[Hiring] Accessibility Specialist @Aretum

Role Description

Aretum is seeking an Accessibility Specialist to join our team supporting a large-scale federal technology modernization program. As an Accessibility Specialist, you will be embedded within a User Experience and Accessibility Services workstream, performing accessibility evaluation throughout the software development lifecycle using both automated and manual techniques.

• Evaluate design concepts and coded solutions against Section 508 (36 C.F.R. 1194.1), WCAG 2.1 A and AA, and applicable agency digital accessibility standards.
• Document accessibility issues and fixes in the program's tracking systems.
• Author Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACRs) and Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPATs) prior to major releases.
• Collaborate daily with the program's accessibility leads, product owners, UX designers, and developers.
• This is a hands-on role that requires deep, current expertise in digital accessibility evaluation.
• Employees may be expected to handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and must adhere to applicable safeguarding and compliance requirements.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of applicable experience as a digital accessibility specialist evaluating web applications throughout the software development lifecycle using both automated and manual techniques.
• Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent additional experience).
• Demonstrated, hands-on experience evaluating web applications against WCAG 2.1 A and AA, Section 508 (36 C.F.R. 1194.1), and equivalent federal digital accessibility standards.
• Hands-on proficiency with manual screen reader testing using JAWS and NVDA.
• Hands-on proficiency with accessibility evaluation tools including aXe, pa11y, ANDI, and a Color Contrast Analyzer.
• Demonstrated experience authoring Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACRs) and/or Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPATs) for software products.
• Experience evaluating design artifacts (wireframes, mockups, prototypes, design system components) in Figma for accessibility conformance prior to developer handoff.
• Experience documenting accessibility issues, fixes, and test evidence in Jira and Confluence.
• Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments, integrating accessibility evaluation into sprint cadence.
• Working knowledge of the User-Centered Design (UCD) process.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Requirements

• Evaluate design concepts for accessibility issues and opportunities in alignment with applicable federal digital accessibility standards.
• Collaborate with the program's accessibility lead and federal accessibility staff.
• Conduct manual and automated accessibility evaluations on coded solutions.
• Document accessibility issues and fixes in the program's project tracking and documentation systems.
• Report accessibility test results on coded solutions and ongoing issues.
• Author Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACRs) and/or Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPATs).
• Produce accessibility review notes, annotated design files, issue summaries, and full accessibility conformance evaluation reports.
• Verify accessible code per the standards defined in the applicable Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan.
• Ensure designs and patterns support users with various disabilities.
• Proactively identify potential accessibility barriers in design and development solutions.
• Review documentation of accessibility considerations included with design handoffs.
• Participate in the User-Centered Design (UCD) process.
• Participate fully in SAFe Agile ceremonies.
• Contribute to design system governance by reviewing proposed components, patterns, and tokens against WCAG 2.1 A and AA standards.
• Coordinate with various stakeholders to align accessibility work with program priorities.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long-Term Disability
• Training & Development