Instructional Technology Accessibility Technician

Campus Title: Instructional Technology Accessibility Technician
Department: Center for Instructional Technology
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Funding: ADA grant
Job Type: Part-time (20 to 25 hours per week)
Timeframe: Approximately 12 to 16 weeks
Shift: Varies based on need, some evenings, some weekends
Regular Days Off: Saturday and Sunday
Supervision Received: Reports to the Director of the CIT.
Salary: $18.00 per hour

General Statement of Duties: 

The Instructional Technology Accessibility Technician serves as a member of the Center for Instructional Technology staff and reports to the Director of the CIT.

This position will work closely with faculty, the Banacos Academic Center (Disability Services) and other campus stakeholders to ensure ADA accessibility and Section 508 compliance for all media used in educational programming. This position will also work closely with service providers, including the University LMS, streaming services, and captioning services; to develop processes and workflows through which faculty can make content accessible. Additionally, faculty may utilize internet services such as YouTube, Vimeo, Screencast-o-Matic, Camtasia, VoiceThread,  and other software programs and publisher-created resources. This position is responsible for aligning the use of those services with Section 508 and current Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). This position will also manage the accessibility of video streaming workflow. Some supervision of student staff may be required. Technology is in constant flux, therefore this must be seen as a living document. The technician should remain current with the state of multi-media assistive technology.

Responsibilities:

1. Establishes and ensures ADA accessibility and Section 508 compliance using current WCAG for all Blackboard Learn technology systems used primarily in PLATO or other LMS. Works directly with faculty to update inaccessible course content and media.

2. Manages and coordinates video and audio captioning processes and workflows while fulfilling requests locally or through vendors, and ensuring quality of captioned materials.

3. Manages and coordinates accessibility of video streaming services, ensuring compliance to Section 508 standards.

4. Manages and coordinates OER texts and interactive OER media services, ensuring compliance to Section 508 standards.

5. Supports the service owners for several outside systems to ensure those systems meet accessibility standards. This includes reviewing and testing updates prior to deployment, developing workflows and processes for students and faculty.

6. Interacts with faculty and other departments on campus, including the Banacos Academic Center and Webmaster, in support of accessibility. May serve as a resource person to the University for issues of and requirements germane to accessible technology, in the University LMS.

Secondary Responsibilities:

1. Provides individual and group training for faculty and staff about best practices for creating accessible course content in general and through using software available in the University LMS. Provides individual consulting and troubleshooting to faculty and staff in the Center for Instructional Technology who need assistance in using specialized software and hardware.

2. Researches new and emerging technologies and services to ensure compliance with accessibility standards. Remains knowledgeable about regulatory changes, technical advances, and new solutions for accessibility.

3. May supervise interns and student staff for specific projects.

Position Specific Requirements:

• Required to work some evenings.
• Required to work some weekends.

Requirements:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Computer Engineering and three years of experience with Blackboard Learn learning management system and web content accessibility.

• Fluency with Windows and Macintosh operating systems, Microsoft Office, basic web-editing and video-editing, html and related web programming tools.

• Excellent customer service skills and experience working with a diverse clientele. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated organizational ability. Ability to responsibly manage sensitive and confidential information.

• Demonstrated experience leading collaborative projects across departments.

• Knowledge of Section 508 standards.

• Preferred:

• Familiarity with assistive technologies.

• Experience in higher education environment, specifically working directly with faculty as part of the course building or delivery processes.

• Experience managing captioning and streaming services.

Additional Information:

Disability Accommodations:
Westfield State University understands that persons with disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance regarding disability accommodations, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (413)572-8106.

Application Instructions:

Apply online.  Interested candidates should electronically attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Contact information for three references*
• Unofficial copy of transcript for highest degree

*Please provide the contact information for reference providers in the references section of the online application.

Deadline: Review of applications will begin 7/27/18. The job posting will be open a minimum of ten days and will, if needed, remain open until finalists have been selected.

NOTE: If you need assistance completing your application please contact our online Help Desk. The link to the help desk can be found at the top of the page via Contact Us.

Westfield State University provides equal access to employment opportunities for all applicants, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, age, disability or veteran status in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and policies.