Access Consultant

The Access Consultant provides or arranges for reasonable accommodations for all staff and faculty with disabilities or medical conditions to ensure access to employment, programs, facilities, services, and activities on campus. The Access Consultant also works on behalf of all persons with disabilities to improve the understanding and support of the University community. The Access Consultant provides ongoing consultation and support to supervisors and departments. This position serves all University of Minnesota employees and departments on all UofM campuses. This position reports to the Associate Director of the Disability Resource Center for Employee services/UReturn.

This is a 100%, 12-months annually renewable appointment in the academic administrative personnel series (job code 9341AC, Access Consultant).

Duties and Responsibilities:

Provide information, referral, and support to employees with medical conditions or disabilities, supervisors, Human Resources, and union representatives (70%):

• Regular communication with employees, supervisors, Human Resources, union representatives and other stakeholders. Communication may include in-person, phone and written communication.
• Assist employees with obtaining medical documentation and determining the need for reasonable accommodations/adjustments.
• Assist employees in understanding their legal rights and responsibilities, promoting employee self-advocacy, independence and development. \
• Provide adjustment counseling to employees regarding the impacts of a disability in an employment environment; and psychosocial aspects of a working environment for an employee with a disability or medical condition.
• Maintain strict confidentiality in verbal and written communications.
• Assist Human Resources and department supervisors in identifying essential and marginal functions of employee positions. Conduct on-site job analyses as needed.
• Assess the interaction of the employee's functional limitations with the employment environment and develop a plan for reasonable accommodations.
• Coordinate the provision of reasonable accommodations as identified through the interactive process.
• Facilitate problem-solving groups with employees, supervisors, Human Resources, union representatives and other stakeholders.
• Facilitate communication between faculty, staff, and employees with disabilities, as well as Short-term Disability, Long-term Disability and Workers Compensation stakeholders.
• Consult with claims examiners, Risk Management, Department of Environmental Health and Safety, and other internal partners.
• Provide general career development and job seeking skill instruction as needed.
• Document and maintain up-to-date, accurate case records in the electronic database and in the hard file.

Provide outreach, training and institutional support to the University community (30%):

• Provide on-going consultation and problem-solving assistance to University of Minnesota departments and Human Resources in the provision of services and accommodations for employees with disabilities and medical conditions.
• Participate in University committees, task forces, networks and liaisons to advance the development of the Disability Resource Center and the University of Minnesota.
• Provide professional opinion regarding actions taken on behalf of faculty and staff in formal grievances, arbitrations, depositions, and other forums as requested by the Associate Director of the Disability Resource Center, and the University Office of the General Counsel.
• Provide on-site training (formal and in-formal) to the University and the community on disability-related topics to promote awareness, sensitivity, and competence in ensuring equitable access for employees with disabilities and medical conditions.
• Provide guidance to University departments to ensure compliance with legislation regarding individuals with disabilities.
• Provide information and training on federal and state disability laws regarding access for people with disabilities; specifically ADA and FMLA
• Provide consultation/technical assistance on disability or medical issues as needed or requested by individuals and groups at the University.
• Maintain membership and involvement with relevant professional organizations and participate in professional development activities through presentations, publications, attendance at conferences and/or related activities.
• Participate in community-based organizations serving individuals with disabilities.

WORK MODE: Hybrid (some days in the office and some remote).

PAY RANGE: $60,013-$73,000

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Social Work, Industrial Psychology, Counseling Psychology, or a related field (bachelor's degree outside of these fields can be substituted with related experience)
• Four years of experience in the areas of facilitating access for people with disabilities, working in employment and retention of people with disabilities and/or health conditions or a combination of the two
• Knowledge of federal and state disability laws regarding access for people with disabilities; specifically ADA and FMLA
• Demonstrated knowledge of community resources for people with disabilities
• Experience in providing consultation and training on disability issues
• Strong communication and organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Social Work, Industrial Psychology, Counseling Psychology or related field.
• Work experience with employers that have integrated return-to-work, work retention systems
• Knowledge of issues related to adults with disabilities; the impact of a disability in an employment environment; and psychosocial aspects of a working environment for an employee with a disability
• Knowledge of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus' inter-department relationships; labor relations; and other resources for employees available within, and outside, the University system.
• Proficiency using computers, particularly using communication networks and adaptive technology.
• Demonstrated experience in, and a an ongoing commitment to, working effectively with and across diverse communities, including specific experience with one or more of the following identities/communities: people of color, including underrepresented groups and new immigrant populations; American Indians; people with both visible and invisible disabilities; women; people of various gender and sexual identities and expressions; and first-generation students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota values diverse identities and experiences, and honors disability as an important aspect of human diversity. The Disability Resource Center partners with students, faculty, staff, and guests of the University to facilitate accessibility and reduce barriers on campus to improve access for disabled people through:

• Consulting on strategies to provide access and inclusion;
• Determining and implementing reasonable academic, workplace, and guest accommodations;
• Partnering with University offices to support meaningful physical and technological access.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and MUST attach the following:

• a cover letter
• resume
• list of three professional references with their contact information

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).