your authorization, unless required by law.

Advocates, Not Lawyers or Legal Representatives

The Paid Family and Medical Leave Ombuds is impartial and works as an independent third party to help solve problems. We do not provide legal representation or legal advice. We help people understand how to navigate the Paid Family and Medical Leave insurance program and assist in solving problems.