AbilityOne Compliance Specialist

Melwood-PG Campus, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, USA

The Ability One Compliance Specialist is responsible for ensuring organizational compliance with Ability One Program requirements related to Qualifying Direct Labor (QDL) employee determinations and supporting disability documentation. This role leads the systematic review, validation, and maintenance of documentation to ensure individuals counted toward the direct labor hour ratio meet eligibility standards as defined in federal policy. The incumbent ensures accurate determinations, audit readiness, and alignment with regulatory expectations, while supporting internal stakeholders to maintain compliant records and processes.

This position serves as a key internal control to ensure the integrity of the organization’s direct labor hour ratio and Ability One program eligibility determinations.

Responsibilities:

• QDL Eligibility & Disability Documentation Compliance & Quality Assurance. Conduct monthly internal audits of employee records to confirm eligibility as a Qualifying Direct Labor (QDL) employee in accordance with Ability One policy. Validate that documentation meets requirements, including:
  • (1) Acceptable sources (SSA, Medicaid, VA, VR, licensed qualified medical professionals, etc.)
  • (2) Required elements such as diagnosis, licensure, documentation details, and signatures (where applicable)
  • (3) Documentation date requirements (e.g., within seven years of determination where required)
  • (4) Evidence of disability and functional impact
  • (5) Identification of disability type and extent
  • (6) Licensed professional credentials (when applicable).
• Identify incomplete, outdated, or non‑compliant documentation and coordinate corrective actions. Ensure documentation supports required determinations related to significant job supports when applicable.
• Prepares reports summarizing: (1) compliance status, (2) documentation gaps, and (3) corrective action plans.

Recordkeeping & Audit Readiness/Support. Maintain secure, complete, and standardized records for all QDL determinations and supporting documentation. Ensure records are readily available for CNA and Commission review.

Re‑Determination Tracking & Compliance Monitoring. Track timing of QDL determinations and re‑determinations (e.g., seven‑year requirements for non‑permanent disabilities). Ensure re‑determinations occur when: (1) documentation expires, or (2) a material change in disability occurs. Maintains compliance calendar and escalation protocols.

Ratio compliance support. Ensures only QDLs with satisfactory documentation are included in the calculation of Direct Labor Hour Ratio.

• Cross‑Functional Consultation & Training. Advise Vocational Support, HR, and operations staff on QDL determination requirements and documentation standards. Provide training on: acceptable documentation sources, documentation completeness standards, and compliance risks and common deficiencies. Follow changes in Ability One program policies and maintain up to date records of current Source America requirements and processes for disability determinations.

Data integrity. Ensure accurate capture of documentation and determination data in case management systems (e.g., ETO, SharePoint). Validate data used for DLH ratio calculations and compliance reporting.

Other duties (as assigned):
Support regulatory reviews, audits, and Commission/CNA engagements. Assist in development of compliance procedures or corrective action plans. Other QA and Compliance activities as directed by departmental leadership.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in rehabilitation counseling, social work, human services, healthcare administration, compliance or related field.
• 3+ years of experience is required.
• Strong knowledge of Ability One and/or federal disability program requirements.
• Experience reviewing medical or disability-related documentation.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and case management systems.

Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.