Employee Relations Specialist - Federal Agency Reasonable Accommodation (RA)
Position Overview:
The Employee Relations (ER) Specialist will provide senior-level support to management with a primary focus on resolving a high-volume backlog of Reasonable Accommodation (RA) cases. This role requires demonstrated experience managing end-to-end RA processes in a federal environment, including facilitating the interactive process, reviewing medical documentation, and ensuring compliance with the Rehabilitation Act, ADA, and applicable federal regulations.
Key Responsibilities:
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) – Primary Focus
• Manage and resolve a backlog of Reasonable Accommodation (RA) cases, ensuring timely, compliant, and defensible outcomes
• Lead the end-to-end RA process, including intake, case analysis, facilitation of the interactive process, and coordination with employees, supervisors, medical providers, and legal counsel
• Review and assess medical documentation to determine appropriate accommodations consistent with federal law and agency policy
• Advise management on complex RA scenarios, including medical inability to perform, undue hardship, reassignment, and leave as an accommodation
• Ensure all RA actions are thoroughly documented, audit-ready, and aligned with the Rehabilitation Act, ADA, and agency-specific procedures
• Track and report on RA case status, backlog reduction, and processing timelines
Employee Relations (ER)
• Provide strategic advice to leadership on employee relations matters, including misconduct, performance issues, grievances (formal and informal), and adverse actions
• Review investigative findings and recommend appropriate disciplinary or corrective actions
• Support grievance resolution processes and represent management in discussions, mediations, and third-party proceedings as needed
• Administer performance management programs, including Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) and probationary actions
Conflict Resolution & Investigations
• Resolve workplace conflicts through fact-finding, interviews, and analysis of complex situations
• Conduct or support management inquiries and investigations into misconduct, harassment, and policy violations
• Facilitate conflict resolution sessions, mediation efforts, and team-building interventions
Compliance & Policy Advisory
• Ensure compliance with federal HR laws, regulations, and agency policies, including OPM guidance and merit system principles
• Interpret and apply policies related to employee relations, leave administration, and workplace accommodations
• Maintain audit-ready documentation and support compliance reviews
Reporting & Program Support
• Track and analyze ER and RA case data, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities for process improvement
• Prepare reports and briefings for leadership on case status, backlog reduction, and program effectiveness
• Maintain accurate employee and case records in accordance with federal privacy and confidentiality requirements
Training & Communication
• Provide guidance and training to supervisors and managers on RA processes, employee relations, and compliance requirements
• Communicate policies and procedures through briefings, workshops, and one-on-one consultations
Required Experience (Critical for This Role):
• Demonstrated experience managing high-volume Reasonable Accommodation (RA) caseloads in a federal environment
• Proven ability to independently resolve complex RA cases, including backlog reduction
• Strong knowledge of the Rehabilitation Act, ADA, MSPB, EEOC, and OPM regulations
• Experience reviewing medical documentation and facilitating the interactive process
• Background supporting employee relations functions, including disciplinary actions, grievances, and investigations
Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Pay: From $85,000.00 per year
Experience:
• Reasonable Accommodation (RA): 8 years (Required)
• ER within Federal Agencies: 8 years (Required)
• Federal Employee Relations: 8 years (Required)
Security clearance:
• Confidential (Preferred)
Work Location: Remote
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