Leave of Absence and Accommodation Specialist, North NJ Region

Leave Of Absence And Accommodation Specialist

The Leave Of Absence And Accommodation Specialist engages with team members and/or leave vendors in the interactive process when an employee requests an accommodation related to a temporary or permanent work restriction (for ADA requests, leaves of absence, worker's compensation, NJ Safe Act, religion, etc.). This position operates at a network level scope and conducts a systematic and in-depth review of job requirements with the employee's leader on the request for the accommodation in accordance with federal and state laws and internal policies and procedures.

This position identifies changes or modifications to the work or work environment with the leader that will allow the employee to perform the essential job duties free from workplace obstacles, when a reasonable accommodation exists. This position determines, in collaboration with department leaders and Legal, if a reasonable accommodation exists. This position maintains consistent contact and timely follow up with the team member, leadership, leave vendor, and Team Health.

This position is responsible for staying current with changes to State and Federal regulations and laws related to accommodations to ensure compliance.

* This is Remote Position*

A day in the life of a Leave Of Absence And Accommodation Specialist at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:

• Responsible for planning and supervision of all aspects of the ADA/ADAAA interactive process network wide for all team members, leaders, etc.
• Initiates and manages all documentation of all ADA/ADAAA claims.
• Acts as liaison between team members, Leave Of Absence providers, department leaders, and Team Health.
• Coordinates and facilitates return to work process, including updating team member leave status.
• Coordinates all ADA/ADAAA accommodation requests across the network and collaborates with leaders, team members, physicians, Occupational Health and LOA vendors to collect, review and determine appropriate accommodations including but not limited to alternate schedules, extension of leaves, reassignments, etc.
• Partners with leaders to identify an accommodation that is reasonable and effective, and does not impose an undue hardship on the employer.
• Coordinates and determines outcomes on hardship requests in partnership with TMR Leadership and Legal Council as appropriate.
• Ensures the interactive accommodation process is flexible and suited to the employee's and employer's situations.
• Manages and navigates highly complex assessments to ensure compliance with regulatory ADA/ADAAA requirements.
• Acts as a liaison between team members, leaders and vendors when ergonomic assessments are recommended or requested.
• Coordinates review of assessment recommendations and works with internal partners to determine appropriate accommodation.
• Acts as a liaison between Employee Health on post-offer and fit for duty accommodation requests and assessments.
• Participates actively on appropriate committees, work groups and or meetings. The focus is on creating and supporting initiatives for a proactive and positive team member and leader experience in the ADA/ADAAA process.
• Effectively interacts and participates with other departments in the accomplishment of interdepartmental and institutional LOA and ADA/ADAAA goals.
• Review of ADA/ADAAA Parking requests. Reviews and recommends policies and procedures for ADA/ADAAA programs and processes.
• Oversees new projects as assigned by the Director or as needed by regulatory bodies.
• Adheres to the policies, procedures and standards identified and established by HMH.

Education,

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in Human Resources, demonstrating a working knowledge of federal and state laws as related to ADA, leaves and the interactive process.
• Proven ability to confidently deliver key messages to all levels of the organization, identify solutions to complex employee issues, exercise influence, work independently within established guidelines utilizing sound judgment, and build trusting and collaborative working relationships within a large organization.
• Experience with both union and non-union employees.
• Strong attention to detail required.
• Effective communication skills-both verbal and written.
• Proven ability to identify and implement effective process improvements and change management techniques.
• Working knowledge of software support products (Google suite or equivalent) and HR systems of record.

Education,

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

• Prior direct experience managing Leave Of Absence and Interactive ADAA Accommodations process in a healthcare setting.

Licenses and Certifications Preferred:

• Leave Management Specialist.