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Special Education Document Remediation Accessibility Specialist

Staff Specialist III Education

Recruitment #25-005298-0003

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 18
Salary Range: $69,323 - $112,044 
*State Salary Guidelines apply for current State employees.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

 

LOCATION OF POSITION

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

Main Purpose of Job

This position supports the Maryland State Department of Education Division of Early Intervention & Special Education Services (EI&SE) in the remediation of digital content for all users. This position will serve to ensure that all digital content developed or procured by the Division of Early Intervention & Special Education Services (EI&SE) meets federal and State standards and regulations for accessibility. This position is responsible for providing technical assistance to staff members in EI&SE in coordination with the Office of Information Technology - Accessibility Branch concerning accessibility. Additionally, the position is responsible for evaluating, remediating, and monitoring the accessibility of developed and/or procured digital tools in coordination with the Accessibility Branch.

POSITION DUTIES

Provides technical assistance to staff members in the EI/SE in coordination with the Office of Information Technology - Accessibility Branch assuring document accessibility.
  • Evaluates, tests and remediates MSDE digital tools for accessibility compliance. To include Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite products. 
  • Formats and remediates PDF, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel documents to ensure accessibility compliance 
  • Provides technical assistance on remediation actions and develops remediation plans. 
  • Consults during the design phase to ensure the digital content is born accessible and provides feedback for improvement. 
  • Develops, modifies, and maintains accessible document and presentation styles and templates. 
  • Reviews prerecorded content to ensure the accuracy of the captions and updates caption files on prerecorded content to ensure accuracy. 
  • Develop descriptive text transcripts to support prerecorded content. 
  • Consults as appropriate to ensure that time-based media accessibility practices are followed.  
  • Evaluates (tests) and remediates digital assets (websites, portals, etc.) for accessibility compliance 
  • Develops accessibility plans of actions with milestones (POAMS) 
  • Evaluates (Tests) and remediates online professional development resources developed by the division or vendors, including courses and modules.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: A Master’s Degree or equivalent to 36 credit hours of post-baccalaureate course work in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, Assistive Technologies, User Experience Design, Computer Science, and/or Information Systems.

EXPERIENCE: Three (3) years of professional work experience in document testing and remediation; website and application accessibility testing and remediation (manual and automated testing practices). Experience in an education setting or promoting instructional programs and assuring information accessibility is preferred.   

NOTE: Two additional years of experience directly related to the position option may be substituted for the required Master’s Degree.

SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must meet the selective qualification(s) to be considered. Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.
  • Completed accessibility training courses or certifications such as the Department of Homeland Security Trusted Tester program, International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP), Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC), Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS), or Accessible Document Specialist (ADS) certifications.  
  • One year of professional experience with assistive technology, digital learning, and accessibility compliance.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Please include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications. 
  • Knowledge of special education and related supports and services for students with disabilities (Birth – 21) 
  • Knowledge of current accessibility regulations, laws, including but not limited to, Education Article § 7-910 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, COMAR 13a.06.05, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 28 C.F.R. 35 (including the Final Rule on “Accessibility of Web Content and Mobile Apps Provided by State and Local Governments” the (“Final Rule”)), and the technical standard set forth in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (“WCAG”) 2.1, Level AA. 
  • Ability to test websites, web applications and software to ensure compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA success   criteria 
  • Must be able to fluently utilize Job Access With Speech (JAWS), NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) and/or Voiceover to test IT solutions 
  • Must be able to conduct mobile testing on iOS and Android OS 
  • Must be able to read and analysis Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACRs) using the Voluntary Product   Accessibility Template (VPAT) 
  • Skill in researching information and constructing presentations in a clear and concise format
  • Skill in developing and presenting professional development programs 
  • Ability to interpret and apply laws and regulations

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must consent to State and FBI (CJIS) background check as a routine procedure for all employees.

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.

Please do not put "See Resume" in the job duties section of your application; your application will be considered incomplete. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

It is preferred that applicants complete the MD State Government online application for employment. The application must clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications for the position. If the applicant is unable to apply online, paper applications can be obtained from the link below and be faxed to 410-333-8950 or mailed to MSDE Office of Human Resources, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. If there is a supplemental questionnaire, this must be completed and sent in with your paper application, if you are unable to apply online.

All application materials must be received in our office by the closing date. Postmarks will not be accepted. Applications must be complete to be considered including all related job duties, even if those are also listed on an attached resume. Additional required materials may be uploaded with the online application, submitted to the fax number, or mailed to the address listed.

Inquiries can be made to 410-767-0019, TDD 410-333-3045. Appropriate accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities.

If you have difficulty with your user account or have general questions about this online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850. TTY Users: Call via Maryland Relay.

Proof of eligibility to work is required 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.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.



Click on a link below to apply for this position:

Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. Apply Online
View and print the Supplemental Questionnaire. This recruitment requires completion of a supplemental questionnaire. You may view and print the supplemental questionnaire here.
Apply via Paper Application. You may also download and complete the Paper Application here.

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