Introduction
Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD) facilitates the coordination of accessible information technology in compliance with state and federal laws. The Department of Information Technology (DoIT) supports state agencies in developing, funding and implementing information technology services. Both agencies collaborate to ensure that the state procures, develops and implements accessible information technology systems.
The IT Accessibility Evaluator will provide technical assistance to state agencies and DoIT by providing website evaluation, technical remediation support, and training to ensure Section 508 and WCAG compliance. Additionally, this position will serve as direct support staff to the lead IT Accessibility Coordinator, attending state-level & departmental meetings, compiling resources, and providing direct technical support to state agency IT staff on the evaluation, remediation, compliance, and procurement of accessible information technology.
This is a full-time position for MDOD - MD Assistive Technology Program.
GRADE
16
LOCATION OF POSITION
Maryland Department of Disabilities, Assistive Technology Program
2301 Argonne Drive
Baltimore, MD 21218
Co-Located:
Department of Information Technology
100 Community Place
Crownsville, MD 21032
Main Purpose of Job
This position is primarily responsible for supporting the IT Accessibility Coordinator by conducting in-depth testing of state websites, apps and software for accessibility compliance with Section 508 and WCAG success criteria; creating and/or remediating documents into accessible formats for state agencies; and providing technical support in areas such as website accessibility, website coding, and UX design as it applies to Section 508 standards, Maryland Nonvisual Access standards, and WCAG 2.1 standards for state of Maryland website developers and IT staff.
Additionally, this position will evaluate all Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates submitted by technology companies to the state, will provide technical assistance to DoIT regarding types of accessibility compliance testing, and provide direct technical assistance and consultation to the state on procurement of technology as it applies to accessibility standards.
In collaboration with the IT Accessibility Coordinator, this position will develop and implement an online Accessibility Standards training program for State personnel, host web-based and in-person Accessible Information Technology Trainings for state employees and general public, will participate in outreach and public awareness events focused on educating on topics of information technology accessibility, and will contribute weekly blog posts on IT Accessibility topics & tips.
POSITION DUTIES
IT Accessibility Evaluation & Support Services
-Support the IT Accessibility Coordinator in testing state websites, apps and software for accessibility in compliance with Section 508 and WCAG success criteria.
-Assist with troubleshooting issues and providing technical support to state agency website developers.
-Organize and maintain Accessible IT resources.
-Conduct evaluation and remediation efforts in areas such as website accessibility, website coding and UX design.
-Perform document creation, quality assurance, and quality control reviews of documents and deliverables from state agencies for Section 508 compliances.
-Utilize a prescribed set of checklists and accessibility checkers to perform document creation, quality assurance, and quality control reviews.
-Remediate non-Section 508 compliant aspects of documents and deliverables including formatting MS Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, Excel spreadsheets, and PDF documents in accordance with Section 508 specifications.
-In collaboration with the IT Accessibility Coordinator, evaluate all Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates, when provided by venders, to support accessibility claims of their products.
-Provide direct technical assistance to constituents on accessibility.
-Serve as a liaison between the National Access and State, encouraging state employees to participate in education experiences offered by the NFB.
Training, Outreach, Communications on IT Accessibility
-In coordination with the IT Accessibility Coordinator, develop and implement an online Accessibility Standards training program for State personnel.
-Make available to state employees and constituents training resources on topics of accessibility.
-Host web-based and in-person Information and Communication Technology Trainings for state employees and general public.
-In coordination with MDTAP Executive Director, participate in outreach and public awareness events focused on information technology accessibility.
-Continue weekly blog posts on IT Accessibility topics & tips.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Four years of experience in administrative staff or professional work.
Notes:
1. Additional experience in administrative staff or professional work may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.
2. Additional graduate level education at an accredited college or university may be substituted at the rate of 30 semester credit hours on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer involving staff work related to the administration of rules, regulations, policy, procedures and processes, or overseeing or coordinating unit operations or functioning as a staff assistant to a higher ranking commissioned officer on a year-for-year basis for the required education and experience.
SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS
Two years of experience developing, procuring, testing, or remediating accessible technology
as it complies with Section 508, W3c Standards, and/or the State of Maryland
Non-Visual Access Standards.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
A
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Computer Science,
Information Technology, Accessibility, or a related field.
Knowledge
of ADA, Section 504 (part 794 in particular) and 508, Universal design
principles, Maryland Nonvisual Access standards, and WCAG 2.1 standards.
Demonstrated
experience evaluating websites, technologies, and documents for 508 compliance
and WCAG 2.1 standards.
Extensive,
demonstrated knowledge of JavaScript and HTML/CSS.
Demonstrated
understanding of assistive technology (AT) and how AT integrates with the
application of accessibility standards.
Preferred
candidate will have completed Accessibility Training courses focused on
procurement and purchasing utilizing 508 guidelines, available through GSA
Section 508.gov or through the Federal Acquisition Institute, or
Department of Homeland Security Trusted Tester program.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.
SELECTION PROCESS
Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.
BENEFITS
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
For education obtained outside the U.S. a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service may be required prior to hire.
Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be submitted to:
Department of Budget and Management
Recruitment and Examination Division
301 W. Preston St., Suite 608
Baltimore, MD 21201.
Paper application materials must be received in our office by the closing date for the recruitment. No postmarks will be accepted.
For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at Application.Help@maryland.gov or 410-767-4850, MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.
We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.
People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.
