Accessibility Specialist - Remote

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Office of Instructional Design at Penn State Altoona and the Office of the Senior Vice President for The Commonwealth Campuses (OSVPCC) is hiring an Accessibility Specialist as soon as possible in response to a significant need in the area of accessibility. This position can be performed remotely.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Office of Instructional Design at Penn State Altoona and the OSVPCC, this position will ensure traditional, hybrid, and online courses have accessible technologies and instructional practices that meet ADA accessibility needs and culturally competent teaching. This position is the primary contact and support for Commonwealth Campus initiatives related to accessibility and accommodation within instructional design. It utilizes effective project management skills to meet the requirements of multiple concurrent projects, coordinating the efforts of team members and stakeholders, often within rapid deadlines. The Accessibility Specialist has a proficient knowledge of accessibility concepts of accessibility and can utilize technology to create learning experiences that meet accessibility and accommodation requirements. This position will also collaborate with the various offices for student resources on various projects focused on student accommodations and academic success.
Duties/Responsibilities

The Accessibility Specialist position will be responsible for the following:

Assist in developing, providing, and collaborating on instructional or training materials for Commonwealth Campus faculty and staff to ensure that all materials meet ADA accessibility needs and culturally competent teaching.
Serve as an auditing and consulting resource to all instructional personnel for all matters related to accessibility and Universal Design.
Research and design relevant guides and training materials to support faculty and staff in the implementation of the Universal Design framework.
Design and deliver faculty development workshops regarding implementation of accessibility solutions.
Collaborate with the various offices for student resources on various projects focused on student accommodations and academic success.
Facilitate implementation of accessible technologies and software applications in support of Universal Design for learning, including various tools that enhance and augment the university's learning management systems.
Work with campus partners to propose policies and standards related to the Universitys responsibilities in providing accessible traditional and online materials.
Monitor and report effectiveness of accessibility procedures to authoritative bodies.
Alert and recommend compliance solutions to authoritative bodies.
Stay current with emerging assistive and instructional technologies and accessibility solutions, as well as current with research and trends in learning science, learning design practice, and learning technologies.
Collaborate with University partners to review existing accessibility-related resources and propose sustainable strategies for broad support.

Required and Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications have been sorted based on what qualifications must be required of a Level 3 candidate and those qualifications that are preferred but may be developed once hired.

Required Qualifications

Typically requires a Masters Degree by an accredited institution plus four or more year's of experience in instructional design or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Prior experience developing and implementing ADA 504-compliant materials
Demonstrated experience in applying universal design principles and theories
Experience managing a portfolio of complex and concurrent projects
Experience with identifying roadblocks and removing them; working in a team environment
Experience working with subject matter experts and other stakeholders in developing instructional materials
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as strong interpersonal skills

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with assistive technologies used in educational environments
Prior experience with developing and implementing ADA 508 compliant materials
Knowledge of disability law as it applies to higher education
Knowledge of current and emerging electronic and information technology accessibility issues
Experience working with faculty members in a higher education environment
Prior experience working in a learning management system
Experience with Adobe Creative Suite

This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid drivers license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuas to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

EEO is the Law

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applications without regards to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.