ADA Specialist

Chicago Public Schools•Chicago, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The ADA and Workplace Accommodations Department is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) within the school district. This involves coordinating efforts to provide equal access and opportunities for individuals with disabilities, addressing accommodation requests, and facilitating necessary training and resources. The department also provides non-disability related workplace accommodations support for staff. Job Summary: Reporting to the ADA & Workplace Accommodations Manager, the ADA Specialist will support the administration of Americans with Disabilities (ADA) and other workplace accommodation for CPS employees, volunteers, contractors, and (adult) members of the public who seek reasonable accommodation to access CPS facilities. The ADA Specialist will review requests for reasonable accommodation due to disability, pregnancy/nursing, religious practices & beliefs, and other applicable Federal, state, and local laws. The ADA Specialist will also assist in performing a wide range of coordination, administrative, and investigative support with minimal to no supervision and will assist in developing intra-office communication protocols, streamlining administrative procedures, and case inventory control. The ADA Specialist will work closely with district administrators, staff, students, and community members to foster an inclusive and supportive educational environment. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

Requirements

High School diploma or GED equivalent is required and a minimum of seven (7) years of professional benefits, leaves, and/or disability administration, or a closely related human resources function experience; or
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum of three (3) years of related experience, including benefits, leaves, disability administration, or a closely related human resources function.
Experience conducting fact-finding, employee interviews, workplace accommodation assessments, or other HR/compliance investigations, preferred.
Experience drafting formal correspondence, accommodation determinations, investigative findings, or other sensitive HR/compliance communications, preferred.
Experience developing, improving, or implementing administrative processes, procedures, or case-management practices, preferred.
Experience working in a large, complex, unionized, public-sector, or educational organization, preferred.
Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English, preferred
Ability to travel between District schools and administrative locations as required
Working knowledge of the ADA and other applicable federal, state, and local workplace accommodation laws and regulations, including the PWFA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, VESSA, and religious accommodation requirements.
Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and procedures to workplace accommodation requests and other complex or sensitive employee matters.
Analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to conduct interviews, assess information, exercise sound judgment, and reach well-supported conclusions.
Superior written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, concise, and well-organized case documentation, determination letters, reports, and other sensitive communications.
Demonstrated ability to manage confidential and sensitive matters with professionalism, discretion, integrity, and appropriate adherence to privacy requirements.
Strong case management, organizational, and time-management skills, with the ability to independently manage multiple priorities, meet strict deadlines, and produce accurate, high-quality work with minimal supervision.
Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and customer-service skills, with the ability to work effectively with employees, managers, District leadership, external organizations, and other stakeholders at all levels.
Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace, including the ability to maintain, track, organize, and analyze case and accommodation data.

Responsibilities

Review ADA and workplace accommodation requests submitted by employees, volunteers, contractors, and other adults; determine eligibility for reasonable accommodation under the ADA and other applicable federal, state, and local requirements, including pregnancy/nursing and religious accommodations; conduct interviews and site visits as necessary to evaluate requests
Coordinate the reasonable accommodation process and ensure timely implementation of approved accommodations and workplace modifications; work with employees, managers, schools, departments, and other stakeholders to facilitate accommodations; assist in managing adult requests for sign language interpreters and other accessibility services
Maintain accurate, confidential accommodation records and case inventories; track case status and required actions; draft and issue accommodation determination letters in collaboration with the ADA & Workplace Accommodations Manager; support effective administrative procedures and case-control processes
Investigate ADA-related concerns, complaints, and grievances; conduct interviews, site visits, and other fact-finding activities; collaborate with involved parties to identify appropriate resolutions; participate in interdepartmental case reviews and assessments of District facilities and programs for potential compliance issues
Serve as a primary point of contact and resource for employees, administrators, individuals with disabilities, and other stakeholders regarding ADA requirements, workplace accommodations, accessibility, and disability-related questions; provide guidance that supports consistent and equitable practices
Track, organize, and analyze accommodation and accessibility data; identify trends and recurring issues; use case information and data to support the development, implementation, and improvement of District policies, procedures, administrative processes, and accessibility initiatives
Collaborate with District departments, schools, external agencies, and community organizations to enhance accessibility and service delivery; attend relevant meetings and serve as an ADA liaison; advocate for accessibility and the needs and rights of individuals with disabilities within the District
Stay current on emerging federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidance related to ADA and workplace accommodations; evaluate potential impacts and recommend changes to internal policies and practices; prepare for and provide testimony at arbitrations, administrative hearings, and court proceedings involving accommodation matters
Support intra-office communications and administrative process improvements; travel between District offices and school sites as needed for meetings, inspections, investigations, and training; perform additional ad hoc duties and related responsibilities as assigned
Other duties as assigned