Digital Accessibility Specialist

Job#: 2072158

Job Description:

Apex Systems is a world class technology services business that incorporates industry or insights and experience to deliver solutions that fulfill our clients' digital visions.

Apex has an opportunity for a Digital Accessibility Specialist. For applicants who are interested in this opportunity, send your updated resume to Mike Konjoian, Account Manager, at .

Here are the details:

Position: Digital Accessibility Specialist

Location? 10 Park Plaza, Boston MA

**Candidates must already sit local within 2hrs of Boston, MA**

Duration: 12 months + possibility of extension

Rate: Negotiable Based on Experience

Summary of Job:

The Digital Accessibility Specialist serves as a subject matter expert on accessibility. They work closely with the Digital Accessibility Program Manager to assess the accessibility of all services and information.

The incumbent will develop relationships with staff to gain extensive institutional knowledge. This person will also work closely with content contributors, the Digital Services team, and other members of the IT staff to maintain standards for accessibility and usability regarding new development.

Tasks require a strong attention to detail and ability to work under tight deadlines. The incumbent will manage multiple projects from concept through completion, adhering to schedules and budgets when appropriate.

Responsibilities:

• Interact with individuals at all levels of government and with vendors in a professional manner and ensure that customer service is maintained at the highest level.
• Serves as a subject matter expert on accessibility; develops accessibility resources pertaining to accessibility initiatives and policies.
• Identifying relevant best practices and assisting in the development of strategies to enhance the ability to provide accessible digital information and services
• Providing audits of internal applications against the WCAG 2.1 A and AA standards
• Remediating complex documents prior to posting
• Assisting Manager with the establishment of web content accessibility standards to be used agency-wide
• The specialist may deliver accessibility training and technical support to employees.
• Collaborates with Digital Services team members to build and maintain a robust knowledge repository.
• Implements and leads the testing of digital assets. Coordinates testing and reporting on the accessibility of websites, forms, electronic documents, and applications to meet accessibility standards. Advise project teams on fixing issues identified in audit reports.
• Advises internal teams on implementing accessibility steps into their processes and addressing accessibility issues identified in manual and automated accessibility testing.
• Assists the Digital Accessibility Program Manager with efforts to establish and manage accessibility best practices, standards and guidelines, and policy within digital initiatives. Assists in establishing a leadership position as it relates to accessibility and usability of information technology.
• Assist the Digital Accessibility Manager in developing and maintaining standards and policies that evolve along with the maturity of the digital accessibility program.
• Assists in implementing digital accessibility practices across the organization, including changes to the organization's culture. Serves on workgroups, provides training, and assistance to plan, implement and monitor accessibility of digital resources.
• Promotes accessibility within the organization and advocates for accessibility as a vital part of the customer and employee experience.
• Assists in creating a communication plan to alert and engage employees of their role and responsibility for accessible digital content and services.
• Identify and/or develop appropriate checkpoints to allow oversight and governance activities that ensure that digital content and services procured, designed, built, tested, and maintained are meeting accessibility best practices, standards, and Commonwealth policies.
• Research and implement industry best practices, standards and guidelines, and legislation as it relates to accessibility. This includes, but is not limited to, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title II, and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
• Maintain a solid knowledge of current developments in accessibility and technology including policies, procedures, standards, and objectives as they relate to legislation, Information Technology Policies, Executive Orders, and Memoranda of Understandings. Identify gaps or conflicts with such and make recommendations.
• Anticipate problems and identify and evaluate potential sources of information to generate alternatives and solve problems where precedents do not exist.
• Complete all work in a timely manner, following department standards and policies, to the satisfaction of the customer.
• Communicate, explain, and defend ideas and information clearly and adapt to the audience's level of knowledge.
• Work cooperatively with team members.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Working knowledge of the Web principals of accessibility, usability and user experience. Experience applying expertise in usability, user experience and accessibility to handle the day-to-day management, editing and quality control of text, images, and other content on an organizations website.
• Knowledge and understanding of state and national accessibility laws and standards for digital resources including Title II of the ADA, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) requirements and Plain Language laws.
• Thorough understanding of accessibility issues and standards to ensure compliance with WCAG 2.1 A and AA standards and regulations.
• Experience using various testing software including the WAVE toolbar, ARC Toolkit, Accessibility Insights for Web, WebAIM Contrast Checker, and others. Experience testing with assistive technologies like NVDA, JAWS, Dragon Naturally Speaking and ZoomText.
• Ability to perform content/software/application audits and work with developers to resolve issues.
• Experience in researching industry practices and benchmark information. Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to devise solutions to problems; and to prepare concise reports.
• Skill in planning and facilitating meetings, working in teams, and group problem solving. Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective project leadership.
• Proven ability to build consensus and work effectively within a cross-departmental team.
• Exceptional written and oral communication and organizational skills. Ability to organize and present information in a clear, concise manner.
• Ability to prioritize, manage and complete multiple assignments in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent attention to detail; ability to review complex information from multiple sources and determine relevant information to a given situation.
• Ability to provide outstanding customer service by anticipating customer needs, identifying products and/or services to meet their needs, and resolving complex or non-routine problems, questions, or complaints
• Skill in applying principles/methods to ensure that policies, directives, and guidelines are followed.
• Ability to logically identify alternatives to solve complex or sensitive problems

Minimum Experience, Training, and Certifications:

Three years of experience that demonstrates:

• Ability to conduct accessibility audits and provide findings reports.
• Identifying and/or applying applicable leading organizational accessibility practices based on research or other approaches.
• Developing organizational accessibility policies, strategies, and/or guidance.
• Advising organizational management on opportunities to enhance areas of accessibility.

Training:

Completion of the W3C Digital Accessibility Foundations - Introduction to Web Accessibility online course or comparable training course is a plus.

Certifications:

Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS), Certified Professional in Web Accessibility (CPWA), and Accessible Document Specialist (ADS) certifications from the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) are a plus.

Additional Benefits:

For this opportunity, you will also be eligible for benefits through Apex for the contract period, 401K, medical/health benefits options, a W2 hourly rate, weekly pay, and direct deposit!

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at or .

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at or .

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.

Employers have access to artificial intelligence language tools (“AI”) that help generate and enhance job descriptions and AI may have been used to create this description. The position description has been reviewed for accuracy and Dice believes it to correctly reflect the job opportunity.

Job#: 2072158

Job Description:

Apex Systems is a world class technology services business that incorporates industry or insights and experience to deliver solutions that fulfill our clients' digital visions.

Apex has an opportunity for a Digital Accessibility Specialist. For applicants who are interested in this opportunity, send your updated resume to Mike Konjoian, Account Manager, at .

Here are the details:

Position: Digital Accessibility Specialist

Location? 10 Park Plaza, Boston MA

**Candidates must already sit local within 2hrs of Boston, MA**

Duration: 12 months + possibility of extension

Rate: Negotiable Based on Experience

Summary of Job:

The Digital Accessibility Specialist serves as a subject matter expert on accessibility. They work closely with the Digital Accessibility Program Manager to assess the accessibility of all services and information.

The incumbent will develop relationships with staff to gain extensive institutional knowledge. This person will also work closely with content contributors, the Digital Services team, and other members of the IT staff to maintain standards for accessibility and usability regarding new development.

Tasks require a strong attention to detail and ability to work under tight deadlines. The incumbent will manage multiple projects from concept through completion, adhering to schedules and budgets when appropriate.

Responsibilities:

• Interact with individuals at all levels of government and with vendors in a professional manner and ensure that customer service is maintained at the highest level.
• Serves as a subject matter expert on accessibility; develops accessibility resources pertaining to accessibility initiatives and policies.
• Identifying relevant best practices and assisting in the development of strategies to enhance the ability to provide accessible digital information and services
• Providing audits of internal applications against the WCAG 2.1 A and AA standards
• Remediating complex documents prior to posting
• Assisting Manager with the establishment of web content accessibility standards to be used agency-wide
• The specialist may deliver accessibility training and technical support to employees.
• Collaborates with Digital Services team members to build and maintain a robust knowledge repository.
• Implements and leads the testing of digital assets. Coordinates testing and reporting on the accessibility of websites, forms, electronic documents, and applications to meet accessibility standards. Advise project teams on fixing issues identified in audit reports.
• Advises internal teams on implementing accessibility steps into their processes and addressing accessibility issues identified in manual and automated accessibility testing.
• Assists the Digital Accessibility Program Manager with efforts to establish and manage accessibility best practices, standards and guidelines, and policy within digital initiatives. Assists in establishing a leadership position as it relates to accessibility and usability of information technology.
• Assist the Digital Accessibility Manager in developing and maintaining standards and policies that evolve along with the maturity of the digital accessibility program.
• Assists in implementing digital accessibility practices across the organization, including changes to the organization's culture. Serves on workgroups, provides training, and assistance to plan, implement and monitor accessibility of digital resources.
• Promotes accessibility within the organization and advocates for accessibility as a vital part of the customer and employee experience.
• Assists in creating a communication plan to alert and engage employees of their role and responsibility for accessible digital content and services.
• Identify and/or develop appropriate checkpoints to allow oversight and governance activities that ensure that digital content and services procured, designed, built, tested, and maintained are meeting accessibility best practices, standards, and Commonwealth policies.
• Research and implement industry best practices, standards and guidelines, and legislation as it relates to accessibility. This includes, but is not limited to, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title II, and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
• Maintain a solid knowledge of current developments in accessibility and technology including policies, procedures, standards, and objectives as they relate to legislation, Information Technology Policies, Executive Orders, and Memoranda of Understandings. Identify gaps or conflicts with such and make recommendations.
• Anticipate problems and identify and evaluate potential sources of information to generate alternatives and solve problems where precedents do not exist.
• Complete all work in a timely manner, following department standards and policies, to the satisfaction of the customer.
• Communicate, explain, and defend ideas and information clearly and adapt to the audience's level of knowledge.
• Work cooperatively with team members.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Working knowledge of the Web principals of accessibility, usability and user experience. Experience applying expertise in usability, user experience and accessibility to handle the day-to-day management, editing and quality control of text, images, and other content on an organizations website.
• Knowledge and understanding of state and national accessibility laws and standards for digital resources including Title II of the ADA, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) requirements and Plain Language laws.
• Thorough understanding of accessibility issues and standards to ensure compliance with WCAG 2.1 A and AA standards and regulations.
• Experience using various testing software including the WAVE toolbar, ARC Toolkit, Accessibility Insights for Web, WebAIM Contrast Checker, and others. Experience testing with assistive technologies like NVDA, JAWS, Dragon Naturally Speaking and ZoomText.
• Ability to perform content/software/application audits and work with developers to resolve issues.
• Experience in researching industry practices and benchmark information. Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to devise solutions to problems; and to prepare concise reports.
• Skill in planning and facilitating meetings, working in teams, and group problem solving. Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective project leadership.
• Proven ability to build consensus and work effectively within a cross-departmental team.
• Exceptional written and oral communication and organizational skills. Ability to organize and present information in a clear, concise manner.
• Ability to prioritize, manage and complete multiple assignments in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent attention to detail; ability to review complex information from multiple sources and determine relevant information to a given situation.
• Ability to provide outstanding customer service by anticipating customer needs, identifying products and/or services to meet their needs, and resolving complex or non-routine problems, questions, or complaints
• Skill in applying principles/methods to ensure that policies, directives, and guidelines are followed.
• Ability to logically identify alternatives to solve complex or sensitive problems

Minimum Experience, Training, and Certifications:

Three years of experience that demonstrates:

• Ability to conduct accessibility audits and provide findings reports.
• Identifying and/or applying applicable leading organizational accessibility practices based on research or other approaches.
• Developing organizational accessibility policies, strategies, and/or guidance.
• Advising organizational management on opportunities to enhance areas of accessibility.

Training:

Completion of the W3C Digital Accessibility Foundations - Introduction to Web Accessibility online course or comparable training course is a plus.

Certifications:

Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS), Certified Professional in Web Accessibility (CPWA), and Accessible Document Specialist (ADS) certifications from the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) are a plus.

Additional Benefits:

For this opportunity, you will also be eligible for benefits through Apex for the contract period, 401K, medical/health benefits options, a W2 hourly rate, weekly pay, and direct deposit!

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at or .

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at or .

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.

Employers have access to artificial intelligence language tools (“AI”) that help generate and enhance job descriptions and AI may have been used to create this description. The position description has been reviewed for accuracy and Dice believes it to correctly reflect the job opportunity.