Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Specialist

$58,000 - $76,000/Yr

Chicago Public Schools - Chicago, IL

Part-time - Mid Level

Chicago, IL

10,001+ employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Specialist at Chicago Public Schools (CPS) plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with the ADA and facilitating workplace accommodations for employees, volunteers, and the public. This position involves reviewing accommodation requests, maintaining records, and collaborating with various stakeholders to promote accessibility and inclusion within the school district. The ADA Specialist will also provide guidance on disability-related issues and advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Review ADA and workplace accommodation requests filed by employees and other adults with disabilities and determine if requests are eligible for reasonable accommodation.
• Ensure the timely implementation of approved modifications.
• Maintain accurate records of accommodations provided and ensure confidentiality.
• Track and organize accommodation data to assist in the development and implementation of district policies and procedures that support legal compliance and promote accessibility and inclusion.
• Collaborate with interdepartmental case reviews and assessments of district facilities and programs to identify potential ADA compliance issues.
• Work collaboratively with school district departments, external agencies, and community organizations to enhance service delivery and accessibility.
• Attend relevant meetings and serve as the ADA liaison for the district.
• Serve as a resource for information and guidance on disability-related issues.
• Act as the primary point of contact for individuals with disabilities and stakeholders regarding ADA-related inquiries and concerns.
• Advocate for the needs and rights of individuals with disabilities within the school district.
• Assist in managing adult requests for sign language interpreters.
• Draft and issue determination letters in collaboration with ADA & Workplace Accommodations Manager.
• Address and resolve any complaints or grievances related to ADA compliance in a prompt and equitable manner.
• Conduct interviews and make site visits in the furtherance of an investigation.
• Testify at arbitration, administrative hearings, and court proceedings related to requests for accommodation.
• Stay abreast of emerging government regulations and evaluate and recommend appropriate responses and changes to internal policies.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED equivalent is required and a minimum of seven (7) years of professional benefits, leaves, and/or disability administration experience required, including a minimum of one (1) year of direct disability administration experience; or Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum of three (3) years of related experience, including benefits, leaves, and/or disability administration.
• Experience with invoicing and processing accounts payable, preferred.
• Experience assisting management with the creation of presentation materials, preferred.
• Experience in successfully creating and/or modifying processes, preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Bilingual in Spanish and English, preferred.

Benefits

• Salary range of $58,000 - $76,000 annually.
• Exempt position with no overtime required.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.