ADA Specialist

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.

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;
• Coverage of 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;
• 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;
• 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.

Qualifications

• Education And Experience Required: 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.

Other Requirements

• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English, preferred.
• Ability to travel between District schools and administrative locations as required.
• Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities: 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.

Benefits

• Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice
• Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
• Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life

Conditions of Employment

• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district.