Accessibility Specialist

VIA Metro Transit; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 56,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

VIA Metro Transit in San Antonio, Texas, seeks an Accessibility Specialist to determine ADA paratransit eligibility and manage related programs (Reduced Fare Card, Do Not Leave Alone, Assist-to-Door). You will review medical information, coordinate with healthcare professionals, and respond to accommodation requests to ensure compliant service delivery.

Responsibilities include interpreting assessments, maintaining eligibility records, and contributing to policy development and public workshops.

Qualifications

• Two years of college in a related field is required.
• At least two years of experience with medical, rehabilitation, diagnostic or assessment terminology and practices.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

• Determine VIAtrans eligibility per ADA criteria and consult with medical professionals as needed.
• Coordinate with occupational therapy assessments and interpret results for eligibility decisions.
• Respond to inquiries about VIAtrans programs via phone, mail, email, or in person.
• Prepare documentation and appeals packets for VIAtrans eligibility and service status decisions.
• Review and respond to accommodation requests and no-show/late cancellation issues.
• Provide ADA training, public workshops, and updates to VIAtrans policies as needed.

Skills

ADA knowledge

Communication

Medical terminology

Education

Two years of college

Job description

56,002 - 96,921 USD per year

Posted 3 days ago

Description

Summary:

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

Responsible for determining eligibility for VIAtrans, the Reduced Fare Card program, and the Assist-to-Door program, to include consultation with physicians, caregivers, and contract service providers with respect to individual cases. This position requires considerable knowledge of and sensitivity to disability issues (including medical and psychological related issues) requirements to perform complex work that involves an understanding of detailed medical information and consistent interpretation of multi-dimensional criteria. Familiarity with ADA and related Federal, State, and local rules and regulations is required as the Accessibility Specialist is also responsible for responding to accommodation requests and concerns submitted by VIAtrans applicants and VIA/VIAtrans customers who have a disability.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conducts initial review of individual applications for VIAtrans eligibility and requests additional information if needed; interprets physical, cognitive, sensory, psychological, and/or psychiatric diagnostic information provided by medical professionals on behalf of individual applicants.
• Reviews and evaluates data and observations from Functional Assessments performed by a Certified Occupational Therapy Associate, and discusses results as needed.
• Interacts with and corresponds in writing and verbally with the professional medical community as needed to clarify diagnostic and functional information.
• Evaluates the capabilities and limitations of individual applicants and determines their VIAtrans (ADA paratransit) eligibility status based on the consistent interpretation of ADA-based criteria and guidelines, within a specified timeframe.
• Determines eligibility for the Reduced Fare Card program, based on criteria derived from Federal “504” regulations concerning seniors and persons who have a disability.
• Reviews and processes VIAtrans customer requests for Do Not Leave Alone (DNLA) status, Personal Care Attendant (PCA) authorization, and Assist-to-Door service.
• Prepares and maintains appropriate documentation of eligibility and service status decisions and prepares VIAtrans appeals packets for review.
• Responds to telephonic, written, electronic, and in-person requests for information about the VIAtrans program.
• Evaluates, makes determinations, and responds to accommodation requests submitted by VIAtrans applicants and VIA/VIAtrans customers who have a disability.
• Reviews, makes determinations, and responds to customer appeals, to include Initial VIAtrans eligibility appeals and No-Show violation appeals.
• Communicates and builds consensus from VIA and VIAtrans Operations regarding ADA determinations made as they relate to customer concerns and accommodation requests.
• Reviews and responds to customer concerns (CAFs) regarding violations of Federal, State, and local ADA rules/regulations and VIA ADA policies/procedures.
• Processes periodic recertifications of ADA complementary paratransit eligibility.
• Processes VIAtrans No-Show/Late Cancellations (NSLC) monthly correspondence.
• Provides quarterly “Lunch and Learn” ADA Sessions for VIA and VIAtrans operations.
• Assists in the development and evaluation of VIAtrans service policies and procedures.
• Assists in the periodic review and update of the VIA Accessible Transportation Guide.
• Assists in the planning, organizing, and conducting of VIAtrans Workshops and other public meetings.
• Assists with the training and orientation of new departmental employees.
• Prepares monthly statistical and narrative reports related to eligibility determination, recertification, and NSLC suspension activity; as directed, conducts research and prepares reports related to other aspects of ADA compliance and paratransit service delivery.
• Develops and maintains contacts among local medical and mental health professionals, to aid in the understanding of diagnoses and the effects of medication and treatments.
• Develops and maintains contacts among local Human Service agencies and disability advocacy groups to aid in the understanding of environmental, institutional, and policy barriers to the use of public transportation by individuals who are disabled.
• Occasionally represents the department at public hearings, workshops, and other public events.

This job description excludes marginal functions that are incidental to performing the job. Other duties may exist.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

At least two (2) years of college in a related field and at least two (2) years of experience in basic medical, rehabilitation, diagnostic, and assessment terminology and practices, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience may be substituted in lieu of education on a year-for-year basis up to two (2) years.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Having a professional or personal experience working with individuals who are disabled, to include the use of appropriate communications and assistance techniques, is preferred.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) capability is very helpful.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to plan and perform highly complex work requiring innovative thinking and initiative, and the ability to independently solve problems and make appropriate decisions, even though there is not a great body of precedent.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with individuals and groups at all organizational levels, both inside and outside VIA, using tact, discretion, and diplomacy.
• Requires ability to attend meetings both on and off VIA property.
• Ability to communicate complex regulations and policies verbally and in writing to individuals with various levels of cognitive functioning.
• Functional understanding of assistance techniques and disability etiquette.
• Ability to comprehend complex information and instructions.
• Ability to deliver presentations to and answer questions from individuals and groups, and to interact with the public in a positive and helpful manner.
• Must be aware of and sensitive to disability issues.
• Must maintain the confidentiality of sensitive data and information.
• Must be well-organized, thorough and able to perform and manage multiple tasks while meeting firm deadlines.
• Ability to accurately use word processing and spreadsheet programs.
• Ability to operate basic and specialized office equipment.
• Must be able to maintain good work attendance.

Safety Accountability Statement:

- Employees must consider safety in all tasks performed, as well as demonstrate safe judgment and decisions that not only maintain their own safety; but that of fellow employees and customers.

- Demonstrate a professional commitment to assure compliance with all organizational policies, practices, and programs related to safety, health, and system security.

- Employees have a responsibility to identify and report hazards, as well as potentially unsafe conditions, to your immediate supervisor or Safety Department.

- Employees are responsible, a nd required , to stop a job/task to prevent an unsafe incident or act from occurring. This acknowledges the threat of potential injury, property damage and the opportunity for better judgment to be used.

Must comply with and support all applicable VIA EEO Policies and Procedures.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical ability required to be mobile, bend, stoop, stand, reach, and occasionally lift 5-25 pounds of objects, such as files, equipment and supplies, and books.

WORK ENVIRONMENTS:

• Work involves deadlines and multiple priorities.
• Work is performed in a typical office environment during normal business hours.
• Occasional evening and weekend work, and/or travel, may be required.

VIA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal opportunity to all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or disability.