Senior Leaves and Accommodations Partner

Full job description
Overview:
The Senior Leaves and Accommodations Partner contributes to REI’s success by providing guidance to management and other business partners in the review and recommendation of workplace accommodations for applicants and employees. This role will interface daily with employees, managers, HR, employee & labor relations, legal partners, healthcare providers, and disability administrators in leading the interactive process to enable employees to return to optimal health, productivity, and a successful career. The Senior Leaves and Accommodations Partner coordinates with both employees and managers in facilitating an interactive process to explore job modifications and accommodations. A collaborative approach is used to seek successful solutions and reasonable accommodations to help job seekers (internal and external) and our employees with disabilities or medical restrictions perform their jobs or in the job application/hiring process. Additional responsibilities include identifying different types of risk, developing innovative options, and implementing solutions to return employees to work. This position will use data to assess needs and develop sustainable accommodation training and tools, and contribute to the HR team and co-op by leading, growing and scaling leadership capabilities in accommodations.

Responsibilities:
Provide specialized consultation and subject matter expertise in evaluating accommodation requests in compliance with state and federal laws, ensuring consistent application of company policies.
Serve as a liaison between REI and its leaves administrator, coordinating transitions for employees returning to work.
Evaluate accommodation data and regional trends to assess organizational needs, give strategic recommendations, and partner on process improvements to enhance employee engagement and outcomes.
Educate employees, managers, and HR Business Partners on the accommodation process and deliver coaching for effective implementation.
Coordinate with supervising managers to deploy job modifications/accommodations, ensuring successful integration in both on-site and remote work environments.
Work with the talent team to aid in job searches when accommodation cannot be made within the current role and manage related project activities.
Act as a subject matter authority throughout the employee lifecycle, offering real-time support for accommodation-related inquiries and issues.
Partner with legal, compliance, and HR teams on complex cases, policy development, and to address regulatory concerns related to leave, disability, and accommodation matters.
Build trust in the accommodations process by maintaining proactive communication with internal and external partners and addressing leave claims and accommodation issues.
Monitor and stay informed on applicable leave and accommodation laws (e.g., FMLA, ADA). Develop and update policies as needed.
Qualifications:

Human Resources certification (PHR, SPHR, CLMS)
Deep subject matter knowledge in statutory disability plans, short- and long-term disability, ADA/ADAAA/FEHA accommodations, and Federal/State leaves of absence (e.g., FMLA).
5-8 years of direct experience in Leave Management and Accommodations, with a proven track record in supporting disability and leave programs.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment while maintaining high standards of accuracy.
Self-motivated with exceptional attention to detail in managing complex cases and projects.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey information effectively across various platforms and situations.
Exceptional interpersonal and counseling skills, with proven ability to negotiate and resolve sensitive accommodation and leave matters.
Closing:
At REI, we believe the outdoors is for all. We are committed to becoming a fully inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization. We know that there's strength in our diversity – that each employee brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives. Every day you are driving change, fostering a culture of respect, and knowing you're backed by benefits that support your whole life. To work towards this commitment and fulfill our brand promise of inspiring and enabling a life outside for everyone, we seek employees who demonstrate different ways of working, create a sense of belonging, and actively listen and learn.

Pay Transparency

We are committed to practices that promote pay equity and transparency. As required by applicable Pay Transparency laws, REI provides a range of compensation for roles that may be hired in locations under these requirements. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include a wide array of factors, including: your specific skills and experience, geographic location or other relevant factors.

REI offers all regular employees a generous employee discount, access to health benefits, a retirement savings plan and accrued time off. Click here for a detailed overview of benefits plans by employee profile.

Base Pay Range: USD $85,400.00 - USD $136,700.00 /Yr.

United States
Washington
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