IT Digital Accessibility Specialist – Senior Full Time NEW

The core purpose of the Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) is to empower blind and low vision individuals to reach their full potential. We believe in a future where every blind and low vision student in Washington has the supports and services they need to succeed. Our programs and services are provided across a diverse continuum of service options; including a range of short and long-term programs that include residential options at our Vancouver campus, outreach services in local schools and communities, access to specialized technology and resources through our Ogden Resource Center, as well as training options for parents, educators, and related service providers through a combination of department efforts. Our greatest resource at WSSB are our incredible staff. Our valued employees are continuously encouraged to improve the ways that we provide service to our students and the community. WSSB’s core values are being student-centered, equity, accessibility, relationships, and continuous improvement.
Duties

The purpose of the IT Digital Accessibility Specialist (IT Business Analyst – Senior/Specialist) 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.

Duties include but are not limited to the following…

• Ensure digital accessibility for agency content.
• Converting existing digital Microsoft created documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and Adobe PDF’s to an accessible version.
• Able to 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. This may require 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 who we collaborate with on best user experiences.
• Train staff on accessibility and develop procedures on current standards.
• Be the expert for the agency for any digital accessibility related tasks and questions.
• Use different methods of training based on the needs of staff/group – examples include one on one, group sessions, agency wide in person trainings, and/or updating SharePoint/YouTube channel with content.
• Produce high quality analytical and business documentation suitable for executive, technical, and operational audiences.
• Other duties include but are not limited to performing IT inventory (Software and Hardware), IT Department annual certifications and audits, and customer support in common applications.

Qualifications

The following knowledge, skills and abilities are required to perform this position successfully:

• 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/updated technology.
• Possess the ability to create accessible documents and forms using standard tools (as noted above) 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/IT related issues.
• Possess advanced knowledge of WCAG, ADA Standards, and Washington State.
• 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.

Other desired qualifications include:

• Four or more completed years of college; emphasis on education and/or IT. Experience may be substituted year for year for years of college.
• 2 years of experience in accessibility compliance testing.
• CPACC certification or other accessibility certification.

Supplemental Information
What we Offer!

WSSB offers employees a student-focused and mission-driven environment that empowers blind and low-vision individuals to reach their full potential. Our beautiful 13.2 acre campus is on the National Register of Historic Places and not only includes state-of-the-art classrooms but a fitness center with saline pool and floor-to-ceiling rock climbing wall, brand new state of the art track & field, auditorium, braille center, low vision clinic, LIFTT program offering dorm-style housing and much more!

**Note: The full salary range has been posted for informational purposes only. New hires without State of Washington agency experience in a similarly situated position typically do not start at the top of the range as these are considered senior/longevity steps. Education/experience and skills and abilities will be considered for the proper placement of any final candidate.
Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to requests regarding the status of your application. For a status report, you may login to governmentjobs to obtain information on your application status. This position will remain open until filled. The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time so apply early for the best consideration. This recruitment may be used for multiple positions and/or shifts.

How to apply:

To begin the online application process, click the ‘Apply’ button at the top of this announcement. To be considered for this position you must include the following information in your online application and complete any supplemental questionnaire(s).

• A completed online application profile that includes education and employment history (applications that state “see my resume” or similar language on the application will be considered incomplete); and,
• Allow contact for three professional references included in your application, including at least one supervisor, with up-to-date contact information.
• Do not include your salary history when applying and remove or black out private information such as your social security number, date of birth, etc.

Attachments will likely not be opened. If you have a cover letter/resume, transcripts, letters of recommendation you wish to share, you may bring them to any scheduled interview. For questions or information regarding the online application, please email
Union Inclusion:This position is included in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

Opportunity for All:
The Washington State School for the Blind celebrates our differences and we are 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 the presence of any 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.

Background inquiries of convictions and pending criminal charges will be conducted for all positions. Background checks shall be completed on applicants prior to their appointment to positions in the state of Washington which are directly responsible for the supervision, care or treatment of children. Information obtained from background inquiries will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant’s character, suitability, and competence to perform in the position applied for and may result in the denial of employment. Applicants are required to sign a release authorizing inquiry, and a background check will be conducted at the applicant’s expense after a conditional offer of employment has been made. Failure to complete the authorization and background check shall disqualify the applicant from employment in these positions.

Veterans Preference:Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran’s Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security number. For additional information on Veteran’s Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, . We thank you and are grateful for your service!
Additional Information: The state of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance with the application process, may call and ask to speak to Human Resources or email . Should you have any questions regarding this position, or the online application, please email
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems’ web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.