IT Digital Accessibility Specialist - Senior

Persons with a disability requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the HR Consultant at View email address on click.appcast.io. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at View phone number on click.appcast.io or WSSB’s core purpose is to empower blind and low vision individuals to reach their full potential. We work to ensure every blind and low vision student in Washington has the supports and services they need to succeed. IT Digital Accessibility Specialist (IT Business Analyst - Senior/Specialist) The purpose of this position is to facilitate cooperative partnerships that promote improvements in efficient and effective digital accessibility services to the agency, partner agencies, vendors and those we serve. Responsibilities Ensure digital accessibility for agency content. Convert existing digital Microsoft-created documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and Adobe PDFs to accessible versions. Complete complex tasks using advanced knowledge and skill, including developing new processes to analyze the most complex accessibility issues. Effectively communicate with internal and external customers and stakeholders. Test all WSSB IT Systems, General Use Software/Hardware, Electronic Documents and Communications using multiple tools to verify accessibility. Keep abreast of technology developments, issues, and changes surrounding digital accessibility through active engagement with community partners and vendors. Meet with directors, managers and other staff to analyze the needs of each department. Independently perform all levels of accessibility analysis and remediation, including the most complex assignments where no existing procedures or solutions exist. Apply advanced understanding of inclusive design principles and lived-experience-driven accessibility. Work with procurement, legal, and IT to determine whether remediation, delayed rollout, or contract modification is appropriate. Lead negotiations with vendors to establish remediation timelines, deliverables, and verification checkpoints. Advise leadership on risk tradeoffs and alternative mitigation strategies if remediation is delayed. Provide expertise and guidance in all areas of accessibility including Microsoft, Adobe, Canvas, Training platforms and websites. Analyze enterprise accessibility needs and detail specific technical requirements to ensure accessibility requirements are met enterprise wide, often working with internal or external software developers, contractors, vendors, and other public sector entities. Collect and analyze data on technical problems associated with adaptive technology tools and, after researching, provide recommendations of software or hardware changes to executive leadership to address recurring issues. Document alternative methods for existing technologies with accessibility barriers. Advise other agencies we collaborate with on best user experiences. Train staff on accessibility and develop procedures on current standards. Be the agency expert for any digital accessibility related tasks and questions. Use different methods of training based on the needs of staff/groups—one-on-one, group sessions, agency-wide in-person trainings, and/or updating SharePoint/YouTube channels with content. Produce high‑quality analytical and business documentation suitable for executive, technical, and operational audiences. Other duties include performing IT inventory (Software and Hardware), IT Department annual certifications and audits, and customer support in common applications. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities The ability to independently perform duties. The ability to work effectively with children and adults who are blind and visually impaired. Possess advanced level knowledge of a variety of common and specialized technology tools (Adobe, Microsoft, Wave, Fusion, etc.) to complete tasks and utilize them regularly. Skilled at continually learning new and updated technology. Possess the ability to create accessible documents and forms using standard tools for all departments and other state agencies. Possess the ability to work with vendors, contractors, and other agencies on the topic of accessibility. Skilled at learning and utilizing AT software. Possess the ability to maintain confidentiality regarding student, staff, and IT related issues. Possess advanced knowledge of WCAG, ADA Standards, and Washington State regulations. Possess knowledge of screen readers and other specialized techniques used in working with blind/low vision students and staff. Possess the ability to perform duties with frequent interruptions at times. Possess the ability to take action to learn and grow and meet the needs of others. Desired Qualifications Four or more completed years of college, emphasizing education and/or IT. Experience may be substituted year for year for years of college. At least two years of experience in accessibility compliance testing. CPACC certification or another recognized accessibility certification. Equal Opportunity Employment The Washington State School for the Blind celebrates our differences and is committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion in accordance with state and federal laws regardless of religion, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, familial status (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex – including sexual orientation and gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with a sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Additional Information Applicants may contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io for questions regarding this position or the online application. Email View email address on click.appcast.io for information on the application process. #J-18808-Ljbffr State-of-Washington-School-For-the-Blind