Disability Program Manager (Program Manager I), Grade N23

Please note: The salary range above represents this position’s earning potential. The anticipated hiring range for this position will be $78,929 to $102,514, based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

WHO WE ARE

OHR’s Occupational Medical Services (OMS) department is responsible for providing best in class occupational medical services to promote the health, wellness, and productivity of the County workforce. OMS provides occupational health services to all County employees, onboarding pre-employment evaluations, and disability case management.

OMS is also responsible for the administration and management of the County’s Drug Free Workplace program, Federal DOT drug and alcohol program, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and the joint Sick leave bank between UFCW Local MCGEO and Montgomery County Government.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Office of Human Resources is currently recruiting for a Disability Program Manager (Program Manager I). This position operates under general administrative direction from the Occupational Medical Services (OMS) Division Manager. While County policies, Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), and federal/state disability laws provide foundational frameworks, the position exercises significant professional initiative, technical expertise, and independent judgment in managing day-to-day program operations, facilitating complex interactive accommodation processes, and resolving non-routine operational challenges.

The Disability Program Manager I provides professional leadership and administrative oversight of the County’s disability management and reasonable accommodation programs, supporting employees and applicants with work-related and non-work-related medical conditions or disabilities. The position manages complex disability cases and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) interactive process, including reasonable accommodations, job reassignment, light-duty assignments, and return-to-work coordination. This work requires close collaboration with employees, departmental leadership, union representatives, Occupational Medical Services clinical staff, and Risk Management.

The position oversees disability case tracking and follow-up, coordinates Workers’ Compensation case reviews and ergonomic evaluations, and manages administrative processes for applicant and employee medical clearances. Responsibilities also include safeguarding confidential medical information, monitoring contracts and program performance, providing training and outreach, and improving procedures to support compliance with applicable laws, County policies, and collective bargaining agreements. The primary focus is program management, operational oversight, and coordination across departments. Duties include but are not limited to the following:

Administer ADA Reasonable Accommodations and the Interactive Process

Administer the County’s employment accommodation program in accordance with ADA Title I, the ADA Amendments Act, applicable regulations, and County policies. Ensure timely, individualized, and documented consideration of accommodation requests through an interactive process involving employees, departmental management, union representatives, and appropriate clinical professionals. Evaluate essential job functions, documented functional limitations, and potential accommodations to support effective workplace access and continued employment.

Maintain accountability for accommodation cases from initial request through determination, implementation, follow-up, and closure. Ensure accurate ADA request records, clear determination notices, and follow-up on accommodation effectiveness. Coordinate complex or disputed matters with the OMS Division Manager and appropriate legal or Human Resources authorities, including matters involving potential undue hardship.

Manage Priority Consideration, Reassignment, and Return-to-Work Cases

Manage the Priority Consideration Program and disability-related placement cases to support appropriate reassignment and return-to-work outcomes for qualifying employees with work-related or non-work-related conditions. Ensure consideration of suitable vacant positions, employee qualifications, essential job functions, and accommodation needs in coordination with recruitment, employing departments, union representatives, and OMS clinical staff.

Oversee light-duty case progression, Workers’ Compensation case coordination, and required case milestones, including shared responsibility with the OMS Division Manager for established 105-day reviews. Ensure placement recommendations reflect documented clinical restrictions and applicable legal, County, and collective bargaining requirements, with unresolved barriers elevated for timely resolution.

Direct Disability Program Compliance and Policy Development

Maintain the program’s alignment with applicable ADA/ADAAA requirements, FMLA provisions, Workers’ Compensation requirements, County personnel policies, and collective bargaining agreements. Assess regulatory and policy changes, advise the OMS Division Manager on operational implications, and recommend revisions in consultation with appropriate legal, labor relations, and Human Resources authorities.

Develop and maintain standard operating procedures that promote consistent, legally sound administration of reasonable accommodations, reassignment, light duty, fitness-for-duty referrals, and communication access, including American Sign Language services. Establish clear responsibilities and documentation standards that support confidentiality, timely decisions, and consistent treatment across County departments.

Oversee Clinical Coordination and Medical Review Administration

Oversee the administrative coordination of disability-related medical reviews and assigned applicant and incumbent medical clearance processes in partnership with the OMS Division Manager and contracted clinical team. Ensure accommodation and placement recommendations are informed by appropriate clinical assessments of functional limitations, work restrictions, and fitness for duty, with medical judgments reserved for authorized clinical professionals.

Monitor assigned clinical contractor deliverables and support review of medical examination protocols to promote service quality, timely determinations, and compliance with applicable restrictions on medical examinations and disability-related inquiries. Ensure confidential medical information is appropriately maintained, accessed, and disclosed for authorized purposes.

Evaluate Program Performance and Resolve Operational Barriers

Evaluate program effectiveness through analysis of case volumes, processing times, accommodation implementation, placement outcomes, and compliance indicators. Provide management reports that identify service gaps, emerging trends, and matters requiring corrective action.

Resolve complex operational issues and implement authorized improvements that reduce delays, strengthen coordination, and improve service delivery. Maintain quality standards for program records and official correspondence to support accurate reporting, consistent communication, and management accountability.

Lead Training, Outreach, and Stakeholder Education

Develop and deliver mandatory virtual and in-person training that equips supervisors, Human Resources Liaisons, and other designated personnel to fulfill their responsibilities under the County’s ADA and disability management programs. Ensure training addresses recognition of accommodation requests, timely referrals, the interactive process, accommodation implementation, light-duty procedures, medical confidentiality, and prevention of discrimination and retaliation.

Lead countywide outreach and consultation with departments, employees, and labor representatives to improve understanding of program requirements, available services, and shared responsibilities. Promote early identification of accommodation needs and consistent application of program guidance across the County workforce.

This position will be required to work onsite during the 12-month probationary period and will travel throughout the County to attend meetings and perform job duties as needed.

Experience: Three (3) years of professional experience in disability program management, leave administration, or human resources with a strong focus on ADA compliance and medical case coordination.

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree. (Preferred Degree in Public Health or Human Resources)

Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.

• Experience in Interactive Process and Accommodation Administration 

• Experience administering Priority Consideration and Reassignments
• Experience in ADA Case Management and Program Operations
• Experience providing technical guidance and training