Institutional ADA Officer - HR Leave Management

University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)•Galveston, TX

About The Position

The Institutional ADA Officer ensures institutional compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008. The officer serves as the primary contact for employees and senior leadership throughout the permanent and temporary accommodation process, manages temporary or modified duty cases with a focus on return to work, oversees the Texas Mother-Friendly Worksite Program, and serves as a resource for compliance related to student accommodations. The role facilitates accommodation requests for employees and applicants; manages the Leave as a Reasonable Accommodation Process; develops and maintains accommodation policies and practices; monitors relevant legislative and regulatory changes; and analyzes leave trends and operational risks. It also provides training, collaborates with institutional departments on access needs, safeguards ADA files, supports compliance reporting and complaint matters, and provides leadership to University committees addressing ADA issues. The position requires travel to work sites on campus and other Texas locations. The role may involve exposure to communicable diseases, bloodborne pathogens, radiation, hazardous medications, or disoriented or combative patients or others.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a clinical field, Human Resources, or a related field.
Five years of experience in leave administration, disability management, employee relations, HR compliance, or a related field.
Certified ADA Coordinator designation or comparable certification.
Knowledge of federal and state HR regulations, especially ADA accommodations and leaves of absence.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and accurately.
Ability to create and maintain professional relationships across organizational levels.
Ability to coordinate efforts with and influence stakeholders, including employees, HR business partners, and managers.
Ability to learn specialized computer applications.
Experience with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to travel to work sites within campus and other Texas locations.

Nice To Haves

Experience in case management.
Additional certifications such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, CLMS, or equivalent.

Responsibilities

Facilitate the interactive process for employees’ and applicants’ temporary and permanent medical accommodation requests, coordinating with relevant parties and adhering to disability and equal opportunity policies.
Manage the Leave as a Reasonable Accommodation Process to ensure ADA compliance and adherence to institutional policies and procedures, supporting safe and timely return to work.
Develop, implement, and maintain accommodation policies, procedures, and best practices.
Monitor legislative and regulatory changes affecting leave and accommodation programs and recommend policy updates as needed.
Analyze leave trends, identify operational risks, and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency and employee experience.
Provide or facilitate training and education for HR partners, managers, and employees regarding accommodation requirements and responsibilities.
Collaborate with Facilities, Patient Services, Leave Management, Student Services, and other areas to address access needs for employees, patients, and students.
Manage compliance with the Texas Mother-Friendly Worksite Program and associated pregnancy and postpartum accommodations.
Maintain and safeguard ADA files and provide data for institutional ADA compliance reporting.
Work with the Department of Internal Investigations and Office of Legal Affairs regarding complaints related to ADA compliance.
Provide leadership and guidance to University committees addressing ADA issues.
Adhere to internal controls and the reporting structure.
Perform related duties as required.