Program Specialist

Summary

Program Specialist III (Statewide Digital Accessibility Program Specialist) Texas Department of Information ResourcesPosition Title: Program Specialist III (Statewide Digital Accessibility Program Specialist)Division/Section: Customer Experience Office/Statewide Digital Accessibility ProgramSalary Range: $4,958.34 $5,166.67/monthDuration: RegularHours Worked Weekly: 40Travel: OccasionalWork Location: 300 W. 15th Street, #1300 / Austin, Texas 78701What We DoWe are a technology agency powered by people.DIR offers secure, modern, and cost-effective technology to help government entities in Texas serve their constituents.DIR is a fast-paced and collaborative environment with highly motivated, innovative, and engaged employees dedicated to achieving the best value for the state. We have over 325 professionals working at DIR who are honored to serve as the cornerstone of public sector technology in Texas. By joining DIR, you will be an integral part of transforming how Texas government serves Texans.Position SummaryThe Statewide Digital Accessibility Program Specialist assists in the administrative of the Statewide Digital Accessibility Program that empowers Texas state agencies and institutions of higher education in their efforts to make technology accessible through multiple ways so that access is not contingent on a single sense or ability.This position performs complex (journey-level) consultative services and technical assistance work in support of the Statewide Digital Accessibility program. Under the supervision of the Statewide Digital Accessibility Officer, this position supports state IT leaders and the vendor community to improve digital accessibility practices and ensure that state government communications, technology, websites, and digital services are accessible for Texans and state employees with disabilities. Responsibilities include collaborating with DIR staff to develop or enhance processes that advance digital accessibility goals for the state and improve the customer experience for DIR customers. This position works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.ResponsibilitiesPerforms of a variety of research, data analysis and administrative activities for the statewide Digital Accessibility program in support of statutory electronic and information resources (EIR) accessibility requirements.Assists with communication, outreach, and education to state agencies, institutions of higher education, and the vendor community related to Texas EIR accessibility laws and administrative rule.Evaluates Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACRs), completed Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPATs), and other accessibility-related documentation related to DIR enterprise solicitations.Analyzes existing data and information within the Statewide Digital Accessibility Program to assist in streamlining processes for reviews of accessibility documentation.Collaborates in the planning, development, implementation, analysis, and documentation of best practices to improve statewide digital accessibility in IT procurement and contracting.Assists in facilitating discussion and collaboration between the Chief Experience Office and the Chief Procurement Office for the purposes of Accessibility in IT procurement and contracting.Performs administrative activities as an internal resource on statewide digital accessibility matters for activities including procurement and vendor outreach.Performs other work-related duties as assigned.EducationGraduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in information systems management, communications, business, public administration, or related field.Additional work-related experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis (High-school diploma required).Experience and Training RequiredMinimum of three (3) years of academic or professional experience in research, planning, assessment, writing and administrative activities.Minimum of three (3) years working with multiple stakeholders and customers and managing project tasks.Experience and Training PreferredMinimum of two (2) years of experience working with public-sector IT projectsUnderstanding of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.Progressive experience with digital accessibility programs or Information and Communications Technology accessibility.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesKnowledge of basic IT procurement and contracting practicesKnowledge of state and federal accessibility laws and rules related to the use and application of accessible technology in Texas government and public institutions of higher education.Knowledge of public administration, program management, research methods, and program evaluation techniques.Knowledge of IT development, technology solutions, assistive technology, and acceptable accessibility documentation and testing methods.Strong Customer Experience MindsetStrong communication skillsSkills in using Data analysis or artificial intelligence tools to help inform decision-makingAbility to conduct analysis of complex information to gain actionable insights for improvementsAbility to gather, assemble, correlate, document, and analyze facts in support of decisions, evaluations, and data produced for reports.Ability to prepare reports and respond to requests for information in a timely manner.Ability to exercise courtesy, tact, and diplomacy including the ability to exercise discretion when handling confidential information.Ability to establish and maintain effective and cordial working relationships at all organizational levels, including agency management, direct supervisors, co-workers, internal and external customers.Ability to understand, follow and convey brief oral and/or written instructions.Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing, in a clear and concise manner.Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to support and contribute to a cohesive team environment.Ability to work under pressure and exacting schedules to complete assigned tasks.Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet required deadlines.Ability to comply with all agency policy and applicable laws.Ability to comply with all applicable safety rules, regulations, and standards.Ability to maintain the security and integrity of any critical infrastructure researched, worked on, or accessed for work purposes.Computer SkillsProficiency in the use of a computer and applicable software necessary to perform work assignments e.g., word processing, spreadsheets (Microsoft Office preferred).Other RequirementsRegular and punctual attendance at the workplace.Criminal background check.Working ConditionsFrequent use of computers, copiers, printers, and telephones.Frequent standing, walking, sitting, listening, and talking.Frequent work under stress, as a team member, and in direct contact with others.Occasional bending, stooping, lifting, and climbing.

Job Description

Program Specialist III (Statewide Digital Accessibility Program Specialist) Texas Department of Information ResourcesPosition Title: Program Specialist III (Statewide Digital Accessibility Program Specialist)Division/Section: Customer Experience Office/Statewide Digital Accessibility ProgramSalary Range: $4,958.34 $5,166.67/monthDuration: RegularHours Worked Weekly: 40Travel: OccasionalWork Location: 300 W. 15th Street, #1300 / Austin, Texas 78701What We DoWe are a technology agency powered by people.DIR offers secure, modern, and cost-effective technology to help government entities in Texas serve their constituents.DIR is a fast-paced and collaborative environment with highly motivated, innovative, and engaged employees dedicated to achieving the best value for the state. We have over 325 professionals working at DIR who are honored to serve as the cornerstone of public sector technology in Texas. By joining DIR, you will be an integral part of transforming how Texas government serves Texans.Position SummaryThe Statewide Digital Accessibility Program Specialist assists in the administrative of the Statewide Digital Accessibility Program that empowers Texas state agencies and institutions of higher education in their efforts to make technology accessible through multiple ways so that access is not contingent on a single sense or ability.This position performs complex (journey-level) consultative services and technical assistance work in support of the Statewide Digital Accessibility program. Under the supervision of the Statewide Digital Accessibility Officer, this position supports state IT leaders and the vendor community to improve digital accessibility practices and ensure that state government communications, technology, websites, and digital services are accessible for Texans and state employees with disabilities. Responsibilities include collaborating with DIR staff to develop or enhance processes that advance digital accessibility goals for the state and improve the customer experience for DIR customers. This position works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.ResponsibilitiesPerforms of a variety of research, data analysis and administrative activities for the statewide Digital Accessibility program in support of statutory electronic and information resources (EIR) accessibility requirements.Assists with communication, outreach, and education to state agencies, institutions of higher education, and the vendor community related to Texas EIR accessibility laws and administrative rule.Evaluates Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACRs), completed Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPATs), and other accessibility-related documentation related to DIR enterprise solicitations.Analyzes existing data and information within the Statewide Digital Accessibility Program to assist in streamlining processes for reviews of accessibility documentation.Collaborates in the planning, development, implementation, analysis, and documentation of best practices to improve statewide digital accessibility in IT procurement and contracting.Assists in facilitating discussion and collaboration between the Chief Experience Office and the Chief Procurement Office for the purposes of Accessibility in IT procurement and contracting.Performs administrative activities as an internal resource on statewide digital accessibility matters for activities including procurement and vendor outreach.Performs other work-related duties as assigned.EducationGraduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in information systems management, communications, business, public administration, or related field.Additional work-related experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis (High-school diploma required).Experience and Training RequiredMinimum of three (3) years of academic or professional experience in research, planning, assessment, writing and administrative activities.Minimum of three (3) years working with multiple stakeholders and customers and managing project tasks.Experience and Training PreferredMinimum of two (2) years of experience working with public-sector IT projectsUnderstanding of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.Progressive experience with digital accessibility programs or Information and Communications Technology accessibility.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesKnowledge of basic IT procurement and contracting practicesKnowledge of state and federal accessibility laws and rules related to the use and application of accessible technology in Texas government and public institutions of higher education.Knowledge of public administration, program management, research methods, and program evaluation techniques.Knowledge of IT development, technology solutions, assistive technology, and acceptable accessibility documentation and testing methods.Strong Customer Experience MindsetStrong communication skillsSkills in using Data analysis or artificial intelligence tools to help inform decision-makingAbility to conduct analysis of complex information to gain actionable insights for improvementsAbility to gather, assemble, correlate, document, and analyze facts in support of decisions, evaluations, and data produced for reports.Ability to prepare reports and respond to requests for information in a timely manner.Ability to exercise courtesy, tact, and diplomacy including the ability to exercise discretion when handling confidential information.Ability to establish and maintain effective and cordial working relationships at all organizational levels, including agency management, direct supervisors, co-workers, internal and external customers.Ability to understand, follow and convey brief oral and/or written instructions.Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing, in a clear and concise manner.Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to support and contribute to a cohesive team environment.Ability to work under pressure and exacting schedules to complete assigned tasks.Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet required deadlines.Ability to comply with all agency policy and applicable laws.Ability to comply with all applicable safety rules, regulations, and standards.Ability to maintain the security and integrity of any critical infrastructure researched, worked on, or accessed for work purposes.Computer SkillsProficiency in the use of a computer and applicable software necessary to perform work assignments e.g., word processing, spreadsheets (Microsoft Office preferred).Other RequirementsRegular and punctual attendance at the workplace.Criminal background check.Working ConditionsFrequent use of computers, copiers, printers, and telephones.Frequent standing, walking, sitting, listening, and talking.Frequent work under stress, as a team member, and in direct contact with others.Occasional bending, stooping, lifting, and climbing.