SUMMARY

In order to comply with Section 508 of the National Rehabilitation Act, the IRS must ensure that disabled employees and members of the public have access to information that is comparable to the access which is available to others.  The Assistive Technology Specialist supports these efforts by analyzing assistive technology (AT) needs for individuals with disabilities, providing technical input in the evaluation and selection of AT devices, and serving as a source of technical training in the use of selected devices.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following.  Other duties maybe assigned.

Responsible for the integration of CNI Core Competencies into daily functions, including: commitment to integrity, knowledge / quality of work, supporting financial goals of the company, initiative / motivation, cooperation / relationships, problem analysis / discretion, accomplishing goals through organization, positive oral / written communication skills, leadership abilities, commitment to Affirmative Action, reliability / dependability, flexibility and ownership / accountability of actions taken.

Reviews and contributes to BSRs, DSRs and ICDs based on projects for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Releases 4.x, 5.x, and 6.x.  Ensures Section 508 compliance requirements are included where appropriate.

Develops project-level standardized checklist of Section 508 Compliance activities and deliverables to be used during sprint planning and end of checkpoint reviews.

Provides technical support related to Section 508 Compliance and Assistive Technology.

Provides iterative development sprint support and Section 508 compliance and accessibility testing using Assistive Technology.

Prepares for evolved regulations and performance criteria for Section 508 Refresh and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.

Implements criteria reviews of Section 508 or Assistive Technology.

Develops and applies Section 508 test cases and scripts.

Develops and maintains quality standards for all testing activities, test reports and other artifacts.

Reviews and advises on Section 508 Compliance of project technical documentation (including user manuals, computer operator handbooks, and technical reference materials).

Reviews ACA-related requisitions following Information Resources Accessibility Program (IRAP) office policy.

Coordinates the scheduling of Section 508 activities for various projects.  Advises projects on Section 508 requirements testing tools and establishment of testing scope.

Executes and conducts Section 508 test cases using automated and manual methods.  Reports defects, and advises on solutions.

Prepares reports as directed by ACA 508 Team Lead.

Prepares and reviews Section 508 reports.

Brings packages through IRAP’s peer review process.

Participates in stakeholder meetings.

Participates on an as need basis as part of a cross-functional IT team to identify and craft solutions for newly introduced software / solutions.

Plans daily activities within the guidelines of company policy, job description and supervisor's instruction in such a way as to maximize output.  Responsible for aiding in own self-development by being available and receptive to any training made available by the company.

Responsible for keeping own immediate work area in a neat and orderly condition to ensure safety of self and coworkers.  Will report any unsafe conditions and/or practices to the appropriate supervisor and Human Resources.  Will immediately correct any unsafe conditions as the best of own ability.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or a related field of study, and a minimum of two (2) years Section 508 Compliance and Accessibility Technology experience, which includes providing AT support to individuals with disabilities; or equivalent combination of education / experience.  Experience configuring assistive technology (i.e., JAWS, Dragon, ZoomText) and providing related training is required.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATION

Ability to obtain government security clearance

U.S. Citizens / Green Card Holders only due to government or federal requirement

JOB SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES

Proficient knowledge and understanding of Section 508 provisions and related application to policy, products and services

Working knowledge and understanding of Assistive Technology (AT), its performance, capability, and baseline interoperability

Operational knowledge and understanding of Section 508 testing requirements

Operational knowledge and understanding of AT testing methods and Inspection / Testing tools with ability to recommend proper specification and configuration for each IRS Standard AT

Skilled proficiency related to enhancing the accessibility and usability of websites and related applications

Excellent computer skills with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (i.e., Access, Excel, Word, Outlook)

Demonstrated ability to install hardware and software

Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot interoperability issues between mainstream hardware, software and assistive technology

Solid analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to assess business requirements

Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and priorities

Ability to effectively utilize available tools and resources to resolve issues

Ability to identify / define viable technology solutions delivering required business capabilities

Excellent verbal and written communications skills with solid technical writing skills

Exceptional customer service skills with ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees, including key management officials or their representatives

Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team environment

LANGUAGE

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.