Please note: This position is not full-time and is categorized as on-call, meaning the availability of work will be intermittent and based on demand throughout the year. It is particularly suited for individual professional freelancers/contractors who have flexible schedules and a roster of clients requiring similar services.

The 508 Compliance Editor III uses their strong understanding of Section 508 to ensure compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, which requires that all technology and information used by the federal government must be accessible to people with disabilities. The 508 Compliance Editor III applies project requirements and styles to assignments and broad knowledge of accessibility barriers and the tools and techniques for overcoming them. The 508 Compliance applies this knowledge to create strategies and processes for ensuring maximum accessibility of client deliverables in addition to remediating products for compliance. The 508 Compliance Editor III conducts functional testing, completes 508, compliance tagging and testing, and remediates documents needing to be made accessible. This position is responsible for coordinating the implementation of Section 508 requirements across all teams and ensuring that all electronic and information technology (EIT) is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. This position assists in developing, reviewing, and updating policies and procedures to ensure Section 508 compliance.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Follows a checklist to remediate documents (mostly PDFs) for accessibility compliance per standards required by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act
• Formats a range of documents in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat Pro
• Remediates and verifies 508 compliance for Microsoft Office and PDF documents, working with a content manager or editor. Knowledge of fillable formatting is a plus
• Uses software tools like CommonLook PDF Validator and color contrast checker
• Formats in Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Pro; produces documents, charts, and tables; tests and adjusts as needed; applies project requirements and styles
• Provides status updates, accurate estimates of level of effort, and timeframes for assignments, as needed
• Monitors and implements Section 508 compliance policies and processes based on federal law, client, and project standards and checklists
• Prepares, tests, analyzes, remediates, reviews, and troubleshoots documents, products, and web content (as needed) to ensure quality control, accessibility, and compliance with requirements under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. May include reviewing others' 508 work and providing feedback, as needed
• Generates "alternative text" for graphics
• Addresses and advises on accessibility and 508 compliance requirements in document and product design, acquisition, development
• Updates 508 compliance checklist
• Establishes and maintains tracking procedures. Manages and tracks own work
• Works with a content manager or editor, revises documents as new issues arise and provides documentation related to project 508 compliance requirements. Produces high-quality documentation that meets applicable standards and is appropriate for its intended audience
• Transfers content efficiently from standalone documents (e.g., PDF, Word, PowerPoint, Excel) into HTML web pages, and prepares online content that adheres to client standards and Section 508 requirements
• Uses software tools like CommonLook PDF Validator and PDF Accessibility Checker to identify errors in document structure, headings, reading order, images, charts and tables, and any other document errors as they occur
• Provides 508 compliant formatting in Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Pro, including non-fillable and fillable (form) formats; produces documents that include 508 compliant charts, graphics, and tables; and applies project requirements and styles
• Provides status updates for longer tasks and respond promptly to queries
• Helps other 508 staff with reviews or responses to questions. Gets them up to speed on developments in 508 requirements
• Attends webinars, workshops, and tutorials to enhance 508 skills
• Estimates level of effort and timeframes with reasonable accuracy
• Presents/demonstrates 508 compliance principles to other staff
• Ensures web/online 508 compliance, including keeping up with the latest standards
• Trains and manages other 508 compliance staff; demonstrates 508 compliance principles; delivers presentations on 508 and accessibility issues for 508 staff and others
• Is an authoritative voice for what constitutes 508 compliance in a variety of formats
• Reviews others' 508 work and provides specific feedback
• Works on out-of-routine requests promptly and provides creative solutions when needed
• Caption and sync captions to video (508 compliance for videos)
• Performs other work as assigned

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: High School Diploma

Language: English Fluency (Written and Oral)

Experience: 8+ years of experience in 508 remediation. Experience with 508 compliance tools to ensure compliance with federal requirements. Experience in conducting quality reviews of documents and products. Experience in video captioning and syncing (a plus). Proficiency in web accessibility validation tools. Training and presenting experience/ability.

Authoritative knowledge of and ability to assess 508 compliance.

Technical: Must have access to professional-grade computer with up-to-date MS Office, Adobe Acrobat, and industry-standard compliance software.

Knowledge: Proficiency in basic 508 compliance in Microsoft Office and PDF. Proficiency in basic formatting in Microsoft Office and PDF. Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Pro, JAWS (or other web accessibility software). Proficiency in Section 508 compliance tools (e.g., CommonLook, PDF Accessibility Checker, CSE HTML Validator, W3C validation, MS Publisher). Video captioning and syncing (a plus). Web accessibility/validation tools; familiarity with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.

Soft Skills: Ability to work directly and effectively with client when needed. Ability to work in a team environment.

Clearance: If required, be able to obtain Federal security clearance.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk or computer workstation.
• Regularly uses a computer, keyboard, and mouse.
• Normal or corrected vision to read documents, view computer screens, and perform tasks that require visual accuracy.
• Ability to hear and understand spoken information in person and over the phone.
• Minimal lifting and carrying may be required, typically light office supplies or documents.
• Ability to move within the office environment to access equipment, files, and interact with colleagues.
• Ability to handle occasional stress related to deadlines, workloads, or challenging tasks.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Bachelor's degree preferred

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position, nor will it be the sole basis for any subsequent employee evaluations. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required by their supervisor.

This position is subject to availability of funds and to any and all restrictions contained in the contract or contracts that provide funding for this position.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:
If you meet the minimum requirements for this position, please click on the "Apply" link posted below and complete the application.

Our company is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Applicants can learn more about the company's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the federal "EEO is the Law" poster at EEOPost.pdf. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.