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 work streams as assigned

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