Accessibility Specialist in Hoffman Estates, Illinois at WT Group AEC

OUR FIRM:

The WT Group Accessibility Practice is a professional practice within The WT Group, LLC (WTG). We provide access and inclusion advice so that states, counties, cities, park districts, special recreation associations, schools, businesses, and nonprofits can comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) named us in 2013 as the preferred provider of accessibility and inclusion advice to the more than 60,000 members of NRPA. We work primarily with local governments across the United States, and they are 90% of our clientele. We have a particular expertise in parks and recreation, but also advise consult regarding all other types of sites and structures.

Our work helps our local government clients improve the quality of life for all residents in their community. Our recommendations lead to better communities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1.Knowing, or learning, accessibility code requirements is integral to this work.
2.The ability to work in a team environment is integral to this work.
3.Must be competent in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
4.Must be able to quickly learn how to use the handheld app on our smartphones, for data collection in the field.
5.Superior communication skills, including aural, written, emails, and texts with coworkers and staffs at client sites, are integral to this work.
6.Certification as a CTRS, CPRP, or CPRE is desirable. Other credentials in fields related to local government or disability are acceptable. Employees will be urged to become certified as an ADA Coordinator or to obtain other related credentials, such as the Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS) or Certified Access Specialist (CASp).
7.The scope of work does not include design.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
8.Travel is an integral part of this job. Applicants may be out of town for travel to our client local governments two or three weeks every month. A typical visit is five consecutive days. Weekend travel is rare, but three or four times a year departure on Sunday or arrival back home on Saturday is necessary.
9.Work is both indoors and outdoors, in hot weather and cold weather.
10.Keyboarding skills, and accuracy in measuring dimensions such as slope, height, width, and pounds of force is important to our work and our clients.
11.An understanding of disability and how architectural barriers impact the quality of life of people with disabilities is integral to this work.
12.Attention to detail is integral to this work.

DUTIES:

1.Using our app, checklists, and processes, conduct access audits of existing sites.
2.During access audits, use simple tools such as a digital level, smart phone, and tape measure to determine compliance with federal and state standards.
3.Prepare preliminary site reports following an access audit, identifying deficits and making compliance recommendations.
4.Conduct research on topics related to disability, as assigned.
5.Compare state access codes to our checklists and recommend revisions to our checklists where necessary.
6.Participate in training of state, county, city, park district, and other client staffs regarding aspects of the access audit and other issues related to disability.
7.Participate in the review of state, county, city, and park district policies regarding public interface, and compliance with ADA title II.
8.Assist as requested in the development of the Transition Plan, that phases retrofits over a period of years.
9.Participate in conferences and seminars on behalf of WTG.
10.Implement quality control measures.

Rate of Pay and Benefits
The rate of pay is dependent on qualifications. Health insurance, personal days, paid vacation, and other benefits are available.