Sr Specialist Accommodations

Staples is business to business. You’re what binds us together.

Our Human Resources team has one goal: create solutions and services that foster an inclusive and innovative culture. We act as strategic partners to deliver innovative learning and development opportunities, comprehensive compensation and benefit solutions, recruiting tools and more to attract new talent and excite existing talent. We’re a compassionate, hardworking and dedicated team that knows our work makes an impact on our company every day.

As a Sr. Specialist, Accommodations, you will help create an inclusive workplace where associates can succeed. You will guide associates and leaders through the reasonable accommodation and return-to-work process, apply employment regulations to complex situations, and partner across the business to deliver fair, consistent, and well-documented outcomes.

What you will be doing

• Administer the reasonable accommodation and return-to-work process from initial request through determination, implementation, monitoring, and closure.
• Review accommodation requests and medical documentation for completeness, obtain clarification from healthcare providers when needed, and maintain accurate case records in the central repository.
• Lead the interactive process with associates and managers, recommend effective accommodations, and balance business needs with responsibilities under the ADA, PWFA, FMLA, Workers' Compensation, and related laws.
• Communicate approvals, denials, next steps, and appeal options clearly; manage escalated cases, accommodation extensions, appeals, and reasonable accommodation committee meetings.
• Partner with Human Resources, Legal, Benefits, Leave Administration, Workers' Compensation, Talent Acquisition, healthcare providers, and third-party administrators to resolve cases and support accessibility needs.
• Monitor temporary and ongoing accommodations using defined checkpoints and end dates to confirm continued effectiveness for the associate and the location.
• Audit leave data, initiate accommodation outreach when associates approach the 12-week maximum medical leave, and support benefit administration in accordance with company policy.
• Provide reporting data, identify process improvements, and serve as a subject matter expert who coaches leaders and associates on accommodation, work restriction, and return-to-work practices.

What You Bring to the Table

• Strong analytical thinking, sound judgment, and a practical approach to resolving complex accommodation and return-to-work matters.
• Clear, empathetic written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain sensitive decisions and requirements to associates and leaders.
• Ability to influence, consult, and collaborate across all levels of the organization while navigating competing priorities and resolving conflict.
• High standards of professionalism, confidentiality, discretion, organization, and customer service.
• Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced environment, with a continuous improvement mindset focused on efficiency and associate experience.
• Working knowledge of ADA, PWFA, FMLA, Workers' Compensation, and applicable state and local leave laws.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and case management or HRIS systems.

What’s needed: Basic Qualifications

• Associate degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Labor Relations, Occupational Health, Legal Studies, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 6+ years of experience in accommodations, leave administration, disability management, employee relations, Human Resources, or related fields.
• Experience administering accommodation programs in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendments Act.
• Experience conducting and documenting the interactive accommodation process, reviewing medical documentation and accommodation requests, and handling confidential and sensitive employee information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources , Business Administration, Labor Relations, Occupational Health, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience supporting accommodation, disability, or leave management programs.
• Professional certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, CDMS, or equivalent.
• Experience managing escalated accommodation and return-to-work cases.
• Advanced knowledge of ADA, ADAAA, PWFA, HIPAA, FMLA, Workers' Compensation, CFRA, FEHA, and related employment regulations.
• Experience working with third-party leave administrators and disability management vendors, developing accommodation and leave management policies, procedures, training materials, or process improvements, and analyzing accommodation trends and compliance metrics to support business decisions.

We Offer

• Inclusive culture with associate-led Business Resource Groups
• Flexible PTO (22 days) and Holiday Schedule (7 observed paid holidays)
• Online and Retail Discounts, Company Match 401(k), Physical and Mental Health Wellness programs, and more!