VR Accessibility Specialist (Remote)

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), a Family Friendly Certified Workplace, is seeking a VR Accessibility Specialist (Program Specialist VI) to join the Vocational Rehabilitation Program Operations Department. While we are based in Austin, we have offices statewide and our position is a remote work location.

You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas.


WHO YOU ARE:
Candidates must have a secure, dedicated workspace with Internet service, ability to maintain a reliable consistent work schedule and be available for weekly meetings and group collaboration via Microsoft Teams and other applications during regular business hours.


WHAT YOU WILL DO:
The VR Accessibility Specialist is selected by and reports to the Program Manager for Business Systems. Performs highly advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work on all aspects of accessibility aligned with agency strategic objectives. Work involves planning, developing, and implementing major agency program(s) and providing consultative services and technical assistance to program staff, governmental agencies, community organizations, or the public. May train, lead, and/or prioritize the workload of others. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.


YOU WILL BE TRUSTED TO:
-Provide senior-level accessibility analysis and consultation to teams across the division.
-Test and remediate information communication technology (ICT), including PDFs, Microsoft Office documents, VR websites, applications, and systems to meet accessibility and usability standards.
-Ensure compliance with accessibility policies and regulations, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG2.0/2.1), and Section 508.
-Ensure implementation of industry best practices for accessibility services.
-Create reports that describe accessibility obstacles as well as provide technical guidance and recommendations to overcome obstacles.
-Deliver testing results to VR staff and participate in follow-up discussions to develop a plan to improve the accessibility and usability of division resources.
-Provide coaching and mentoring to team members and VR staff to improve accessibility knowledge throughout the agency.
-Participate in the development and delivery of instructional materials, aids, and manuals to meet training needs.
-Maintain and grow subject matter expertise in the accessibility field.
-Assist in establishing standards, processes, and a philosophy that puts the division in a leadership position as it relates to accessibility and usability of information technology.
-May serve as backup to the manager and other team members.
-Ensure compliance with all Federal, State, and agency procedures, policies, rules, and laws.
-Contribute to teamwork and communicate effectively.
-Perform other duties as assigned.

YOU QUALIFY WITH:
-Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university plus two years and six months of full-time experience in the development, implementation, or interpretation of policies and procedures in a public or private agency.
-One year of full-time experience may be substituted for each year (30 semester hours) of education.
-Experience and education may be substituted for one another.
-One year of full-time in-service experience classified as a Program Specialist V or Program Supervisor V with regular status will satisfy the minimum qualifications.


YOU ARE A GREAT FIT WITH:
-Demonstrated skills using Microsoft Office software applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and Adobe Acrobat Professional for PDF documents.
-Understanding of how HTML, CSS, and ARIA technologies are used to create accessible Web content.
-Working familiarity with how people with disabilities use technology, including computers and mobile devices.
-Fundamental understanding of document creation tools -- e.g., Adobe Acrobat Professional, Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Office -- and how they impact accessibility.
-Understanding of accessibility policies and standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and Section 508 and how these policies apply to PDFs, Microsoft Office documents, websites, desktop applications, mobile apps, and other digital content.
-Experience with testing digital content for accessibility.
-Experience using accessibility-testing tools and assistive technology, such as FUSION, JAWS, screen readers, and screenmagnifiers.
-Demonstrated ability to attend to precise details in both testing and reporting.
-Demonstrated ability to explain difficult things in simple, clear, and accurate language.

Copy of official transcripts, certifications and/or credentials will be requested at the time of interview if applicable.
Duty requires up to 75% travel within the state of Texas and the ability to lift/carry 10 pounds.


YOU GAIN:
- A Family Friendly Certified Workplace.
- Telecommuting offered from anywhere within the State of Texas
- Competitive starting salary: $5,613.85- $7,144/month
- Defined Retirement Benefit Plan
- Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts
- Medical Insurance
- Paid time off, including time for vacation, sick and family care leave
- Additional benefits for active employees can be found at https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active-Employees/Health-Benefits.


VETERANS:
Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs! Go to www.texasskillstowork.com to translate your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications, and skill sets. Also, you can compare this position to military occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor's Office by pasting this link into your browser: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_ProgramManagement.pdf


HOW TO APPLY:
-To be considered, please complete an Application for Employment and apply on Taleo.
-Applicants must be legally authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States. We will not consider applicants that will need sponsorship now or in the future.
-In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
-A position utilizing this classification will be designated as security sensitive according to the Texas Labor Code, Section 301.042.