Employee Relations Program Manager - ADA and Accommodations

About the position

The Employee Relations (ER) Program Manager will lead the VCU Health Reasonable Accommodations and Accessibility function with a focus on addressing accommodations and leave of absence related matters. This role is essential in ensuring that our workplace is open and accessible for all team members. It will oversee the investigation, resolution, and management of workplace accommodations, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and fostering a supportive work environment. The ER Program Manager operates with a fair amount of independence and serves as the health system's point of contact for issues relating to team member accommodations and accessibility. The role will partner with stakeholders to address accessibility issues, provide recommendations to ameliorate barriers, and ensure the participation of individuals with disabilities in all organizational activities.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

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

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 3 (three) years' experience conducting Employee Relations investigations into leave of absence and workplace accommodations concerns.
• 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.