Senior It, Digital Accessibility And Equity Coordinator

The purpose of the Senior IT - Digital Accessibility & Equity Coordinator position is to promote improvements in the digital accessibility of the agency. This position will be responsible for converting documents and forms to accessible versions, training staff, IT support and working with vendors to ensure anything the agency uses is accessible. The position will also lead the Pro-Equity/Anti-Racism (PEAR) team and promote agency diversity, equity, access and inclusion. This position qualifies for hybrid/remote work with occasional travel to the agency.

Major duties include, but are not limited to:

• Serve as the agency’s subject matter expert on digital accessibility and any tasks related to accessibility.
• Gathering input to identify barriers, bridge opportunity gaps, reduce disparities, and improve outcomes across the agency.
• Ensure new and existing software is accessible and work with vendors to update products to an accessible version. May work with the State to ensure communications, documents, and tools are accessible.
• Keep abreast of accessibility standards, disability laws, and other laws related to equity and inclusion.
• Test all agency IT systems, general use software/hardware, electronic documents, and communications to verify accessibility.
• Perform IT inventory (software and hardware), conduct IT department annual certifications and audits, perform customer support in common applications.
• Enhancing agency knowledge and education to identify and understand the needs of individuals who may present barriers and/or marginalized identities and positions in society.
• Ensure digital accessibility for the agency including but not limited to converting existing digital Microsoft created documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and Adobe PDF’s to an accessible version.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Develop WSSB procedures based on current standards for agency-wide accessibility.
• Serve as agency accessibility Trainer for both new and existing staff, answer staff questions, as necessary.
• Promoting overall access to opportunities and resources.
• Serve as the PEAR team lead to assist WSSB to become an inclusive environment where all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, or the presence of sensory, mental, or physical disability have an opportunity to succeed to the best of their abilities. This includes but is not limited to:
• Recommend accessible technologies to the agency to enhance inclusiveness and access. Identify emerging trends in technology for blind/low vision individuals and people with complex learning needs.

Working Conditions:

• This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.
• Communicates regularly with students, teachers, supervisor, and other staff members on students’ issues, concerns, and progress.
• Frequent interruptions may occur.
• The position hours are Monday-Friday, between 7:30am to 4pm. However, hours may vary to meet agency demands. This position is non-exempt, overtime is subject to supervisor approval.
• Occasional travel off-campus to state IT related meetings.

Required Qualifications:

• Must be able to pass a federal and state background check which includes fingerprinting.
• Ability to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality regarding student/staff IT related issues.
• Ability to utilize a variety of technology tools to complete work tasks. Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new/updated technologies and assistive technology (AT) software on a continual basis.
• Expert knowledge in Adobe and Microsoft applications.
• Strong interest in and passion for diversity, equity, access, and inclusion including but not limited to working with blind/low vision and disabled individuals and those with age-related limitations.
• Strong interest in and ability to create accessible documents and forms.
• Ability to independently perform work duties.
• Ability to work effectively with children and adults who are blind and visually impaired and a strong track record of high-level customer service, training expertise and knowledge-transfer.

Desired Qualifications

• Two or more years of college with an emphasis in education or IT from an accredited institution/program (experience may be substituted year-for-year for years of college).
• Knowledge of screen readers and other specialized techniques used in working with blind/low vision (BVI) students and staff.
• Knowledge of WCAG, ADA Standards, and Washington State processes/software.
• 2+ years’ experience in accessibility compliance testing.

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, track & field, auditorium, braille center, low vision clinic, LIFTT program offering dorm-style housing and much more! We also offer a positive and productive work environment where we value staff and know how to have fun such as through our Joy and Appreciation Committee! We continuously encourage staff to seek new ways to provide service to our students and in our community.

WSSB is a public employer with the State of Washington and offers a lifetime retirement pension plan (PERS) to qualifying employees. As a public employer, we offer medical/dental, life insurance, disability, health savings and flexible spending accounts along with numerous voluntary benefits such as auto, home, and wellness through the State of Washington's Health Care Authority (PEBB). Please view the benefits tab for more information.

Note: This position is open until filled. The hiring manager reserves the right to close this position at any time, for any reason so apply early for best consideration. While the full salary range is posted, newly hired individuals do not start at the very top of the salary range as these are considered longevity steps.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested applicants must apply online for the Senior IT - Digital Accessibility & Equity Coordinator (Sr. IT Customer Support) position at www.wssb.wa.gov. by clicking on "about" and "jobs".

Supplemental Information

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 regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, 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. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.

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, click here. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competency to perform in the position.

The state of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance with their application, or that need this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 947-3311. Should you have any questions regarding this position, or the online application, please email [email protected] users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $6,608.00 - $8,887.00 per month

Benefits:

• Professional development assistance
• Health savings account
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Parental leave
• Employee assistance program
• Life insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Flexible schedule
• Dental insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Remote