Leave of Absence and Accommodation Specialist, North NJ Region

About the Role

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 and conducts a systematic review of job requirements with the employee's leader to evaluate accommodation requests in accordance with federal and state laws and internal policies. The role identifies modifications to the work or work environment to allow the employee to perform essential job duties when a reasonable accommodation exists, and determines accommodation feasibility in collaboration with department leaders and Legal.

This is a hybrid position that may require onsite travel a couple of times a month for meetings, trainings, etc. The position covers the North Region of Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC), including HUMC, Palisades, School of Medicine, and Center for Discovery.

Responsibilities

• Plan and supervise all aspects of the ADA/ADAAA interactive process network-wide for team members and leaders.
• Initiate and manage documentation for all ADA/ADAAA claims.
• Act as a liaison between team members, leave of absence providers, department leaders, and Team Health.
• Coordinate and facilitate the return-to-work process, including updating team member leave status.
• Manage all ADA/ADAAA accommodation requests across the network, collaborating with leaders, team members, physicians, Occupational Health, and LOA vendors to determine appropriate accommodations (e.g., alternate schedules, leave extensions, reassignments).
• Partner with leaders to identify reasonable and effective accommodations that do not impose undue hardship on the employer.
• Coordinate and determine outcomes on hardship requests in partnership with leadership and Legal Counsel.
• Ensure the interactive accommodation process is flexible and compliant with ADA/ADAAA regulatory requirements.
• Manage complex assessments to maintain compliance with ADA/ADAAA.
• Liaise between team members, leaders, and vendors for ergonomic assessments, coordinating review of recommendations and determining appropriate accommodations.
• Act as a liaison for post-offer and fit-for-duty accommodation requests and assessments with Employee Health.
• Participate in committees, workgroups, or meetings to support proactive and positive team member and leader experiences in the ADA/ADAAA process.
• Collaborate with other departments to achieve interdepartmental LOA and ADA/ADAAA goals.
• Review ADA/ADAAA parking requests.
• Review and recommend policies and procedures for ADA/ADAAA programs and processes.
• Oversee new projects as assigned by the Director or required by regulatory bodies.
• Adhere to Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) policies, procedures, and standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in Human Resources, with working knowledge of federal and state laws related to ADA, leaves, and the interactive process.
• Proven ability to deliver key messages to all organizational levels, identify solutions to complex employee issues, and exercise sound judgment.
• Experience with both union and non-union employees.
• Strong attention to detail and effective verbal/written communication skills.
• Ability to identify and implement process improvements and change management techniques.
• Working knowledge of software support products (e.g., Google Suite) and HR systems of record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior direct experience managing Leave of Absence and Interactive ADAAA Accommodations in a healthcare setting.
• Leave Management Specialist certification.

Pay

Minimum annual base pay: $97,011.20. The starting rate of pay is provided for informational purposes and may vary based on factors such as labor market data, experience, education, certifications, skills, geographic location, internal equity, and budget considerations. Full-time and part-time (20+ hours/week) positions may be eligible for additional compensation elements, including performance-based incentives, bonuses, commissions, or shift differentials for evening, night, or weekend shifts.

Benefits

Hackensack Meridian Health offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible positions, including:

• Health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid leave.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Retirement benefits.