HR Specialist II (Corp Accommodations

Position: HR Specialist II (Corp Accommodations)
Job Description

The HR Specialist II - Corporate Accommodations serves as a subject matter expert for disability accommodations and ADA/ADAAA matters, providing high-level case management and consultative support across a corporate, high-volume environment. This role manages the most complex and sensitive accommodation cases, partners closely with HR, leaders, and legal stakeholders, and helps employees with medical conditions or disabilities navigate the accommodations process.

The specialist combines strong analytical, communication, and customer service skills to ensure compliant, efficient, and empathetic administration of leave and accommodation programs while supporting employee retention and business objectives.

Responsibilities

+ Function as the highest escalation point under operations leadership for accommodation-related issues, demonstrating expertise in complex case management and stakeholder consulting.

+ Manage executive and non-executive escalation responses, ensuring timely, accurate, and empathetic resolution.

+ Handle highly sensitive cases, including HR-for-HR cases, for an assigned region with a high degree of discretion and professionalism.

+ Support all new hire nesting activities by managing nesting plans, conducting new hire audits, and providing coaching to ensure a smooth onboarding experience.

+ Report regional trends and opportunities by reviewing quality audit results and identifying areas for mentoring, training, and process improvement.

+ Manage workflow adjustments, including out-of-office procedures and work assignments, to ensure the region and organization meet customer and employee needs.

+ Perform regional data analysis to identify trends in case volume, case types, and approvals, and use insights to recommend and influence training and process decisions.

+ Recommend training initiatives, provide training survey feedback, and share best practices and successes with site stakeholders.

+ Pursue return-to-work management by collaborating with leave case managers and disability vendors to ensure effective administration of return-to-work programs.

+ Provide consultation and coaching on accommodation matters to regional HR partners, managers, and employees, supporting informed and compliant decisions.

+ Offer information, referrals, and support to employees with medical conditions or disabilities, as well as supervisors, HR, and other partners, to strengthen employee retention efforts.

+ Advocate for the accommodations process by providing ongoing consultative support to site stakeholders and accommodation specialists with a focus on problem-solving and creative solutions.

+ Facilitate escalated communication among employees with disabilities, HR, managers, and stakeholders involved in leave of absence, short-term disability, long-term disability, and workers' compensation.

+ Coordinate with disability and leave services management and legal partners on escalated issues, ensuring alignment with policies and regulations.

+ Manage sensitive cases involving behavioral health conditions with care, discretion, and appropriate escalation.

+ Assist HR and department supervisors in identifying essential and marginal functions of employee positions to support appropriate accommodation decisions.

+ Conduct job site analyses as needed to evaluate job demands and potential accommodations.

+ Help employees understand their work restrictions, functional limitations, and their legal rights and responsibilities under applicable laws.

+ Maintain strict confidentiality in all verbal and written communications and safeguard sensitive information.

+ Stay current on legislation and national, state, and local issues affecting access and accommodations for employees with disabilities.

+ Document and maintain up-to-date, accurate case records and notes in the case management system and other designated databases.

+ Assess business units' training needs and deliver or support group training sessions on accommodations and related topics as appropriate.

+ Provide professional opinions and documentation regarding actions taken on behalf of employees with disabilities in formal grievances, arbitration,…