Employee Accommodation Specialist

The purpose of this position is to support Oregon Health & Science University’s mission, goals and objectives in all of its mission areas. The position has the primary responsibility of managing the interactive accommodation process for employees with disabilities, limitations related to pregnancy or childbirth, and for sincerely held religious beliefs.

In part, this includes:

• Meeting with employees and management about job responsibilities, operational needs, barriers/accommodation needs and potential solutions.
• Gathering necessary information from employees, care providers, management and others needed to evaluate things like eligibility for reasonable accommodations, essential functions of a position, undue hardship of a requested accommodation.
• Evaluating whether a particular job duty is an essential or marginal function, a requested accommodation is reasonable or an undue hardship, and eligibility for accommodations.
• Brainstorming and proposing accommodation ideas that may help employees perform the essential function of their position or otherwise enjoy an equal employment opportunity.
• Documenting the interactive process, including but not limited to approved accommodations, effective alternative accommodations, and/or denying requests based on relevant factors.

1. Administering the Interactive Accommodation Process

• Independently manage the interactive processes in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and OHSU policies and processes.
• Meet with employees, support persons, managers, HRBPs and other campus partners about proposed accommodations, operational needs and other relevant considerations.
• Gather and analyze information needed to evaluate eligibility, essential functions, undue hardship, etc. 
• Document steps taken during the interactive process and any determinations
• Consult, coordinate, and partner with Leave Specialists, Human Resources Business Partners, Advice and Counsel Center, Labor Relations, OHSU’s ADA Coordinator, Lincoln Financial Group, Legal, and other departments and vendors as appropriate.
• Use knowledge gained while managing process to recommend opportunities for improvement. 

2. Provide Consultations, Create Resources and Train Employees and Managers

• Answer questions from employees and managers about topics related to the interactive process.
• Collaborate with ELA’s Manager to create resources for the OHSU community relevant to the interactive process.
• Provide just-in-time training to managers about the interactive process, duty to provide reasonable accommodations, and non-retaliation. 
• Use the interactive process as a tool for enhancing diversity and cultural competency at OHSU.

3. Respond to requests regarding appeals, grievances, and complaints

• 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, as appropriate. 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a related field.

• 2-3 years of experience managing
  the interactive process under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII, Pregnant Worker Fairness Act, or equivalent experience in a related field.  

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively speak and write in a clear and concise manner.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including listening abilities coupled with the skill to analyze complex issues and present clear and logical recommendations.

• Ability and skills to analyze and interpret problems while developing strategies for conflict resolution.

• Fluent with technology, including but not limited to highly proficient use of computers, the Microsoft Office Suite and other office equipment.

• Demonstrated ability to work well with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively work with hostile, difficult and/or emotional individuals in a compassionate, professional and courteous manner and to diffuse and manage situations involving disagreement or conflict.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain positive working relationships among persons of competing interests.

• Demonstrated ability to represent OHSU competently and professionally.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional relationships with customers and co-workers in dealing with sensitive and complex civil rights, legal and human resource issues and situations involving employees.

• Ability to consistently demonstrate good judgment, fairness, ethics, integrity, and accountability.

• Ability to consistently prioritize in undertaking multiple assignments while meeting deadlines and timelines to avoid unnecessary time crises.

• Ability to effectively work in a collaborative, team-centered environment and provide helpful support to customers in a timely and professional manner.

• Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative.

• Ability to train others and effectively engage individuals in a group setting.

• Ability to complete multiple projects, priorities, and tasks in a fast-paced, constantly changing, and demanding environment.

• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor in stressful situations.

• Excellent customer service skills and commitment towards continued quality improvement and institutional effectiveness.

• Master or other advanced degree in a related field; or equivalent experience in a related field.

• 5 or more years of experience managing the interactive process

• Experience handling accommodation requests  for employees in a healthcare setting  

• 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.

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.