SWI Accessibility Specialist II

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Austin, TX

1d • $5,099 - $8,305 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Satewide Intake (SWI) Accessiblity Specialist serves as the SWI Subject Matter Expert (SME) for DFPS applications (i.e., SWI IMPACT, Legacy IMPACT, IMPACT 2.0) as well as the HHSC leveraged Enterprise Call Center Solution (Genesys Cloud).
Performs complex (journey-level) accessibility work involving creating digital content and other forms of Electronic Information Resources; and testing and evaluating web pages, mobile applications, and software interfaces, to ensure they meet accessibility standards. Works under general supervision, with some latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Employees at this level may collaborate with internal and external partners to identify needs and incorporate best-practice policies for accessibility.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of experience conducting accessibility assessments of web applications, software, websites, forms, or digital documents.
• Experience identifying accessibility barriers and documenting findings.
• Experience evaluating digital content using keyboard-only navigation and assistive technologies.
• Experience validating accessibility beyond automated testing results.
• Experience providing accessibility recommendations to developers, designers, business analysts, project teams, or vendors.
• Experience tracking issues through remediation and validation.
• Experience preparing accessibility reports, documenting findings, and explaining technical issues to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to accessibility; web, application, and accessibility technologies; basic research methods and tools, and data visualization tools; and visual analysis and color sampling.
• Knowledge of Department of Family and Protective Services programs and operations.
• Knowledge of information gathering techniques with demonstrated experience for developing findings and recommendations from data collection.
• Skill in researching industry practices and preparing reports, exploratory documents, and white papers for review by agency staff.
• Skill in organizing, prioritizing, managing, and completing assignments within deadlines.
• Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software, including Microsoft Office Suite, MS Project, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Visio.
• Skill in meeting facilitation and preparing and delivering presentations for meetings involving cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Skill in both electronic and print communication, especially communicating complex concepts with simplicity in a variety of formats.
• Ability to develop effective data collection tools such as surveys, questionnaires, and interviews.
• Ability to use various accessibility applications (Sort Site®, Adobe® Suite, JAWS®, Zoom Text®, WAVE®, etc.).
• Ability to analyze and solve complex and difficult problems related to accessibility requirements.
• Ability to coordinate accessibility discussions with stakeholders, including diagnosing and communicating accessibility issues, or similar function.
• Ability to analyze and interpret program and technical information including regulations, policies, and business rules to aid in agency/program goal and priority setting.
• Ability to effectively work independently and in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with team members and stakeholders; and interpret and relay technical information to stakeholders at all levels of understanding.
• Ability to apply system-based critical thinking and problem-solving skills to complex issues within a fast-paced information technology environment.
• Familiarity with WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files.

Nice To Haves

• Skill using project planning software is preferred.
• Certification as a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes web content for accessibility, recommends changes to make content accessible, and remediates accessibility issues.
• Plan and manage the SWI sections of the DFPS Safety Net. Plan and manage the SWI sections of the DFPS Safety Net by overseeing all content updates and technical maintenance activities to ensure continuous accessibility compliance and optimal user experience for individuals with disabilities across diverse platforms.
• Manage Statewide Intake SharePoint by coordinating its organization, access controls, and content updates to maintain accessibility standards and support efficient information sharing within SWI and related stakeholders.
• Review updates to SWI sections of the DFPS Safety Net for accessibility by systematically evaluating newly added or modified content, identifying potential barriers, and recommending necessary modifications to ensure compliance with applicable accessibility laws and guidelines.
• Review SWI IMPACT for accessibility as requested by the SWIM team, conducting thorough assessments of digital interfaces and content, and providing detailed recommendations to improve usability and remove barriers for all users, including those with disabilities.
• Review websites and web applications associated with SWI IT projects or where SWI is a stakeholder by collaborating with project teams to conduct comprehensive accessibility audits and offer actionable guidance that ensures all digital assets meet established accessibility requirements and standards.
• Tests and remediates various information communication technology formats, including PDFs, Microsoft Office documents, websites, desktop applications, and mobile applications, to meet accessibility standards.
• Review all documents created by SWI staff to ensure they meet accessibility standards by thoroughly examining document structure, formatting, and content, identifying non-compliant elements, and guiding staff on how to correct issues to ensure materials are usable by people with diverse abilities.
• Plan and manage the SWI sections of the DFPS Safety Net through continual oversight of digital content lifecycle management, ensuring that all updates and new publications adhere strictly to accessibility policies and foster inclusive access.
• Manage and maintain the Statewide Intake SharePoint site to support efficient collaboration, document control, and information sharing across teams.
• Facilitate the creation, approval, and publication of DFPS certified forms and other forms for SWI by coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure all form designs, content, and technical elements comply with accessibility requirements and support universal usability.
• Test and remediate documents and webpages created or updated by SWI staff on the SWI sections of the DFPS Safety Net by performing detailed accessibility evaluations, applying necessary corrections, and validating that all content meets or exceeds recognized accessibility standards.
• Ensures implementation of industry best practices for accessibility services for digital content and Electronic Information Resources, such as brochures, flyers, webpages, documents, forms, and training materials.
• Join communities of practice, subscribe to distribution lists and newsletters, and participate in other online accessibility communities to stay current with the latest industry best practices, emerging standards, and technological advances that enhance the accessibility of digital content and resources.
• Update accessibility resources, training materials, and knowledge by regularly integrating new insights and standards obtained from industry research, community feedback, and practical experience to maintain the highest levels of accessibility expertise within SWI.
• Creates reports that describe accessibility obstacles as well as provide technical guidance and recommendations to overcome obstacles.
• Write detailed accessibility testing reports for SWI IT projects and projects where SWI is a stakeholder by documenting identified barriers, outlining remediation steps, and offering clear, actionable technical recommendations to improve digital accessibility and compliance.
• Write comprehensive accessibility testing reports when reporting issues to DFPS staff and vendors by thoroughly capturing problem descriptions, impact assessments, and specific guidance to ensure timely resolution and prevent recurrence of accessibility barriers.
• Delivers testing results to internal customers and participates in follow-up discussions to develop a roadmap in effort to improve the accessibility and usability of agency resources.
• Deliver test results and actively participate in follow-up discussions with the SWIM team by providing clear explanations of findings, collaborating on prioritization of remediation tasks, and supporting the development of strategic plans aimed at enhancing accessibility and usability across all projects.
• Deliver test results and participate in follow-up discussions to improve accessibility for SWI IT projects or IT projects Deliver test results and engage in follow-up discussions for SWI IT projects or projects where SWI is a stakeholder by facilitating communication between technical teams, leadership, and other stakeholders to foster a culture of continuous improvement in accessibility standards.
• Provides coaching and mentoring to team members and internal customers to improve accessibility knowledge throughout the agency.
• Oversee and provide consultative and technical assistance for SWI’s accessibility program by supporting staff at all levels through guidance, troubleshooting, and sharing of best practices to build a robust, agency-wide culture of accessibility and inclusion.
• Plan, develop, and deliver accessibility training workshops for SWI staff in person by creating engaging curriculum tailored to the team’s needs that builds practical skills in accessible content creation and compliance with legal standards.
• Educate SWI staff about the accessibility program and requirements for creating accessible materials by fostering awareness of legal obligations, organizational goals, and the impact of accessibility on internal and external stakeholders to enhance staff commitment and proficiency.
• Meet monthly with accessibility liaisons from all DFPS areas to exchange updates, discuss challenges, share resources, and coordinate efforts in support of the broader DFPS accessibility initiative to ensure consistency and collaboration across departments.
• Train SWI employees in creating accessible ICT and other relevant accessibility topics by delivering comprehensive, up-to-date instructions that empowers staff to incorporate accessibility principles in their daily work.
• Share training opportunities to improve accessibility knowledge within SWI, encouraging professional development and sustained awareness.
• Participates in the development and delivery of instructional materials, aids, and manuals to meet training needs.
• Create custom job aids, designed to assist staff in independently creating accessible documents and materials by producing clear, step-by-step guides that simplify complex accessibility requirements and promote best practices.
• Compile, organize, and distribute accessibility resources and training materials to SWI staff for ongoing reference, ensuring that up-to-date and relevant information is readily available to support continuous learning and compliance.
• Ensures compliance with all Federal, State, and agency procedures, policies, rules, and laws.
• Monitor and evaluate SWI’s compliance with accessibility requirements to ensure alignment with all applicable state and federal laws, as well as DFPS policies, by systematically reviewing practices, identifying and addressing gaps, and promoting ongoing adherence to established accessibility standards.
• Advise SWI leadership on the acquisition of accessible software and applications by conducting thorough evaluations of current and potential technologies, providing expert recommendations that align with legal requirements and organizational goals, and reviewing the status of existing systems to ensure they continue to meet accessibility standards.
• Coordinate with DFPS staff offices to ensure that all SWI policies, procedures, and related materials consistently meet accessibility standards by offering guidance, conducting regular reviews, and facilitating necessary updates to maintain compliance and inclusivity.
• Document and monitor the compliance of content published on SWI sections of the DFPS Safety Net by performing detailed audits, tracking accessibility metrics, collaborating with content owners to address issues, and maintaining transparent records that demonstrate ongoing adherence to accessibility standards.
• Document and monitor compliance of all applications used by SWI by systematically testing for accessibility, reviewing vendor documentation, and coordinating remediation efforts to guarantee that technology platforms are accessible to all users.
• Receive, troubleshoot, report, and track accessibility issues raised by SWI employees by establishing a structured intake process, collaborating with relevant teams to resolve barriers, maintaining detailed issue logs, and following up to ensure complete resolution and continuous improvement.
• Review all procurements related to SWI to confirm that accessibility requirements are clearly specified, integrated into vendor contracts, and met through verification processes that align with DFPS, state, and federal accessibility laws and policies.
• Evaluate accessibility conformance reports submitted by vendors by critically assessing documentation such as VPATs for accuracy, completeness, and compliance, and providing detailed feedback to inform procurement decisions and risk management.
• Evaluate vendor responses regarding accessibility during procurement processes by analyzing proposed solutions, engaging in clarifying discussions, conducting practical accessibility assessments when necessary, and recommending approval or further action to ensure that procured goods and services support SWI’s commitment to full accessibility.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Benefits

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service
• 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed