ADA Eligibility Specialist

ADA Eligibility Specialist

The ADA Eligibility Specialist is responsible for reviewing ADA paratransit application materials, supplemental intake and professional verification forms, conducting in‑person interviews for applicants, performing functional assessments, and determining eligibility for ADA paratransit service. The Specialist also maintains accurate documentation and provides final eligibility determinations to the Client and supports the General Manager in directing passenger transit operations. The position is based in Chicago, IL in support of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA).

• Competitive compensation: $54,000 – $59,000 per year
• Vacation: minimum of two (2) weeks
• Sick days: 5 days
• Holidays: 12 days (8 standard and 4 floating)
• Standard benefits: 401(k) retirement plan, medical, dental and vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, voluntary long‑term disability
• Other benefits may vary depending on location policy

• Determine final eligibility based upon the application, interview, functional assessment and any supplemental information
• Conduct in‑person interviews to assess mobility capabilities and review supplemental information
• Determine required functional assessments for each applicant
• Provide written eligibility determination documentation to Client within ADA required and contracted time frame
• Read and interpret ADA paratransit applications, intake forms and professional verification forms
• Review interview results and application paperwork and follow up on assessments and verification as needed
• Provide additional written documentation to Client upon request
• Assist leadership in identifying process improvement opportunities
• Conduct functional physical and/or cognitive assessment with applicants that may include:
  • Physical Functional Assessment using an outdoor course
  • Physical Functional Assessment using an indoor course
  • FACTS (Functional Assessment, Taxonomy, and Score)
  • MMSE (Mini‑Mental State Examination)
  • Tinetti Balance and Gait Assessment
  • Beck’s Anxiety Assessment
• Apply information obtained to determine applicant’s capability to independently ride fixed‑route transportation
• Provide required forms to administrative personnel for data entry and eligibility letter generation
• Participate in staff meetings with leadership and/or Client
• Participate in community outreach and education as needed
• Participate in initial and ongoing training as required by Transdev and Client
• Complete all necessary reports, paperwork and maintain ongoing applicant tracking logs and reports for Transdev and Client
• Build rapport and communicate effectively with Transdev and Client personnel, including administrators, management, support staff and applicants, while providing high quality customer service
• Participate in the appeals process, upon request
• Maintain a positive attitude when interacting with individuals, support staff and caregivers
• Work with management and the Client to follow through on service issues, troubleshooting problems, concerns, complaints and training

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Services, Rehabilitation, Ancillary Health Care Profession, or a related field
• Considerable experience and certifications can substitute for a Bachelor’s degree (e.g., COTA, OT, PT)
• 3+ years of professional experience working with individuals with disabilities
• Experience and knowledge with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations and sensitivity to issues relating to people with disabilities and older adults
• Experience conducting information gathering related to ADA paratransit eligibility
• Intermediate or higher proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel & PowerPoint)
• Knowledge of the public transportation system and services
• Must be authorized to work in the United States and not require sponsorship
• Solid interviewing, assessment and observational skills; ability to work effectively with a diverse population
• Ability to administer standardized evaluation tools consistently and score them according to established protocols
• Ability to clearly communicate findings and observations on database reports, notes and certification letters
• Desire to learn additional…