Digital Accessibility Specialist

Digital Accessibility Specialist

Job Number: 416797

Department of Innovation and Technology

Number of Positions: 1

Starting Salary: $109,140

Under general supervision, this class functions as a technical expert in digital accessibility for the City's websites and related technologies to ensure that persons with disabilities can access the City of Chicago digital information and resources, and performs related duties as required. This class is assigned to the City's Design Information Technology Job Family which consists of design specialists that simplify the design and makeup of hardware, software devices and user interfaces for products.

• Works on a team with project stakeholders (e.g., project managers, designers, engineers, etc.) to establish project goals and resources for accessibility in all phases of project work
• Participates in the design, evaluation and validation of digital products utilized and maintained within the City's digital structure
• Supports the implementation of digital accessibility on City digital platforms (e.g., websites, social media, software, etc.)
• Provides accessibility reviews of websites and digital resources and creates reports on identified issues along with recommendations for solutions to accessibility barriers based on applicable standards and mobile phone platform accessibility guidelines (e.g., WCAG 2.1 AA per ADA Title II)
• Participates in the review of accessibility documentation (e.g., VPATs, ACRs) and provides technical findings to inform technology procurement decisions
• Conducts user research interviews regarding accessibility tests on websites and applications
• Conducts manual accessibility testing using assistive technologies
• Participates in community engagement around digital accessibility needs
  
  Advocates the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and universal design to internal and external stakeholders
• Serves as a resource in the development of digital accessibility policies, procedures, and standards across multiple platforms and application environments to meet compliance
• Keeps abreast of digital accessibility related technology, best practices, and regulations

Additional duties may be required for this position.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree, plus two (2) years of experience in computer-assisted technology, information technology compliance, and/or accessibility design and development
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree or higher, plus one (1) year of experience in computer-assisted technology, information technology compliance, and/or accessibility design and development
• Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate's degree, plus four (4) years of experience in computer-assisted technology, information technology compliance, and/or accessibility design and development
• Six (6) years of experience in computer-assisted technology, information technology compliance, and/or accessibility design and development

Educational & Employment Verification:
If selected, you must provide adequate information regarding your education and employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position. International credentials require foreign evaluation. Failure to verify may result in withdrawal of offer.

Selection Requirements:
Applicants must successfully complete an interview. Candidates who possess the qualifications best suited to the responsibilities will be selected.

The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.

Salary: $109,140. Pay Basis:
Yearly.