Sr. Accommodations Specialist

Oregon Health & Science University•Portland, OR

1d•Remote

About The Position

Supports Oregon Health & Science University’s mission by serving as a senior subject matter expert on disability, pregnancy, and religious accommodations. Provides consultation and strategic guidance to leadership, Human Resources, Labor Relations, Legal, and other organizational partners on complex accommodation matters, high-risk cases, policy interpretation, and process improvements. Leads efforts to promote consistent accommodation practices and supports the development of related policies, procedures, and training. Independently administers the interactive accommodation process, gathering and evaluating information about eligibility, essential job functions, potential accommodations, and undue hardship. Works with employees, managers, care providers, and organizational partners to identify barriers and potential solutions, document the process and determinations, and coordinate appropriate accommodations. Provides confidential analysis and advisory support on matters with collective bargaining, contract interpretation, or operational implications, and may participate in bargaining preparation discussions related to accommodations and disability management. Provides consultations, education, resources, and training to employees and managers. Supports responses to accommodation-related appeals, grievances, and complaints under the guidance of the ELA Manager. The position works primarily remotely, with in-person support required when appropriate, including onsite meetings, workplace observations, and job-duty or accommodation evaluations. Onsite presence and the ability to respond in person at any OHSU location within four hours are required. Work is primarily during OHSU core business hours, with schedule flexibility to meet operational needs, including activities outside standard business hours. The role involves long periods of computer use.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Three years of experience managing the interactive process under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII, the Pregnant Worker Fairness Act, or equivalent experience in a related field.
Ability to engage effectively with employees, managers, and organizational partners in virtual and in-person settings.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly and concisely.
Excellent interpersonal and listening skills, with the ability to analyze complex issues and present clear, logical recommendations.
Ability to analyze and interpret problems and develop conflict-resolution strategies.
Technological fluency, including highly proficient use of computers, Microsoft Office Suite, and other office equipment.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Ability to work compassionately, professionally, and courteously with hostile, difficult, or emotional individuals and to diffuse and manage disagreement or conflict.
Demonstrated ability to maintain positive working relationships among people with competing interests.
Ability to represent OHSU competently and professionally.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional relationships when handling sensitive civil rights, legal, and human resource issues involving employees.
Consistent demonstration of good judgment, fairness, ethics, integrity, and accountability.
Ability to prioritize multiple assignments consistently and meet deadlines and timelines.
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-centered environment and provide timely, professional customer support.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative.
Ability to train others and engage individuals effectively in group settings.
Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and tasks in a fast-paced, constantly changing, demanding environment.
Ability to maintain a professional demeanor in stressful situations.
Excellent customer service skills and commitment to ongoing quality improvement and institutional effectiveness.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or other advanced degree in a related field, or equivalent experience in a related field.
Five or more years of experience managing the interactive process.
Experience handling employee accommodation requests in a healthcare setting.
Experience supporting labor relations, collective bargaining, grievance administration, or contract interpretation.
Experience providing confidential recommendations to leadership on complex employee relations, disability management, or accommodation matters.
Knowledge of federal and state disability laws regarding access for people with disabilities, specifically ADA, FMLA, PLO, and OFLA.
Experience working with diverse groups.
Experience working in higher education.
Experience with labor and employment laws.

Responsibilities

Independently manage interactive accommodation processes in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and OHSU policies and procedures.
Serve as a subject matter expert for complex and escalated accommodation cases.
Meet with employees, support persons, managers, HR Business Partners, and campus partners virtually or in person to discuss accommodations, operational needs, and relevant considerations.
Lead cross-functional discussions involving HR Business Partners, Labor Relations, Legal, and operational leadership.
Analyze accommodation trends and recommend organizational strategies to mitigate risk and improve employee outcomes.
Gather and analyze information to evaluate accommodation eligibility, essential job functions, and undue hardship.
Document interactive-process steps, approved accommodations, effective alternatives, and determinations, including denials where appropriate.
Coordinate and partner with Leave Specialists, Human Resources Business Partners, the Advice and Counsel Center, Labor Relations, OHSU’s ADA Coordinator, Lincoln Financial Group, Legal, other departments, and vendors as appropriate.
Recommend improvements to the accommodation process based on experience managing cases.
Provide confidential analysis and advisory support to leadership and Labor Relations on accommodation matters with collective bargaining, contract interpretation, or operational implications.
Participate in management bargaining preparation discussions related to accommodations and disability management; assess proposed contract language and recommend accommodation practices and implementation considerations.
Maintain the confidentiality of management deliberations, negotiating priorities, bargaining strategies, employee medical information, and other sensitive matters.
Provide virtual and in-person consultation, education, and training based on departmental and organizational needs.
Answer employee and manager questions about the interactive process.
Collaborate with the ELA Manager to create resources for the OHSU community about the interactive process.
Provide just-in-time manager training on the interactive process, reasonable accommodations, and non-retaliation.
Use the interactive process as a tool to enhance diversity and cultural competency at OHSU.
Under the guidance of the ELA Manager, gather information and respond to questions from Legal, the Office of Civil Rights Investigations and Compliance, and the Advice and Counsel Center regarding appeals, grievances, and complaints.