Institutional ADA Officer - HR Leave Management

UTMB Health•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 role serves as the primary contact for employees and senior leadership throughout the permanent and temporary accommodation process, manages temporary or modified-duty cases with an emphasis on return to work, oversees the Texas Mother-Friendly Worksite Program, and serves as a resource for compliance related to student accommodations. The position requires a bachelor's degree in a clinical field, Human Resources, or a related field, five years of relevant experience, and a Certified ADA Coordinator designation or comparable certification. The role requires knowledge of federal and state HR regulations, particularly ADA accommodations and leaves of absence, strong communication and relationship-building skills, the ability to coordinate with and influence stakeholders, and the ability to learn specialized computer applications. Work includes travel to worksites within campus and other Texas locations. The employee may be exposed to communicable diseases, bloodborne pathogens, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, hazardous medications, and disoriented or combative patients or others. Salary is commensurate with experience.

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 worksites 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, ensuring coordination and compliance with disability and equal opportunity policies.
Manage the Leave as a Reasonable Accommodation Process to support ADA compliance, institutional policies and procedures, and safe, 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 improve efficiency and employee experience.
Provide or facilitate training and education for HR partners, managers, and employees on 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 on 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.