Hybrid ADA Coordinator (15260, Grade 26) presso The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission, MD

About the Department

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (herein, the “Commission”), Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, Maryland, seeks a Certified ADA Coordinator to lead and manage the Department's accessibility compliance efforts. This high-impact role ensures that all Department programs, services, and facilities meet or exceed federal, state, and local accessibility standards. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, skilled collaborator, and passionate advocate for inclusion and equity.

This position serves as a senior analyst and advisor to leadership for the Department of Parks and Recreation on ADA compliance and other laws addressing the rights of people with disabilities. Incumbent leads an ADA Compliance Committee, comprised of career subject matter experts, and performs management-related quality assurance in conjunction with senior leadership and staff from across the Department and external stakeholders. This person works in the Compliance, Performance, and Innovation Division and collaborates with the Commission ADA Coordinator, as well as numerous Divisions, especially the Inclusion Services Unit professionals, to track ADA compliance work and to investigate and resolve complaints. The occupant of this position evaluates requests for complex accommodation and services based on the needs of residents, staff, and visitors.

Reports to the Compliance & Innovation Manager in the Compliance, Performance, & Innovation Division (CPID). Works independently under general supervision and the guidance of Commission Departmental policies and procedures, as well as applicable federal, state, and local statutes, regulations, policies, procedures, and contractual agreements.

Position Duties

1. Develop, design, implement, and evaluate the annual ADA work plan. Draft and update the Commission’s ADA Self Evaluation and Transition Plan and conduct regular reviews of facilities, programs, and policies to remain in compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations including Title II of the ADA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 related to access and accommodation for Commission services, programs, and facilities.
2. Act as the primary public contact for Department ADA-related concerns and inquiries. Collaborate with the Department of Parks and Recreation Inclusion Services team to resolve complaints promptly and equitably. Ensures effective procedures are in place to resolve issues promptly and fairly. Maintain comprehensive records of all disability-related requests, concerns, and resolutions.
3. Chair the internal ADA Coordination Committee (comprised of key contributors from appropriate Division staff) and oversee the development, update, and maintenance of the database of items in progress or completed related to Title II projects. As necessary, work cooperatively with internal and external entities that perform ADA-related audits to address and rectify recommendations promptly.
4. Lead a county-wide ADA Coordination Committee with executive leadership, elected officials, the M-NCPPC legal team, internal stakeholders, community member organizations, and staff to develop and implement best practices to meet and exceed industry standards. Make presentations to keep internal and external stakeholders informed.
5. Integrate the schedule of modifications with other Departmental and agency-wide planning processes, including the Major Maintenance Plan (MMP), and the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Work collaboratively with project managers, engineers, and architects to maintain access/accommodations during capital project construction. Coordinate with other Department Divisions, stakeholders, government agencies, and regulators. Recommend annual and long-range county-wide capital improvements.
6. Monitor and analyze emerging trends in universal design, construction technologies, materials, and industry best practices. Evaluate the applicability of new methods and innovations to enhance Department projects and initiatives. Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and service delivery through updated governance methods, policies, and procedures. Recommend and implement strategic improvements to increase productivity, effectiveness, and compliance with accessibility standards.
7. Orchestrate Department staff on an ADA Coordination Committee tasked with identifying and making recommendations to resolve departmental concerns relating to accessibility matters tied to the Transition Plan. Lead research, special studies, and development of proposals and organizational initiatives.
8. Develop and coordinate the training of Department ADA representatives and other staff. Alongside the Therapeutic Recreation Unit, within the Compliance, Performance & Innovation Division, facilitate ADA and disability awareness training for staff regarding accessibility for and inclusion of people with disabilities, rights and responsibilities, meeting guidelines, reasonable accommodations, and resources and policies.
9. Build and maintain productive working relationships with Department, legal team representatives, and community stakeholders such as organizations representing individuals with disabilities. Participate in community outreach and attend meetings of organizations representing people with disabilities.
10. Serve as the Department’s primary liaison on ADA community relations matters with relevant state and federal agencies and ADA coordinators of other counties, agencies, municipalities, and institutions. Work closely with the Public Affairs and Customer Engagement Division (PACE) to:

• Manage community relations, outreach, and media relations related to ADA compliance
• Track and monitor community relations and outreach projects to ensure team members adhere to standards and schedules.
• Package content for multiple platforms (such as print media, web pages, video, and social media)
• Develop, implement, and review communication plans and maintain proactive communication with all stakeholders.
• Provide staff training and share communications best practices.
• Work cooperatively with the PACE Division team to research, write, and release media advisories or press releases.
• Manage timelines and advise contributors of deadlines and requirements, and ensure that all documents are vetted, proofed, and edited.
• Stay aware of critical, sensitive, and political events related to ADA issues.
• Ensure that the Department’s website and social media presence are current. Develop a joint strategic communications plan with executive leadership and the PACE Division Chief.

Performs related work of a similar nature or level, at various locations as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in human resource management, Finance, Business or any related field.
2. Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in Human Resource Management,
finance or any related field.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total 8 years.

Performance Requirements (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):

Knowledge of:

1. Expert knowledge of best practices regarding disability, equity, inclusion, and cultural competence training.
2. The Americans with Disabilities Act, Title II of the ADA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 relating to access and accommodations for Commission services, programs, and facilities, as well as other federal, state, and local laws pertaining to the rights of people with disabilities.
3. Various alternative formats and technologies that enable people with disabilities to communicate, participate, and perform tasks.
4. Appropriate accommodation, including effective communication and barrier removal to people with disabilities to ensure access to programs, services, and activities (e.g., assistive devices, interpreters, physical access).

Skill in:

1. Excellent interpersonal communication skills and the ability to collaborate with community members, co-workers and other Commission employees using courtesy, tact, and good judgment.
2. Strong program planning, coordinating, organizing, problem analysis, decision-making, and evaluation skills.
3. Developing and delivering training and presentations in person and via remote technology.
4. Skills and training in negotiation and mediation.
5. Strong skills in cross-departmental team building and problem-solving.

Ability to:

1. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, government agencies, general counsel, and the public. Lead a diverse group of subject matter experts efficiently, with attention to equity and inclusivity.
2. Review, develop, and implement practices and/or strategies in organizational development related to ADA and Title VI.
3. Work effectively with broad and diverse populations, including people with disabilities.
4. Interpret and apply policies and procedures.
5. Ability and willingness to demonstrate service and results orientation competencies, teamwork, and cooperation.
6. Listen and communicate effectively with citizens in response to accommodation requests.
7. Manage multiple projects and issues simultaneously.
8. Evaluate, recommend, and implement programs and physical barriers improvements.
9. Maintain consistent and punctual attendance.
10. Physical ability to perform the essential function of the job, including:

• Frequently operate a computer and read a computer screen or typewritten page.
• Frequently communicate with diverse populations.
• Move between work sites and complete other duties as assigned.
• Interpret laws, policies, and regulations.

• ADA Coordinator Certification is required.
• Bachelor’s degrees in public or business administration, human services, social sciences, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of professional-level experience providing consultation, guidance, and training in ADA compliance, providing disability, accessibility, inclusion, and accommodation services for people with disabilities.
• Three (3) or more years of professional-related experience in organizational development, program/project management, and staff supervision.
• Five (5) years of experience working with local government; interdepartmental knowledge and experience preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to provide the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the job's essential functions successfully will be considered.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in an office setting, and extensive work is done at a computer workstation. Frequently interacts with the public on the telephone and in person. Work is performed in an office setting with considerable public contact and visibility and at a semi-private workstation with a normal range of noise and other distractions; low everyday risks working around standard office equipment. Inspect sites or attend meetings relating to ADA accessibility issues at various locations.

Employment is contingent upon passing a criminal background check.

Other Qualifications

Class Specification: Administrative Specialist III

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT:
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.   

Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1)
M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.