The specialist will use “specialized knowledge of digital accessibility standards and assistive technologies to guide the state’s digital accessibility program and promote compliance with state and federal law, policies and standards,” according to the job posting. The specialist “plays a key role in leading the development of standards, guidelines, best practices, tools and training that will help government deliver products, information and services that are usable and accessible for all Californians.”
The core functions of the position are to lead digital accessibility strategy, provide digital accessibility consultation, and lead digital accessibility awareness and education.
Desirable qualifications for the position, according to the posting and the duty statement, include:
- Extensive background in assistive technology, web accessibility and/or alternative media production.
- Background in testing, developing test scripts, and documenting, publishing and explaining test results.
- Thorough knowledge of disability services, federal, state and local laws and regulations related to the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and current and accepted accessibility standards including WCAG 2.1. Ability to explain the standards to state staff with varying levels of technical expertise.
- Ability to manage multiple high priorities simultaneously, each with tight deadlines.
- Ability to adapt to new technologies and trends in IT and learn new skills to keep current with industry standards and best practices.
- Knowledge of most commonly used assistive technology programs. Ability to run tests using assistive technology, following up with detailed feedback for development teams on adjustments needed to ensure maximum accessibility.
- Advanced knowledge of latest versions of web technologies, HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
The position has a monthly salary range of $7,893 to $10,576, and the application deadline is Aug. 17.
