Digital Accessibility and Communications Specialist

Hybrid Role (Temporary, Full-Time)

Compensation: $29 per hour

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Division of Mental Health is seeking a temporary Digital Accessibility and Communications Specialist to support the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID) in improving the accessibility of documents, publications, and digital information. This department-wide role is administratively assigned to the Division of Mental Health and will provide hands-on assistance to staff in developing and remediating accessible materials, while building the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to incorporate accessibility into routine work processes. The specialist will work across DBHDID divisions to support accessibility improvements, develop practical tools and guidance, and help staff create documents that are clear, usable, and accessible to individuals with disabilities. The overall goal is to strengthen the department's long-term capacity to produce accessible information, reduce the need for repeated document remediation, and integrate accessibility into standard document development and communication practices.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Assist staff in creating and remediating accessible digital documents, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, PDFs, and other materials.
• Review documents for common accessibility barriers such as improper heading structures, inaccessible tables, missing alternative text, inadequate color contrast, and incorrect reading order.
• Provide hands-on assistance with accessibility testing and remediation using Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and other available tools.
• Support the development of accessible document templates and standardized formatting practices for department-wide use.
• Help staff evaluate whether existing documents should be remediated, redesigned, simplified, or converted into more accessible formats, prioritizing activities based on public use and operational importance.
• Develop and deliver practical training sessions focused on creating accessible documents using commonly available software.
• Create easy-to-use reference materials, checklists, instructions, and examples that staff can apply to their daily work.
• Provide individualized technical assistance, group training, and scheduled office hours to address specific accessibility challenges.
• Identify recurring accessibility challenges and develop practical, department-wide solutions.
• Assist in developing standardized processes for creating, reviewing, and publishing accessible documents, and support the development of accessible templates for commonly used materials.
• Collaborate with staff responsible for website content, communications, and information management to promote consistent accessibility practices.
• Assist with establishing accessibility review procedures and recommend tools, resources, and strategies that support sustainable accessibility practices.
• Track and prioritize remediation activities, maintain records of documents reviewed, technical assistance provided, and training completed.
• Monitor progress toward established accessibility improvement goals and provide periodic updates on activities, progress, and recommendations.
• Coordinate with division staff, department leadership, and other relevant partners to support accessibility initiatives and quality improvement efforts.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Experience creating and remediating accessible Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and PDF documents.
• Working knowledge of digital accessibility standards, including WCAG 2.1/2.2 and Section 508.
• Proficiency with accessibility evaluation tools such as Microsoft Accessibility Checker and Adobe Acrobat Pro.
• Understanding of accessible document structure, including headings, tables, lists, hyperlinks, alternative text, and reading order.
• Experience creating accessible templates, forms, reports, and other digital materials.
• Familiarity with accessible web content and content management systems is a plus.
• Ability to develop and deliver training on accessible document creation and provide individualized technical assistance.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts in plain language and work collaboratively with staff of varying technical backgrounds.
• Experience developing practical instructions, job aids, and reference materials.
• Ability to identify practical solutions that balance accessibility requirements with staff capacity and available resources.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, information technology, instructional design, education, graphic design, or a related field preferred.
• Relevant professional experience in document accessibility, digital content development, technical assistance, or training may substitute for formal education.
• Experience in a government agency or large organization is beneficial but not required.

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