A request for reasonable accommodation is a statement that an individual needs an adjustment or change at work, in the application process, or in a benefit or privilege of employment for a reason related to a medical/ condition.
The need for a reasonable accommodation is determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the applicant’s or employee’s specific disability and existing limitations to the performance of a particular job function, the essential duties of a job, the work environment, and whether the proposed accommodation would create an undue hardship.
Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation
For detailed information on Reasonable Accommodations, please refer to DOI Personnel Bulletin (PB) 21-03 Processing Requests for Reasonable Accommodation for Individuals with Disabilities.
Qualified employees and applicants can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting their immediate supervisor, a management official in their chain of command, the DEO/Disability Program Manager or the HR Reasonable Accommodations Coordinator and Case Manager. If a qualified USGS applicant requires accommodation during the hiring process, the request must be sent to the Bureau HR point-of-contact identified in the vacancy announcement. A request can also be made directly into the Bureau Reasonable Accommodations Program inbox at reasonableaccommodations@usgs.gov.
When a verbal request for accommodation is made to a supervisor, supervisor must complete the Reasonable Accommodation Request Confirmation Form (DI-6513) to track verbal requests and submit to the Reasonable Accommodations mailbox. Employees and applicants for employment may choose to use this form voluntarily but are not required to do so.
Once an employee has made contact and indicated an intent to request an accommodation, or submits the request, the immediate supervisor will be notified. The supervisor is responsible for contacting the employee, confirming the request, and collecting relevant information to determine appropriate and available accommodation. The HR Reasonable Accommodations Coordinator and Case Manager will help both parties, maintaining confidentiality, collecting medical documentation, and assisting management in determining appropriate and effective accommodations.
For reasonable accommodations inquiries, you may contact HR Reasonable Accommodations Coordinator via email at reasonableaccommodations@usgs.gov.
Resources
Additional DOI guidance is found at https://www.doi.gov/accommodations.
