Supervisory Human Resources Specialist (Reasonable Accommodation)

Department of Veterans Affairs

The purpose of this position is to supervise a VISN Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Shared Service Unit (SSU) that provides services, support, and advice in RA in support of all VHA medical centers and the Network. Incumbent supports the provision of reasonable accommodations allowing VHA staff to perform the essential functions of their position. This position is organizationally aligned under the VISN Human Resources Employee/Labor Relations Division.

• This is a Detail/Temporary Promotion NTE One Year but may be extended or made permanent without further competition. Major duties includes but is not limited to: 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 RA. Serves as VISN Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator. 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 Recruitment & Placement, Employee/Labor Relations, Retirement Shared Service Office (RSSO) and Workers Compensation to ensure that the employee is advised of their rights under benefit programs which may be appropriate to them. 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. Provides managers with information on RA and needs assessments for applicants and employees with disabilities. 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. In consultation with OGC, assists management in determining whether the requested accommodations pose an undue hardship to the agency. 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. Ensures coordination 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 (i.e., requesting interpreters, ordering special equipment, arranging special computer software or requesting ergonomic adjustments, etc.). Analyzes regulations to develop operating procedures or processes for the RA program. Researches and writes responses to inquiries; plans, initiates, and/or conducts various HR program surveys, studies or evaluations. Develops and delivers briefings, status/staff reports, and correspondence to management to foster understanding of RA procedures. As necessary, 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. Ensures Specialist works closely with General Counsel for requests where accommodation is either declined by employee or there is no accommodation that can be provided. Provides oversight on complex cases as necessary. Effectuates removal actions (i.e., medical inability or failure to perform as a result of a declination of accommodation) with coordination by Supervisory HR Specialist (ER/LR) and OGC as appropriate. Assigns appeals as a result of Reasonable Accommodation determination (i.e., EEO, grievances, etc.) to subordinate Specialists. As the VISN's SME, resolves the more complex and unusual problems and provides technical advice to specialists. Identifies the need for special projects to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and initiates milestones and goals. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday (7:30am - 4:00pm) Telework: This position may be authorized for ad-hoc telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Supervisory Human Resources Specialist (Reasonable Accommodation)/PD99934S Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required.

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