ADA Specialist

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500 schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

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.

The ADA Specialist will be held accountable for the following 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