HR Specialist (Employee Relations) - Reasonable Accommodation

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: HR Specialist Total Rewards Network Reasonable Accommodation Program 100% Serves as the RA subject matter expert (SME) to advise employees, applicants for employment, supervisors, and members of management regarding laws, regulations and procedures for allowing employees with physical or mental impairments that substantially limit major life activities to fully participate in the application process, perform essential job functions and enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment. Researches best practices in RA in federal government and stays abreast of changes, modifications, and revisions to laws, regulations, and policies pertaining to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008. Processes requests for accommodation to ensure that time frames are met, and procedures followed. Provides employees or applicants for employment with RA packages and advises them on the appropriate procedures for completing the package. Coordinates with other areas of Human Resources, including Retirement and Workers Compensation. Assists managers in determining the essential duties of a position and identifies barriers and possible modifications that would allow people with disabilities to perform said duties. Tracks and reports all requests for accommodation packages and the disposition of those requests by assisting management in completing required forms and checklists. In consultation with Office of General Counsel (OGC) and Occupational Health, assesses potential accommodations and the effect each would have in allowing the employee to perform the essential functions of the job. Coordinates with EEO offices, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Office of Information Technology, VA designated physicians, Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program, or other resources to identify alternative effective accommodation options. Creates and maintains a system of records separate from the employee's personnel file for all requests for accommodation. Ensures that information in the files is kept confidential and revealed to others only on a need-to-know basis. Coordinates with appropriate staff or Agency Officials to provide adjustment to job duties or the work environment that assists an individual with a qualified disability to perform the essential functions of his/her position. Assists in securing funding for RA, to include accommodations that may be reimbursed through the Centralized Reasonable Accommodation Fund. Provides written notice to the employee/applicant, immediate supervisor, and Service Chief regarding all requests for accommodation. Creates and routes official forms documenting the decisions on requests for accommodation to the appropriate designated management official. Provides statistical reports with respect to processing requests for RA. Monitors, analyzes, and regularly reports qualitative and quantitative RA data. Submits annual reports, as prescribed in the VA Handbook 5975.1. Engages in an interactive process with the employee, or applicant for employment, and his/her representative regarding the nature of the disability and the types of accommodation available to perform the essential functions of the position. Consults with the individual to determine how the disability limits the job functions and whether such limitations can be overcome by accommodation. Once a complete RA package has been received, determines whether an individual is qualified under applicable disability law for purposes of considering accommodation in employment. Initiates and then facilitates an interactive process between the employee/applicant and the supervisor to identify possible RA that will allow the individual to perform the essential job functions of the position. If an accommodation request is declined, works closely with General Counsel and provides employee with appropriate guidance and timelines on filing appeals. Other duties as assigned. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm Remote: This is a remote position. *Employee will remain working from their current duty location during the temporary promotion.* Position Description/PD#: 99661S,99662S,99663S,99975S Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Physical Requirements: No special physical exertion is required. The work is primarily performed while sitting though some work may require periods of standing.