GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK:
Assists the Manager of ADA and Accessible Services in supporting agency-wide compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements related to the design and delivery of transit service, including programs and facilities, and to the employment of persons who are disabled. Identifies and interprets similar requirements derived from related Federal and State legislation and investigates and monitors ADA-related customer service concerns, training, reporting, and continuous improvement across all VIA divisions, 5310 fund recipients, and contracted service providers. Assists in the review of service delivery policies, procedures and new initiatives, and creates and distributes statistical and narrative reports.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Directs and supervises the activities and work products of subordinates and contract personnel supporting the department and provides regular updates and feedback to the Manager of ADA and Accessible Services.
- Administers the VIAtrans and Reduced Fare eligibility determination process and assures the process is conducted in compliance with applicable Federal regulations and VIA policies.
- Administers procedures for the collection of No-Show and Late Cancellation (NSLC) data and the imposition of service suspensions as required by the VIAtrans NSLC Policy.
- Assists the Manager of ADA and Accessible Services in the review of eligibility decisions in response to appeals from applicants.
- 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.
- Investigates, documents findings, and ensures follow-up to customer concerns (CAFs) regarding alleged violations of Federal, State, and local ADA rules/regulations and VIA ADA policies/procedures.
- Serves as liaison to other VIA departments and divisions to support internal ADA compliance reviews, audits, and accessibility assessments of facilities, vehicles, stops, and operational practices.
- Assists the Manager of ADA and Accessible Services in developing recommendations for employee training on ADA compliance, disability awareness, and sensitivity to promote accessible, inclusive, and customer-focused service delivery.
- Supports preparation of documentation and materials for audits, oversight reviews, and regulatory reporting related to FTA and ADA compliance.
- Coordinates with contractors, consultants, and service providers to ensure service and product quality.
- Assists the Manager of ADA and Accessible Services in the development and evaluation of VIAtrans service policies and procedures.
- Directs the orientation and training of new departmental employees.
- Assists the Manager of ADA and Accessible Services in planning, organizing, and conducting VIAtrans Workshops and other public meetings.
- Assists the Manager of ADA and Accessible Services in the development of material for presentation and discussion during meetings of the VIA Ad Hoc Accessible Transportation Advisory Committee (ATAC).
- Assists the Manager of ADA and Accessible Services in the periodic review and update of the VIA Accessible Transportation Guide.
- Prepares monthly statistical and narrative reports relative to eligibility determination, recertification, and NSLC suspension activity.
This job description excludes marginal functions that are incidental to performing the job. Other duties may exist.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Associate's Degree in a related field and at least five (5) years of experience working with basic medical, rehabilitation, diagnostic, and assessment terminology and practices, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Supervisory experience and professional experience working with individuals who are disabled, to include the use of appropriate communications and assistance techniques are preferred.
- Prior experience related to ADA compliance, accommodations, and accessibility, preferably in a public operating or transit field.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Requires considerable knowledge of and sensitivity to disability issues (including medical and psychological related issues), familiarity with ADA and related Federal, State, and local requirements.
- Functional understanding of assistance techniques and disability etiquette.
- Ability to plan and perform highly complex work that requires original thinking and initiative, as well as the ability to independently solve problems and make appropriate decisions, even though there is not a great body of precedent.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills with individuals and groups at all organizational levels, both inside and outside of VIA, using tact, discretion, and diplomacy.
- Ability to research and analyze data and information, draw reasonable conclusions, and develop appropriate options and recommendations.
- Ability to use basic office and communication equipment, with advanced proficiency in the Microsoft 365 Office Suite.
- Requires ability to attend meetings both on and off VIA property.
- Requires ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Requires ability to communicate with the general public in a manner that projects both professionalism and human concern.
- 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, and 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:
- Primarily works in an office environment, with frequent travel to other offices within the VIA main campus.
- Work involves occasional travel to off-property meetings.
- Work involves deadlines and multiple priorities.
- Work occasionally involves unusual and extended working hours.
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.