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Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over320,000students in 500+ schools and employing over 44,000 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.  In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity.  Six core values are embedded within these commitments – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

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 districtadministrators, staff, students, and community members to foster an inclusive and supportive educational environment.

The ADA Specialist will be held accountable for the following 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.
• Collaborates 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. Work collaboratively with involved parties to reach amicable solutions.
• Conducts interviews and makes 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.
• Performs additional ad hoc duties as assigned.
• The ADA Specialist will work within the school district offices and may need to travel between school sites for inspections, meetings, and training sessions.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the ADA Specialist must possess the following 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 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

Other Requirements: 

• Bilingual in Spanish and English, preferred 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of ADA regulations and guidelines, as well as other relevant legislation (e.g., Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act).
• Strong working knowledge of state and federal laws related to disability and workplace accommodation including but not limited to the ADA, PWFA, and VESSA.
• Demonstrated superior ability to write concise, organized, logical, and analytical reports to convey complex issues.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to handle difficult and sensitive employee situations with refined judgment while maintaining confidentiality and adhering to data privacy laws and policies.
• Demonstrated ability to use inductive reasoning
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects and work effectively with minimal supervision while adhering to strict deadlines
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to produce high-quality work.
• Demonstrated ability managing multiple tasks in an environment with frequent interruptions, changing priorities, and tight operating deadlines.
• Ability to interact with staff (at all levels) in a fast-paced environment, sometimes under pressure, remaining flexible, proactive, resourceful and efficient, with a high level of professionalism.
• Ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders and maintain a high level of integrity and confidentiality.
• Superior organizational, time management, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Exceptional customer service skills
• Ability to be a team player and builder
• Intermediate expertise with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) or Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Gmail) 

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

• 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. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.
• Be Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19- Unless approved for a medical or religious exemption, all employees are required to be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, and to submit proof of vaccination to the district within 30 days of hire. “Up-to-date” on vaccination is defined as being at least two weeks past all primary vaccine doses and any applicable boosters.