Digital Accessibility Associate

Digital Accessibility Associate

Summary of Position

Supports the university’s efforts to make its electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to individuals with disabilities. Serves as a subject matter expert in Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, Title II/III, and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG2.1 or higher). Assists university constituents by auditing requests and technology related to this initiative. Works under general supervision and exercises professional judgment with university constituents to reduce institutional risk while improving equitable access to technology. Collaborates with departments across campus to integrate accessibility best practices into digital projects, content, and services.

Position Information

Essential Functions and

Responsibilities

• Reviews all new software procurement requests and annual software renewal agreements for digital accessibility compliance documentation, including VPATs, ACRs, Higher

Education

• Community Vendor Assessment Toolkits (HECVATs) and vendor accessibility statements.

• Evaluates vendor-submitted accessibility documentation against current WCAG conformance criteria and applicable state/federal standards; note gaps and exceptions in conformance for follow-up.

• Coordinates with vendors to request or clarify accessibility documentation when not initially provided or insufficient.

• Develops and maintains standardized accessibility review checklists, and workflow documentation to ensure consistent, auditable review of every applicable agreement.

• Prepares periodic compliance reports for IT leadership and executive governance summarizing review volume, findings, outstanding risks, and fine/penalty exposure.

• Stays current on evolving state and federal digital accessibility requirements and adjust review criteria and procedures accordingly.

• Consults with or trains clients on digital accessibility best practices, which include procuring software and creating content for public use (website, LMS).

• Conducts software and application testing in alignment with university business and academic standards.

• Communicates regularly with supervisor and stakeholders to align training with institutional objectives.

• Prepares and maintains accurate records of daily tasks in accordance with applicable policies and procedures and assures timely communication with supervisor, staff, and students where appropriate.

• Gathers data and prepares reports and other information/documentation for supervisory review related to programs and/or services, or one or more assigned components.

• Remains informed of current developments and procedures pertinent to duties; participates in staff development activities; attends meetings, conferences, and other events.

• Other Functions and

Responsibilities

• Assists with training new hires.
• Performs other duties as assigned and/or required that are within the level of responsibility for this classification at the discretion of the supervisor.
• Equipment Operated: Computer and all other standard office equipment.
• Work Schedule: Typically, Monday through Friday.
• Primary

Location

Youngstown

Supervision Exercised: May exercise supervision over student employees.

Reports to: Associate Director

Qualifications and Competencies

Required Certifications, Training, and/or Licensures: None

Sponsorship and/or Work Authorization Status: This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of: Digital accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA or higher, Section 508) and how they apply to products with a user interface; procurement processes in a higher education or public sector setting; common business technology platforms; purchasing systems; operating systems, and security practices; university policies and procedures; office practices and procedures; department/division goals and objectives; department/division policies and procedures; workplace safety practices and procedures; English grammar and spelling; records management; office management; project management.

Skill in: Using assistive technology and software to evaluate technology resources; problem solving in complex technology environments; remediation and/or recommending remediation steps for content requested for review through service management tickets; use of office equipment; typing, data entry; computer operation; use of computer software and other programs applicable to the assigned department.

Ability to: Evaluate accessibility risks and use judgement when assessing accessibility risks against the risk matrix; read and interpret VPATs/ACRs/HECVATs and identify significant conformance gaps and request practical remediation solutions; communicate technical compliance findings clearly to non-technical stakeholders, vendors, and governance committees; consult with clients to determine skills gaps and specialized training needs; design and test content to digital compliance standards; test applications and systems while giving constructive feedback using designated testing protocols; communicate in an understandable, polite, and professional manner with various stakeholders, both technical and non-technical; successfully work independently with clients and technical support personnel; compile and prepare reports; use proper research methods to gather data; understand a variety of written and/or verbal communications; prepare accurate documentation; maintain records according to established procedures; train or instruct others; move quickly and effectively from one task to another; work independently and in a team environment; develop and maintain effective working relationships.

Minimum

Qualifications

• At least a bachelor’s degree and two years of related and/or equivalent experience; OR at least an associate degree and four years of related and/or equivalent experience.

• Preferred: Experience with accessibility compliance reviews for WCAG 2.1 or higher and familiarity with accessibility evaluation tools (e.g., axe, WAVE, NVDA) sufficient to review vendor claims. Vendor digital accessibility risk management, or ADA/Section 508 coordination, Accessibility testing with manual or automated testing tools. Experience in higher education or large-scale organizational environments.

• Physical

Requirements

• In accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor physical demands strength ratings, this position will perform sedentary work.

• Sedentary: work involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs may be defined as Sedentary when walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other Sedentary criteria are met.

• At Youngstown State University we are committed to a comprehensive employee benefit program that helps our employees live healthy, feel secure, and maintain a work/life balance. YSU offers two options for medical plans, optional dental and vision insurance and life insurance. These plans are reviewed annually to maintain competitiveness while being cost effective. In addition, YSU offers tuition remission, 403(b) and 457 retirement planning options, as well as state pension programs and optional voluntary life insurance benefits.

• Medical Mutual of Ohio Medical plans

• Dental Benefits

• Vision Benefits

• Group Life Insurance (University Sponsored and Voluntary)

• Group Long Term Disability (University Sponsored and Voluntary)

• Flexible Spending Account

• Health Savings Account

• Tuition remission

• Employee Assistance Program

• Wellness Initiatives

• Sick Leave

• Vacation Accrual

• Paid Holidays

• State Retirement Programs

• 403b and 457b Voluntary Retirement Options