Program Specialist, Accessibility Services

Chicago Housing Authority; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Remote work after probation

Medical and dental insurance

Retirement plan with CHA contributions

Paid time off (PTO)

Life insurance

Parking/transit benefits

Professional development

Job summary

The Chicago Housing Authority seeks a Program Specialist, Accessibility Services, to manage the intake and coordination of reasonable accommodation requests for residents and applicants with disabilities, ensuring reviews and documentation in line with Section 504, ADA, FHA, and CHA policy.

Under the Manager, Accessibility, the Specialist guides residents, applicants, and CHA staff through the process, supports accessibility initiatives, and collaborates across departments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, public administration, disability studies, human development, liberal arts, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary intake point for reasonable accommodation (RA) requests from residents and applicants, ensuring timely review and processing.
• Coordinate with Service Providers, Property Management and CHA departments to complete RA requests.
• Conduct on-site RA assessments to evaluate feasibility of modifications and resident needs.
• Record determinations and supporting documentation in YARDI; prepare materials for approval chain.
• Explain processes and next steps in clear, accessible language to residents and applicants.
• Coordinate implementation of approved accommodations with CHA partners.
• Participate in the interactive process when additional information is required.
• Support accessibility initiatives, data tracking, and cross-department collaboration.
• Travel to attend off-site training, meetings, and events; may handle tasks beyond current job description.
• Hours may extend beyond 8:30am–5:00pm and include weekends.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Attention to detail

Project coordination

Microsoft Office proficiency

YARDI familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree

Graduate degree preferred

Disability studies familiarity

Tools

YARDI

Case management systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Program Specialist, Accessibility Services, supports the Chicago Housing Authority’s (CHA) centralized administration of reasonable accommodation requests for residents and applicants with disabilities. Under the direction of the Manager, Accessibility the Specialist serves as the primary intake and coordination with our service providers for reasonable accommodation requests, ensuring that all submissions are reviewed, verified, documented, and completed in accordance with Section 504, ADA, FHA, and CHA policy. This role requires a high level of attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to guide residents, applicants, and property staff through the reasonable accommodation process with clarity, patience, and professionalism. The Specialist also contributes to broader Accessibility Services initiatives, including data tracking, resident support, and cross-department collaboration.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the primary intake point for reasonable accommodation (RA) requests from public housing residents and applicants, ensuring timely review and processing.
• Complete assigned RA requests, including review of documentation, case notes, determination letters, resident notifications, and coordination with Service Providers, Property Management and other CHA departments.
• Conduct on‑site reasonable accommodation or modification assessments as needed to evaluate the feasibility of requested modifications, understand resident needs, and coordinate with Property Management and Maintenance teams.
• Ensure all RA determinations, correspondence, and supporting documentation are accurately recorded in YARDI and communicated to residents, applicants, and third-party contractor staff. Prepare RA documentation and recommendations for approval chain.
• Communicate with residents and applicants regarding the status of their accommodation request, explaining processes, policies, and next steps in clear and accessible language.
• Coordinate implementation of approved accommodations with Property Management, Maintenance, Property Office/Occupancy, and other CHA partners.
• Participate in the interactive process when additional information, clarification, or consultation is required.
• Support special projects related to accessibility compliance, resident engagement, and quality‑of‑life initiatives as assigned.
• Travels to attend off‑site training, meetings, and events, as assigned;
• May be asked to handle tasks outside of job description to meet broader goals of CHA and Resident Services.
• This position requires working hours outside of CHA’s established hours of 8:30am – 5:00pm, Monday- Friday including weekends.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in social work, public administration, disability studies, human development, liberal arts, or a related field, with a strong preference for candidates who have completed a graduate degree in disability studies, special education, public administration, public policy, or a similar discipline. Candidates should have at least one (1) year of experience working with individuals with disabilities, providing coordination, supporting compliance or resident services, along with a demonstrated passion for public service and a commitment to advocating for people with disabilities. Experience within public housing or other regulated environments is beneficial. This role requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to explain complex policies in a clear and accessible manner, as well as strong organizational abilities to manage multiple cases and deadlines. Familiarity with disability rights laws such as Section 504, ADA, and the Fair Housing Act, is preferred, and a willingness to develop specialized expertise is essential. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required, and experience with YARDI or other case management systems is a plus.

BENEFITS AT-A-GLANCE

• Vacation, Sick and Personal, competitive PTO package
• Medical (HMO, PPO, and No employee cost High-Deductible PPO) Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Parking Transit
• Prepaid Legal Services
• Brightstar 529 College Savings Plan
• Identity Theft Protection
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance
• Deferred Compensation Plan: Empower 457/401(a) with a 3% employer match
• Pension Plan: CHA makes contributions on behalf of the employee, along with the employee's 3% contribution; 100% vesting occurs after 6 years of continuous employment or opt-out of CHA's Retirement Plan and continues to participate in the Municipal Employees Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago
• Hybrid work schedule (position specific) This position may be eligible for remote work following a successful completion of a 90-day probationary period according to CHA’s established policies and procedures.

Salary Range: $60,000 ‑ $65,000

Grade: S7

FLSA: Exempt

Union: None