Manager, ADA and Workplace Accommodations

Chicago Public Schools•Chicago, IL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Health and Benefits department is responsible for managing and overseeing employee benefits and wellness program initiatives. The wellness program is responsible for implementing initiatives to promote employee wellness including fitness programs, preventive healthcare measures, and holistic health and wellness resources. Job Summary: Reporting to the Executive Director of Healthcare and Benefits, the Manager of ADA and Workplace Accommodations will be responsible for ensuring that the organization complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other relevant laws related to workplace accommodations. The Manager of ADA and Workplace Accommodations will administer and implement the Board’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Policy and Procedural Guidance, the Service Animal Guidelines for adults, and additional policies that govern non-ADA accommodations, such as Victim’s Economic Safety and Security Act (VESSA). The primary objective of the role is to create an inclusive and accessible work environment for employees with disabilities and help facilitate reasonable accommodations when needed, fostering a healthy and productive work environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in human resources, business, or a related field required
Minimum of five (5) years of experience managing ADA and workplace accommodations
Supervisory and/or team leadership experience
Extensive knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related laws
Extensive knowledge of laws governing pregnancy accommodations, nursing mother accommodations, religious accommodations, and VESSA accommodations
Strong understanding of disability and non-disability accommodation principles and best practices
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Strong record keeping, organizational, and problem-solving abilities
Familiarity with disability-related technology and assistive devices
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information
Capable of leading teams, collaborating with other departments, and making strategic decisions to resolve accommodation requests
Ability to develop realistic action plans and utilize the team effectively to achieve department goals.
Strong understanding of data analysis and program evaluation
Superior written and verbal communication skills with impeccable detail orientation and a focus on customer service and relationships
Ability to initiate, build, and manage cohesive partnerships and effective working relationships with senior leadership, all levels of staff, various governmental agencies, and labor unions
Expertise in vendor and relationship management
Ability to develop clear, effective policies and practices
Ability to develop, facilitate, and evaluate employee training
Ability to keep track of upcoming, ongoing, and prior work product and departmental projects. Quickly adjusts to shifting priorities and deadlines and can juggle multiple and varied projects simultaneously.
Employs sound reasoning to make quick determinations as needed
Able to respond quickly and appropriately to inquiries, referrals, and requests for accommodation

Nice To Haves

Master's degree or Juris Doctorate degree preferred
Certification in ADA compliance or accommodations preferred
Experience within a large complex organization, large school district setting and/or public sector experience preferred
Experience working in a unionized labor environment preferred

Responsibilities

Manage and supervise the processing of accommodation requests from employees with disabilities
Evaluate accommodation requests, engage in an interactive process with employees, and determine appropriate accommodations
Draft, review, and issue legally defensible written determination letters on all accommodation requests
Manage, review, and approve investigator drafts of written determination letters
Coordinate the provision of accommodations and ensure their effectiveness
Maintain detailed records of accommodation requests, approvals, and outcomes
Serve as a resource for employees with disabilities, and those in need of additional non-ADA accommodations, providing guidance on accommodations and resources
Address employee concerns and questions related to disability and non-ADA accommodations
Develop and implement ADA compliance strategies and policies, and procedural guidance
Stay current with ADA and related laws, regulations, and guidelines
Work closely with HR, legal, Facilities, and management teams to ensure ADA compliance
Provide all requested documentation, including information needed to respond to grievances, litigation, and FOIA requests to the CPS Law Department
Testify as a subject matter expert in grievance and other hearings, formal interviews, and litigation
Collaborate with external agencies, consultants, and organizations specializing in disability and non-disability accommodations
Collect and analyze accommodation data, using data-driven insights to assess program effectiveness and make data-backed recommendations for program improvements
Prepare reports on accommodation trends and compliance for senior management
Conduct accessibility audits and recommend improvements
Develop and deliver training programs on disability awareness, inclusion, and accommodation best practices
Conduct regular ADA training for employees and management
Develop and implement initiatives to enhance the overall accessibility of the workplace
Lead and collaborate with internal stakeholders regarding applicable federal and state statutes in the following non-ADA accommodations areas: Pregnancy Accommodations, Nursing Mothers in the Workplace, Religious Accommodations and Victims Economic Safety and Security Act (VESSA) accommodations
Administer the Sign Language Interpreting Program for adult stakeholders, including fulfilling Procurement requirements and managing the Sign Language Interpreter Budget
Develop and manage the ADA accommodations and Sign Language Interpreter Budget, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently to achieve program goals
Other duties and workstreams as assigned