Senior Accommodations Specialist

Department Overview

The purpose of this position is to support Oregon Health & Science University’s mission, goals and objectives in all of its mission areas. Serves as a senior subject matter expert on disability accommodations, pregnancy accommodations, and religious accommodations. Provides consultation and strategic guidance to leadership, Human Resources, Labor Relations, Legal, and other organizational partners regarding complex accommodation matters, high-risk cases, policy interpretation, and process improvements. Leads efforts to ensure consistent accommodation practices across the organization and supports the development of accommodation-related policies, procedures, and training initiatives. 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. 
• The position works primarily remotely but is expected to provide in-person support when appropriate to effectively administer the interactive accommodation process, including onsite meetings, workplace observations, and evaluation of job duties or potential accommodations.

Function/Duties of Position

Administering the Interactive Accommodation Process

• Independently manage the interactive processes in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and OHSU policies and processes.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for complex and escalated accommodation cases.
• Meet with employees, support persons, managers, HRBPs and other campus partners, virtually or in person as appropriate, about proposed accommodations, operational needs and other relevant considerations.
• Lead cross-functional discussions involving HRBPs, Labor Relations, Legal, and operational leadership.
• Analyze accommodation trends and recommend organizational strategies to mitigate risk and improve employee outcomes.
• 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.
• Provide confidential analysis and advisory support to leadership and Labor Relations regarding accommodation matters that may have collective bargaining, contract interpretation, or operational implications.
• Participate in management bargaining preparation discussions related to accommodations and disability management; assess proposed contract language and provide recommendations regarding accommodation practices, operational impacts, and implementation considerations.
• Maintain the confidentiality of management deliberations, negotiating priorities, bargaining strategies, employee medical information, and other sensitive matters.

Provide Consultations, Create Resources and Train Employees and Managers

• Provide virtual and in-person consultation, education, and training based on departmental and organizational needs.
• 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.

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.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree 
• 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.  
• Ability to effectively engage with employees, managers, and organizational partners in both virtual and in-person settings.
• 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 in a competent and professional manner.
• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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 
• Experience supporting labor relations, collective bargaining, grievance administration, or contract interpretation.
•  Experience providing confidential recommendations to leadership regarding 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.

Additional Details

• Work is performed primarily remotely, with occasional onsite work required based on operational and accommodation-related needs. (Average: 2 day's a week)
• Work is primarily performed during OHSU core business hours; however, schedule flexibility is required to support in-person events, leadership meetings, employee engagement activities, and other operational or organizational needs that may occur outside standard business hours.  
• This role requires onsite presence and the ability to respond in person at any OHSU location within 4 hours.
• Long periods of computer use.

Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact [email protected]