ADA Specialist

Chicago Public Schools; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 54,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage options

Pension plans

FSAs and health benefits

Paid time off policies

Job summary

Chicago Public Schools seeks an ADA Specialist to support Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations for employees, volunteers, and the public. You will review requests, coordinate accommodations, and maintain confidential records with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities include conducting interviews, drafting determinations, and tracking case data while collaborating with district staff to ensure compliant, equitable services.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required; seven years in benefits, leaves, and/or disability administration or related HR function, or
• Bachelor’s degree with three years of related experience in benefits, leaves, disability administration, or related HR function.
• Experience drafting formal correspondence, determination letters, or sensitive HR communications is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review ADA and accommodation requests; determine eligibility under ADA and other requirements; conduct interviews and site visits as needed.
• Coordinate the accommodation process and ensure timely implementation with stakeholders.
• Maintain confidential records and draft accommodation determinations; support case-control processes.
• Investigate ADA-related concerns; conduct interviews and fact-finding; collaborate to resolve issues.
• Serve as primary contact for ADA requirements, providing guidance and ensuring equitable practices.
• Track and analyze accommodation data to improve policies and processes.
• Collaborate with departments and community organizations to enhance accessibility; act as ADA liaison.

Skills

ADA knowledge

Interviews / fact-finding

Case management

Analytical skills

Bilingual Spanish/English preferred

Education

High School diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office/Google Workspace

Job description

CPS Careers | Search | Apply | Get Hired

Posting Date

Sep 25, 2026, 1:52:25 PM

Primary Location

West Side-2651 W Washington Blvd (Dodge-Garfield Park)

CPS Non-Union Job Grade : S06

Estimated Annual Salary Range

54,000.00 - 77,500.00

Position Type : Non-Union Position

Overtime Status

Exempt

Final salary offers are dependent upon candidate qualifications.

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 ADA and Workplace Accommodations Department is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) within the school district. This involves coordinating efforts to provide equal access and opportunities for individuals with disabilities, addressing accommodation requests, and facilitating necessary training and resources. The department also provides non-disability related workplace accommodations support for staff.

Job Summary

Reporting to the ADA & Workplace Accommodations Manager, the ADA Specialist will support the administration of Americans with Disabilities (ADA) and other workplace accommodation for CPS employees, volunteers, contractors, and (adult) members of the public who seek reasonable accommodation to access CPS facilities. The ADA Specialist will review requests for reasonable accommodation due to disability, pregnancy/nursing, religious practices & beliefs, and other applicable Federal, state, and local laws. The ADA Specialist will also assist in performing a wide range of coordination, administrative, and investigative support with minimal to no supervision and will assist in developing intra-office communication protocols, streamlining administrative procedures, and case inventory control. The ADA Specialist will work closely with district administrators, staff, students, and community members to foster an inclusive and supportive educational environment. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

The ADA Specialist will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Review ADA and workplace accommodation requests submitted by employees, volunteers, contractors, and other adults; determine eligibility for reasonable accommodation under the ADA and other applicable federal, state, and local requirements, including pregnancy/nursing and religious accommodations; conduct interviews and site visits as necessary to evaluate requests
• Coordinate the reasonable accommodation process and ensure timely implementation of approved accommodations and workplace modifications; work with employees, managers, schools, departments, and other stakeholders to facilitate accommodations; assist in managing adult requests for sign language interpreters and other accessibility services
• Maintain accurate, confidential accommodation records and case inventories; track case status and required actions; draft and issue accommodation determination letters in collaboration with the ADA & Workplace Accommodations Manager; support effective administrative procedures and case-control processes
• Investigate ADA-related concerns, complaints, and grievances; conduct interviews, site visits, and other fact-finding activities; collaborate with involved parties to identify appropriate resolutions; participate in interdepartmental case reviews and assessments of District facilities and programs for potential compliance issues
• Serve as a primary point of contact and resource for employees, administrators, individuals with disabilities, and other stakeholders regarding ADA requirements, workplace accommodations, accessibility, and disability-related questions; provide guidance that supports consistent and equitable practices
• Track, organize, and analyze accommodation and accessibility data; identify trends and recurring issues; use case information and data to support the development, implementation, and improvement of District policies, procedures, administrative processes, and accessibility initiatives
• Collaborate with District departments, schools, external agencies, and community organizations to enhance accessibility and service delivery; attend relevant meetings and serve as an ADA liaison; advocate for accessibility and the needs and rights of individuals with disabilities within the District
• Stay current on emerging federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidance related to ADA and workplace accommodations; evaluate potential impacts and recommend changes to internal policies and practices; prepare for and provide testimony at arbitrations, administrative hearings, and court proceedings involving accommodation matters
• Support intra-office communications and administrative process improvements; travel between District offices and school sites as needed for meetings, inspections, investigations, and training; perform additional ad hoc duties and related responsibilities as assigned
• Other duties as assigned

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

Education and Experience Required:

High School diploma or GED equivalent is required and a minimum of seven (7) years of professional benefits, leaves, and/or disability administration, or a closely related human resources function experience; or

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum of three (3) years of related experience, including benefits, leaves, disability administration, or a closely related human resources function.

Experience conducting fact-finding, employee interviews, workplace accommodation assessments, or other HR/compliance investigations, preferred.

Experience drafting formal correspondence, accommodation determinations, investigative findings, or other sensitive HR/compliance communications, preferred.

Experience developing, improving, or implementing administrative processes, procedures, or case-management practices, preferred.

Experience working in a large, complex, unionized, public-sector, or educational organization, preferred.

Other Requirements:

Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English, preferred

Ability to travel between District schools and administrative locations as required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Working knowledge of the ADA and other applicable federal, state, and local workplace accommodation laws and regulations, including the PWFA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, VESSA, and religious accommodation requirements.

Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and procedures to workplace accommodation requests and other complex or sensitive employee matters.

Analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to conduct interviews, assess information, exercise sound judgment, and reach well-supported conclusions.

Superior written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, concise, and well-organized case documentation, determination letters, reports, and other sensitive communications.

Demonstrated ability to manage confidential and sensitive matters with professionalism, discretion, integrity, and appropriate adherence to privacy requirements.

Strong case management, organizational, and time-management skills, with the ability to independently manage multiple priorities, meet strict deadlines, and produce accurate, high-quality work with minimal supervision.

Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and customer-service skills, with the ability to work effectively with employees, managers, District leadership, external organizations, and other stakeholders at all levels.

Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace, including the ability to maintain, track, organize, and analyze case and accommodation data.

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
• 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:

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.

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