Accessibility Specialist

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via ConnectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

The University of Mississippi

"The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss — stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member — student, faculty, and staff — can achieve their fullest potential.”

Department Summary

The Accessibility Specialist position works closely with both the Access and Compliance and Information Technology- Academic Computing departments. This unique positioning ensures that we have access to key IT systems while also being supported by a team that is working to ensure compliance across the institution.

Role Specifications

Below you will find classification and compensation information. For additional details behind the University of Mississippi classification system please visit Human Resource Compensation Page

Family - Education

Sub-Family - Instructional Technology

Career Track / Level - P2

Grade - 8

Role Summary

The Accessibility Specialist supports faculty, staff, and students in creating a more accessible digital landscape at the University to maintain compliance with digital accessibility policies and laws. The Accessibility Specialist also provides support, guidance, and training to faculty and staff on accessibility tools, guidelines, and best practices. The individual in this role will host online and in-person training events both individually and in collaboration with other departments. This position also supports digital accessibility by monitoring university digital content and implementing accessible practices.

Examples of Work Performed

• Utilize automated tools combined with manual testing to identify and resolve accessibility barriers in digital content to maintain compliance with accessibility standards and university policies.
• Provide training to faculty and staff in small and large groups on creation of accessible documents, web content, social media content, and presentations.
• Support faculty, staff, and students in the use of provided tools to support document and web accessibility.
• Evaluate digital tools, systems, and programs to ensure accessibility compliance and provide guidance to campus partners and third parties about correcting discovered accessibility issues.
• Supports campus-wide post-production captioning services
• Provides direct remediation of content posted on university websites when needed.
• Interprets reports that monitor and assess University or departmental accessibility efforts.
• Stays abreast of current accessibility best practices through research, conference participation, and participation in higher education professional groups and forums.
• Participates with committees, departments, and campus groups to raise awareness of the shared responsibility of accessibility compliance.

Essential Functions

These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following. Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring department.

1.Designs and oversees the implementation of instructional technologies and assessment resources to advance the learning experience through various technological mediums.
2. Analyzes, tests, troubleshoots, resolves issues and provides feedback regarding existing instructional technologies.
3. Serves as a main point of contact for internal stakeholders regarding instructional technology, answers questions and disseminates information to appropriate entities as needed.

Minimum Education/Experience

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Experience: (3) Three Years Experience

An equivalent combination of related experience and education may be considered for this role. Substitutions of the required experience or education will be assessed on a 1:1 substitution basis.

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.

Minimum Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements: These physical requirements are not exhaustive, and additional job-related physical requirements may be added to these by individual agencies on an as needed basis.

Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

Physical Exertion: The incumbent may be required to lift up to approximately 10 pounds.

Vision: Requirements of this job include close vision. Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

Motor Coordination: While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is frequently required to talk and hear; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The incumbent is periodically required to sit. The incumbent is occasionally required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.