Paralegal

Introduction The Maryland State Department of Education is dedicated to supporting a world‑class educational system that prepares all students for college andcareer success in the 21st century. With excellent stewardship from ourdivisions, we oversee State and federal programs that support the needs ofa diverse population – students, teachers, principals, and other educatorsthroughout Maryland. Grade 18 Location of Position Nancy S. Grasmick Building 200 West Baltimore Street Baltimore, Maryland 21201 Hybrid eligible; on-call availability required for production deployments and critical incidents; Global Protect VPN required for all MSDE system access Main Purpose of Job This contractual position supports Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Information Technology Branch (ITB) - Accessibility Section in ensuring that all digital content meets accessibility standards during the redesign and redevelopment of the MSDE Website. This role supports the review, remediation, testing, and validation of digital content to ensure compliance with applicable accessibility requirements, maintain content integrity, and provide a seamless user experience throughout the migration process. The specialist collaborates with content owners, web developers, and project stakeholders to identify and remediate accessibility issues, preserve document functionality and formatting, and facilitate the successful transition of digital assets to the new web environment, ensure that all digital content meets federal, state standards and regulations for accessibility. Document Remediation Evaluate and remediate digital documents to ensure compliance with Section 508 and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe PDF files. Review, format, and modify electronic documents by correcting accessibility issues related to document structure, headings, tables, images, hyperlinks, forms, reading order, color contrast, and other accessibility elements. Conduct accessibility testing using automated and manual testing methods, including assistive technologies, to identify accessibility barriers and verify that remediated documents meet compliance standards. Provide technical assistance and develop remediation plans for complex or high-volume documents, advising content owners on accessibility requirements and document remediation best practices. Perform quality assurance reviews of remediated documents to validate accessibility compliance, maintain document integrity and functionality, and document remediation activities and outcomes. Time‑Based Media Review and remediate prerecorded multimedia content by evaluating and updating captions, transcripts, and other accessibility features to ensure compliance with Section 508 and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Develop and maintain accessible alternatives for time‑based media by creating and editing accurate caption files, descriptive text transcripts, and other equivalent content for prerecorded video and audio materials. Minimum Qualifications Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate. Experience: Six years of administrative staff or professional work. Notes: 1. Candidates may substitute 30 college credit hours from an accredited college or university for each year up to four years of the required experience. 2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and two years of experience in administrative staff or professional work for the required experience. 3. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university for the required experience. 4. 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 experience. Selective Qualifications Qualified candidates must have two or more years of experience document remediation experience testing, and validation of digital content to ensure compliance with applicable accessibility requirements. 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. 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. 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. For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire. Benefits Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits. Leave may be granted to a contractual employee at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr