Reasonable Accommodation Specialist

State of Texas Open Data Portal•Houston, TX

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Reasonable Accommodations Specialist is selected by and responsible to the Civil Rights Manager, Operations Director and/or designee. This position is part of the HHSC Civil Rights Office, which falls under the Office of Chief Counsel (OCC). The CRS performs in a progressively consultative, professional and technical capacity and coordinates planning, developing and administering the Civil Rights Program in compliance with applicable federal/state civil rights laws, specifically relating to the Civil Rights Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, etc. Works under general supervision, exercising considerable independence. Responsibilities include provides advice and counsel to employees regarding civil rights issues specifically related to reasonable and religious accommodation requests, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and other related legislation and civil rights issues. Primarily processes reasonable accommodation requests for Health and Human Services, Department of State Health Services, and Department of Family and Protective Services. Provides technical support to managers regarding civil rights issues including accommodation for employees with disabilities, based on religion, or medical conditions related to pregnancy. Provides managers with information about civil rights laws. legislation and methodologies that assist in promoting a nondiscriminatory environment. Conducts civil rights compliance reviews for client service programs administered by the system as described in applicable federal and state statutes and HHS policy. Conducts mediation sessions and prepares resolution agreements. Serves as a neutral facilitator of communication to resolve employment-relation disputes. Investigates employment discrimination complaints. Prepares detailed and comprehensive investigative reports. Some travel may be required. Provides civil rights training. Performs other duties as may be assigned or identified.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience in human resources, employment investigations, employee relations, reasonable accommodation requests, ombudsman, management or another related field.
Experience in managing a caseload or multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment.
Experience in mediation, conflict resolution, or problem solving.
Knowledge Of: And ability to interpret applicable federal and state laws pertaining to federal and state legislation, especially Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act of 1983, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and related executive orders and EEO guidelines
Knowledge of: The reasonable accommodation process
Knowledge of: The causes and effects of discriminatory practices
Knowledge of: HHSC, DFPS or DSHS programs, policies, functions, and objectives
Knowledge of: Planning and coordinating civil rights activities
Skill In: Investigative methods
Skill In: Presenting ideas and information
Skill In: Human relations and counseling
Skill In: Problem solving and conflict resolution
Skill In: Counseling and ability to relate to employees at all levels
Skill In: The use of personal computer and software, including SharePoint, OneDrive, Outlook, Teams and Word.
Skill In: Interpersonal relationships including the ability to work with people under pressure, negotiate among multiple parties, resolve conflicts, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with various levels of stakeholders within and outside of agencies
Ability To: Effectively communicate orally and in writing.
Ability to: Attend work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and perform other duties as assigned.

Nice To Haves

Education and work experience can be substituted on a year-for-year basis if you have work experience in human resources, employment investigations, employee relations, reasonable accommodation requests, ombudsman, management or another related field.

Responsibilities

Provides technical assistance to executive staff, managers and supervisors regarding civil rights and equal employment opportunity.
Provides accurate information relating to civil rights policy.
Provides accurate guidance to employees and/or programs regarding the discrimination complaint policy, administrative complaint policy, and reasonable accommodation policy and procedure and/or civil rights related issues and concerns.
Responds to client inquiries and provides guidance/counseling on proper procedures, etc.
Conducts investigations based on federal and state civil rights laws and prepares charge responses to state and federal compliance agencies.
Researches and provides recommendations so that results are thorough and complete.
Prepares investigations and charge responses, within time frames established by CRO.
Conducts compliance reviews and recommends and/or monitors corrective action.
Prepares administrative reports and special documents relating to the overall responsibility of the Civil Rights Office.
Conducts mediation sessions and prepares resolution agreements.
Serves as a neutral facilitator of communication to resolve employment relation disputes.
Develops and provides civil rights, EEO, and other training as requested or assigned.
Other duties as assigned.