Employee Relations Program Manager - ADA and Accommodations

Essential Job Statements

Lead the Workplace Accommodations and Accessibility program in providing support and resources to team members requiring accommodations. Serve as primary point of contact for team members and managers regarding accommodations/accessibility needs and concerns.

Facilitate interactive discussions with team members and pertinent stakeholders to determine reasonable accommodations.

Develop and implement policies and procedures related to workplace accommodations.

Ensure compliance with ADA, FMLA, PWFA, USERRA, Rehabilitation Act and other relevant laws and regulations.

Collaborate with HR COEs, Legal, and other internal/external stakeholders to maintain a reasonable accommodation process and address accommodation requests and issues.

Conduct training and awareness programs for managers and team members on accommodations/accessibility processes and best practices.

Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of VCU Health accommodations/accessibility programs and provide recommendations for adjustments.

Act as the primary partner for leave of absence (including disability, worker's compensation, parental etc.) and workplace accommodations employment investigations.

Maintain accurate Employee Relations records and documentation of workplace leave, accommodation/accessibility requests, investigations, and actions taken/outcomes. Gather data and create reports that capture the work and trends of VCU Health workplace accommodation and accessibility programs for Employee Relations leadership.

Stay updated on industry trends and best practices related to workplace accommodations and accessibility.

Provides back-up coverage and support for the Employee Relations team as needed.

Support additional Employee Relations projects, duties and initiatives as assigned.

Patient Population: N/A

Employment Qualifications

Required Education: Typically requires a bachelor's degree in human resources or a related field or related professional experience.

Preferred Education: Master's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

Licensing/ Certification

Licensure/Certification Required: N/A

Licensure/Certification Preferred: Certification in HR (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR).

Minimum Qualifications

Years and Type of Required Experience: Required: 5 (five) years of experience in Human Resources or related field, to include strong experience supporting leave of absence, workplace accommodations and investigations. In-depth knowledge of ADA, FMLA, USERRA, PWFA, Rehabilitation Act and other relevant employment laws.

Preferred: 3 (three) years' experience conducting Employee Relations investigations into leave of absence and workplace accommodations concerns including partnering & engaging with team members, stakeholders, cross functional partners, and documenting case outcomes. Experience developing and scaling a workplace accommodations program. Experience working in a large Academic Health System. Experience using Workday HRIS and ServiceNow or other case management platform.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: Exceptional communication skills combined with demonstrated problem solving ability are critical for this role. Ability to strike a balance between strategic partnership-building and rolling up your sleeves. Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment. Viewed as a resource for advice and guidance by peers and leaders. Effective understanding of matrix structures and politically savvy. A deep sense of empathy and understanding for the needs of diverse groups of people. Ability to cope with pressure maintaining a high standard of deliverables. Excellent organization and follow-through skills. Ability to analyze data and propose methods for continuous improvement. Ability to work in a confidential environment. Ability to work in a fast moving and changing environment. Ability to effectively communicate in various mediums to diverse audiences. Able to build relationships, develop credibility with internal clients and mentor HR colleagues. Experience prioritizing multiple projects in a deadline-oriented environment. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred: Experience coaching and mentoring diverse individuals in an informal or formal setting. Experience working on various HR programs/projects.

Combination of education and experience in lieu of a degree.

Working Conditions: Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur. General office environment. May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse. Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions. May have periods of constant interruptions.

Physical Requirements

Physical Demands: Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.), Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.)

Work Position: N/A

Additional Physical Requirements/ Hazards

Physical Requirements: Repetitive arm/hand movements, Finger Dexterity

Hazards: N/A

Mental/Sensory -Emotional

Mental / Sensory: Reasoning, Problem Solving, Hearing, Speak Clearly, Write Legibly, Reading, Logical Thinking

Emotional: Fast pace environment, Able to Handle Multiple Priorities, Able to Adapt to Frequent Change

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran/41 CFR 60-1.4.