ADA Specialist

City of Wilmington•929 N. Front Street, NC

14h•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Safety & Risk Management Director, lead City compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and all other applicable municipal, county, state, and federal disability nondiscrimination requirements, including subsequent amendments. This position identifies accessibility barriers, documents deficiencies, prepares detailed inspection reports, and recommends corrective actions to ensure safe, accessible environments for individuals with disabilities both internal and external to city operations. This position will also coordinate with City departments to identify, track, and implement barrier-removal improvements at City facilities and within the public right-of-way (ROW), and supports departmental efforts to improve programmatic and technological accessibility in accordance with ADA requirements. In this role you will develop ADA training and educate City employees regarding applicable laws, standards, codes, and guidelines, as well as assist with maintaining the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), mitigation activities, and disaster recovery operations, and may support other organizational safety initiatives as needed. This position is also responsible for filing claims, handling safety concerns and requests for ADA concerns within city limits and all city owned facilities. Working closely with this team, you will elevate the safety, inclusion, accountability and collaboration within this department and the city as a whole. If you’re passionate about accessibility, collaboration, and making a measurable difference, this is your opportunity to help create a more inclusive community—for everyone.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, urban planning, risk management, safety, claims processing, law, public policy, emergency management, or a closely related field
Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in ADA compliance, accessibility planning, human resources compliance, public administration, safety & risk management, or a related field, including experience interpreting and applying federal and state disability laws.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
Valid US Driver's License with an acceptable driving record
Knowledge of: Federal, state, and municipal laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, and procedures related to disability nondiscrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Titles I, II, and III, and Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Regulatory requirements for public and private facilities, public rights-of-way, program access, communication alternatives, digital accessibility, and barrier-free access to City programs and services, risk management to include legal duty in reference to claims.
Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) and related accessibility standards, Manual of Uniform Traffic Control devices (MUTCF).
Principles and practices of public administration and municipal government operations.
Project management principles and methods.
Investigation and complaint resolution procedures in safety, claims adjustment, as well as ADA.
Personal computers and related software applications used for word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations, and tracking systems.
Interpret and apply complex laws, regulations, codes, and technical standards.
Conduct research, analysis, and program evaluations; develop practical recommendations and implement solutions.
Communicate clearly, concisely, and tactfully, both orally and in writing, including making effective presentations to management, elected officials, employees, and the public.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, public officials, outside agencies, advocacy groups, and the general public.
Work independently with minimal supervision while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
Exercise initiative and sound judgment in developing proactive and innovative programs.
Manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
Provide responsive and professional customer service.
Handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion, particularly in accommodation and complaint processes.
Comply with and actively promote safe work practices.
Navigate controversial or sensitive issues with professionalism and strong interpersonal awareness.

Nice To Haves

Experience coordinating ADA programs, managing compliance initiatives, conducting investigations, or overseeing accessibility improvements in a public sector environment is highly desirable.
Certification as an ADA Specialist, Certified Access Specialist (CASp), Manager of Environmental Safety and Health (MESH), Associate Safety Professional (ASP), Risk Management Professional (RMP), or a related credential is desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

Performs research, analysis, and administrative studies related to departmental and citywide ADA projects, including policy development, organizational improvement, and feasibility analyses; interviews personnel, gathers information, evaluates problem areas, and develops recommendations; and summarizes and presents findings to managers, elected officials, and the public.
Serves as the City’s lead for ADA matters, acting as ADA compliance manager and project Specialist for the design, implementation, and modification of new or existing business systems; develops work plans, timelines, and resource allocations; monitors progress to ensure objectives of the City’s ADA Transition Plan are met; and presents information to internal and external groups.
Develops, coordinates, and delivers ADA training and education programs for City employees and the public; prepares training materials, user manuals, and outreach materials; and ensures training activities align with applicable laws, standards, and regulations.
Evaluates the effectiveness of ADA policies, programs, and initiatives within the Safety & Risk Management Department; tracks annual progress on ADA improvements; and prepares required reports in compliance with ADA regulations.
Develops and maintains a centralized system for receiving, tracking, and resolving customer service requests related to barrier removal and works closely with processing claims filed by employees and citizens related to Workers Compensation and property damage.
In coordination with other departments, develops, reviews, and updates policies and procedures to ensure ADA compliance.
Ensures appropriate processes are in place to provide prompt and equitable resolution of ADA-related inquiries and complaints from City employees and the public; coordinates with Risk Management Director and Human Resources staff on employee accommodation requests and interactive processes; responds to requests for assistance and code-violation complaints; and investigates complaints and violations related to the position with guidance from the Risk Management Director.
Represents the City at meetings with governmental agencies and access-interest groups, including ADA advisory committees or boards while representing the Safety & Risk Management Department.
Collaborates with departments to ensure digital and printed materials are developed in compliance with ADA requirements.
Assists with organizational safety and risk-management needs and supports Emergency Operations Center activations and disaster-recovery activities, including by not limited to: Emergency Operation Center (EOC) set up, monitoring, and demobilization, post disaster reporting, and claims management often during weekends and holidays.
Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options
Excellent retirement benefits, including a city provided 4.5% contribution each pay period into a 401(k) account and automatic enrollment into the North Carolina Local Government Employees’ Retirement System
Employer-paid health & wellness clinic
Free on-site city gym access
Paid sick and vacation leave + 13 paid holidays per year
6-weeks paid parental leave
Paid volunteer & blood donation leave to give back to our community
Flex schedule and telework availability, depending on your position
Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives
Tuition assistance benefits