Manager, ADA And Workplace Accommodations

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 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. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

The Manager, ADA and Workplace Accommodations will be held accountable for the following 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

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Manager, ADA and Workplace Accommodations must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in human resources, business, or a related field required

• Master's degree or Juris Doctorate degree preferred

• Certification in ADA compliance or accommodations preferred

Experience Required:

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience managing ADA and workplace accommodations

• Supervisory and/or team leadership experience

• Experience within a large complex organization, large school district setting and/or public sector experience preferred

• Experience working in a unionized labor environment preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• 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

Benefits:

Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice

CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:

Medical Plan Options

Pharmacy

Dental

Vision

Behavioral Health & EAP

Employee Wellness Program

Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow

We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:

Basic Life Insurance

Life and Disability Insurance

Pension Plans

Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Spot Pet Insurance

Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life

CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:

Paid Leave

Sick Leave

Vacation Days

Parental Leaves

Short-Term Disability

Religious Holidays

Leaves

Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.

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.