IT Customer Support - Senior (Digital Accessibility and Equity Coordinator)

Description

WSSB is currently hiring for a Senior IT Customer Support Specialist! This position is slated to begin July 2023.
Striving to educate blind and visually impaired children for independence and success!

Agency Profile: The mission of the Washington State School for the Blind is to provide specialized quality educational services to visually impaired/blind youth ages birth-21 in the State of Washington and empower blind and low vision individuals to reach their full potential . Our purpose is to serve as a statewide demonstration and resource center and to provide direct/indirect services to students both on campus and in the students' local communities.

Position Description: The purpose of the Digital Accessibility and Equity Coordinator (IT Customer Support - Senior) position is to facilitate cooperative partnerships that promote improvements in efficient and effective digital accessibility services to the agency. This position will also lead the Pro-Equity/Anti-Racism (PEAR) team and promote agency diversity, equity, access and inclusion.

Duties

Major responsibilities include but are not limited to:

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.
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.
Serve as the agency’s subject matter expert on digital accessibility and any tasks related to accessibility.
Serve as agency accessibility Trainer for both new and existing staff, answer staff questions, as necessary.
Develop WSSB procedures based on current standards for agency-wide accessibility.
Test all agency IT systems, general use software/hardware, electronic documents, and communications to verify accessibility.
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.
Keep abreast of accessibility standards, disability laws, and other laws related to equity and inclusion.
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:
Gathering input to identify barriers, bridge opportunity gaps, reduce disparities, and improve outcomes across the agency.
Promote overall access to opportunities and resources.
Enhance agency knowledge and education to identify and understand the needs of individuals who may present barriers and/or marginalized identities and positions in society.
Perform IT inventory (software and hardware), conduct IT department annual certifications and audits, perform customer support in common applications.
Perform other duties as assigned.


Working Conditions:

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.
Communicates regularly with students, teachers, supervisor, and other staff members on students’ issues, concerns, and progress.
Occasional travel off-campus to state IT related meetings.
Frequent interruptions may occur.
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:


Knowledge of screen readers and other specialized techniques used in working with blind/low vision (BVI) students and staff.
Expert knowledge in Adobe and Microsoft applications.
Strong interest in and ability to create accessible documents and forms.
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.
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.
Ability to independently perform work duties.
Ability to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality regarding student/staff IT related issues.
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.
Must be able to pass a federal and state background check which includes fingerprinting.

Desirable Experience and Competencies:

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).
2+ years’ experience in accessibility compliance testing.
Knowledge of WCAG, ADA Standards, and Washington State processes/software.

Supplemental Information

How To Apply: In the attachment section of your application, include a letter of interest, detailed resume, and transcripts/educational documents in the attachment section of your application. Current reference information, including two supervisory references, is also required in the reference section of the application. Applications that state "see my resume" will be considered incomplete. For more information, please visit our website at www.wssb.wa.gov. You may also contact Danya Borowski, IT Manager, at danya.borowski@wssb.wa.gov.

Covid-19 Vaccine Requirement: Per Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14 (Download PDF reader), state employees must be fully vaccinated no later than October 18, 2021, as a condition of employment. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. If you are a selected candidate, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination. You may request an accommodation if you are unable to meet the requirement due to a medical or religious necessity.

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 Anne.Baker@wssb.wa.gov. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

Note: Please see the benefits tab for a list of benefits WSSB offers. Additionally, while the full salary range is posted, individuals will typically not start at the top of the range as these are considered longevity steps.