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Accessibility Specialist

Education Program Specialist I

Recruitment #22-005055-0011

Introduction



The Maryland State Department of Education is dedicated to supporting a world-class educational system that prepares all students for college and career success in the 21st century. With excellent stewardship from our divisions, we oversee State and federal programs that support the needs of a diverse population – students, teachers, principals, and other educators throughout Maryland.

GRADE

State Salary Grade 21
Annual Salary Range: $66,516 - $86,741 (with progression to $108,929)

LOCATION OF POSITION

Nancy S. Grasmick Education Building
200 West Baltimore Street 
Baltimore, Maryland 21201

Main Purpose of Job

As part of the MSDE Office of Communications and Community Engagement team, the specialist will work with division leaders and MSDE leadership to ensure that the communication products created by the agency are accessible to all the stakeholders across the state. This position is responsible to ensure that MSDE website and the electronic contents are in compliance with Section 508 and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level and for ensuring that all printed products, documents, and presentations created or purchased satisfy federal and state standards and regulations of accessibility and satisfy the needs of language minority stakeholders.

POSITION DUTIES

Provides technical assistance for increasing the capacity of MSDE to provide equitable access to content and information for independent use by individuals with disabilities; supports the MSDE Website and Office of Communications and Community Engagement team in testing websites, applications, and software for accessibility; remediates simple and complex documents to satisfy accessibility standards; recommends appropriate social media and video accessibility best practices; utilizes current software and assistive technologies needed to create and evaluate products for individuals with disabilities; collaborates and provides technical assistance to MSDE for the procurement and development of accessible products; develops policies and processes related to presentation of digital content in accordance with federal and state regulations and policies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: Master’s Degree or equivalent 36 credit hours of post baccalaureate course work in Special Education, Instructional Technology, Assistive Technology, Web-based Design or a related field.

EXPERIENCE: Four (4) years of administrative or teaching experience in, or affiliated with, an education program that must have included work experience with assistive technology, digital learning, and accessibility compliance.

NOTES:
  1. Two additional years of experience directly related to the position option may be substituted for the required Master’s Degree. 
  2. Possession of a Doctorate in a field related to the position may be substituted for one year of the required experience.
  3. The required field of education and experience are unique for each option and are established by MSDE in accordance with Education Article, Section 2-104 of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The specific education and experience qualifications for each position are on record in the Human Resource Management Branch of the Division of Business Services of the Department of Education.
  4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Education Program classifications or Education Program specialty codes in the Education field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS

One year of experience with Web Content Accessibility.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Knowledge of current accessibility regulations, laws, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0,
  • Experience in the use of assistive software and hardware resources;
  • Skill in developing and presenting professional development programs;
  • Ability to interpret and apply laws and regulations;
  • Ability to organize, prioritize and manage multiple tasks;
  • Ability to work as a team member and establish and maintain effective working relationships;
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.  

LIMITATIONS ON SELECTION

Applicants must consent to State and FBI (CJIS) background check as a routine procedure for all employees. Proof of eligibility to work in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Any misrepresentation of academic or experience requirements for this position may result in non-selection or termination of employment.

Conclusion

For immediate consideration please submit your application by April 15, 2022.

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.

For education obtained outside of the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation will be required prior to hire. The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.

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

To apply for this position online go to MSDE Jobs on JobAps (or complete an MSDE Application on marylandpublicschools.org). On-line applications (and resumes) are the preferred method for receiving your application/attachments.  Using this method will allow applicants to access their documents for future recruitments for which they apply and verify that the appropriate documents (resume-credentials) have been attached to the recruitment that requires them. Applicants must include their resume and provide sufficient information on the application to document that they satisfy the minimum qualifications for this recruitment. Please do not put "See Resume" in the job duties section of your application; your application will not be considered.

If you utilize fax or regular mail as the option to submit required attachments, you will need to resubmit these documents each time you apply for a new position that requires the attachments.  Additionally, you must include the following information on each page of the attachment you submit in order to ensure that we append the attachments to the correct recruitment: First and Last Name, Recruitment Number, and the last 4 digits of your SS# and indicate application for Education Program Specialist I, Web Content Accessibility Specialist position #039341 – (Jobaps# 22-005055-0011), Mailing Address: Maryland State Department of Education, Office of Human Resources, 200 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Maryland  21201. Fax: 410-333-8950 – This fax number is for Department of Education recruitment actions only.

If you have difficulty with your user account or have general questions about this online application system, please contact the Maryland Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850. For inquiries or an MSDE Application, contact 410-767-0019 or TTY/TDD 410-333-3045 or visit our website at http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/.

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request.



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