Department: Civil Rights & Title IX Compl
Salary/Grade: EXS/7

Job Summary

The Accommodation Specialist administers the entire reasonable accommodation request process for staff and faculty. For each request the Specialist serves as the initial intake point, they conduct a thorough and timely analysis, manage the interactive process, make a determination, and communicate the outcome. The Specialist serves as a subject matter expert and resource person regarding the University's employee accommodation policies. The Specialist may consult and collaborate with OCR team members, campus offices and partners to address requests.

*Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Review and process incoming reasonable accommodation requests, ensuring a prompt, thorough, and equitable response to each request.
• Communicate with the individual requesting the accommodation, the individual's supervisor, the individual's medical provider, and other necessary parties (e.g. the Office of Human Resources) while maintaining confidentiality.
• Determine whether the accommodation requested (or an alternative accommodation) should be granted.
• Compose accommodation determination letters that clearly identify the analysis and outcome.
• Ensure a well-documented process by maintaining accurate and thorough records and notes of the accommodation processes, including keeping updated case records in Maxient, the case management system.
• Consult with the ADA team as needed regarding complex accommodation matters, and accommodation matters requiring specialized knowledge (e.g. physical and digital accessibility).
• Design and provide presentations to staff and faculty on the reasonable accommodation process.
• Assist with developing and maintaining written materials and other informational pieces regarding the ADA, Section 504, other relevant laws, and University policies related to employment accommodations.
• Serve on related committees and panels as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or University leading to a bachelor's degree or higher, or an equivalent combination of education and experience (i.e. 2-year associate degree in addition to relevant work experience).
• Minimum of two years full-time professional experience in a related field (e.g. disability services, employment law, or HR);
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act as relates to religious accommodations, and relevant state laws;
• Experience administering reasonable accommodations on the basis of disability, pregnancy and/or religion;
• Ability to act independently, take initiative, and exercise sound judgment;
• Ability to efficiently manage a caseload of multiple reasonable accommodation requests, prepare concise and cogent written analysis of accommodation requests, and make determinations;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills across a variety of constituent groups;
• Strong attention to accuracy and detail;
• Effective project management, organization and analytical skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate confidential and difficult/sensitive information;
• High degree of ethical professionalism regarding decision making and confidentiality; and
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusivity, as well as the ability to work with a wide range of constituencies (staff, students, faculty, parents, and administrators) with diplomacy and tact.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $65,000-$75,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.