The Section 508 Systems Engineer will work to deliver the Section 508 Electronic Information Technology (EIT) Accessibility Test Plan and Results Documentation and will be a Trusted Tester conducting Section 508 testing for each release. This position will provide critical support for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM) Section 508 Program, ensuring that all ICT products, systems, and services developed or procured by OBIM comply with Section 508 standards. As a Section 508 Trusted Tester, you will evaluate ICT products for compliance using DHS-approved methods, working in both Waterfall and Agile project methodologies. Additionally, you will assist the Section 508 Program Manager in strengthening OBIM's Section 508 Program, acting as a central point of contact for all accessibility-related inquiries and promoting accessibility best practices throughout OBIM. May provide Section 508 and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility training along with supporting educational resources.
The Section 508 Tester should have the following skills:
* Evaluate OBIM-developed and procured ICT products, as well as agency official communications for Section 508 conformance using DHS Trusted Tester methods. Ensure compliance with accessibility standards and provide technical guidance for remediation efforts.
* Program Management Support: Support the OBIM Section 508 Program Manager (acting as backup when necessary) to ensure successful implementation of Section 508 requirements across OBIM programs, products, and services.
* Stakeholder Outreach & Training: Serve as a point of contact for Section 508-related inquiries within OBIM. Educate OBIM stakeholders on Section 508 standards, their relevance to day-to-day operations, and how OBIM is meeting compliance requirements.
* Policy Development & Best Practices: Contribute to the development and maintenance of Section 508 policies, guidance, and best practices. Ensure these documents reflect current regulations and industry standards.
* Technical Support for Acquisitions: Provide acquisition team support for reviewing vendor Section 508 conformance documentation and assess alternatives as needed to ensure compliance.
* Integration of Accessibility into Project Lifecycle: Provide guidance on integrating Section 508 compliance into OBIM projects, supporting project teams through the entire lifecycle.
* Enterprise Architecture & Technical Review: Collaborate with OBIM's Enterprise Architecture (EA) team by reviewing ICT change control requests and TRM (Technical Reference Model) submissions to ensure Section 508 compliance.
* Communication & Reporting: Facilitate internal communication of Section 508 issues, both within OBIM and across other DHS components. Report on programmatic and technical compliance to system owners, managers, the DHS Office of Accessible Systems and Technology (OAST), and other government agencies.
* Compliance Tracking: Maintain and update the DHS OAST Accessibility Compliance Management System (ACMS) monthly to capture OBIM's Section 508-related activities and provide regular status reports.
* External Engagement: Represent OBIM in DHS, interagency, and industry forums related to Section 508 activities. Stay up to date on accessibility trends, policies, and best practices through active participation in professional organizations.
* Ability to work independently
* Candidate must have strong communication skills
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
* Implement governance, based on the Revised Section 508 Standards, to ensure ICT accessibility is part of decision-making activities
* Support the government Section 508 Program Manager in updating OBIM's Section 508 guidance documentation to reflect a move towards Universal Design with an emphasis on customer experience and identifying user needs upfront.
* Provide updates to web reporting tool for achieving compliance with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued Management Section 508 directives.
* Provide OBIM projects with the input for implementing the OBIM Section 508 ICT Accessibility Guide throughout the project life cycles.
* Provide OBIM projects with the input for implementing the OBIM Human Factors Engineering (HFE) Plan throughout the project life cycles.
* Work to provide systems engineered with the purpose of improving human interaction experience and performance, and of maximizing user accuracy and efficiency.
* Ensure intuitive OBIM-developed software and hardware design, to the extent that the user will not require explanation to comprehend feedback, prompts, behavior, layout, or navigation.
* Develop training materials and assist with the training of program staff in the use of OBIM tools.
Required Education & Experience
* Bachelor's Degree or higher and 10 years of related experience
The ideal candidate should be able to demonstrate working knowledge with several of the following concepts or technologies:
* Technical Expertise: Strong understanding of ICT accessibility tools, including manual testing techniques, automated testing software, and documentation review.
* Program Management: Experience supporting or managing accessibility programs, including developing policies, procedures, and compliance strategies.
* Stakeholder Engagement & Outreach: Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders across OBIM and the DHS community. Ability to deliver training, presentations, and outreach materials related to accessibility.
* Acquisition & Vendor Support: Experience providing technical support for reviewing vendor compliance documentation and recommending solutions for Section 508 issues.
* Attention to Detail & Reporting: Strong analytical and reporting skills with the ability to document compliance activities and generate clear, concise reports for senior management and government stakeholders.
* Communication & Collaboration: Proven ability to facilitate communication and work collaboratively with internal teams, external vendors, and cross-functional stakeholders.
Certification Requirements
* DHS Section 508 Trusted Tester Certification: Must be a DHS Certified Section 508 Trusted Tester (DHS Trusted Tester version 5 or above) with a comprehensive understanding of Section 508 standards, testing methodologies, and tools.
* Experience in Section 508 Compliance: At least 3-5 years of experience evaluating ICT products and services for Section 508 conformance, with practical knowledge of both Waterfall and Agile project management methodologies.
Clearance Requirements
* Candidate must be a US Citizen, possess DHS Suitability background investigation or be eligible to qualify for DHS Entry of Duty background investigation followed by DHS Public Trust Clearance
Other (Travel, Work Environment, DoD 8570 Requirements, Administrative Notes, etc.)
* None at this time
Computer World Services is an affirmative action and equal employment opportunity employer. Current employees and/or qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
Computer World Services is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Computer World Services will ensure that individuals with disabilities (IWD) are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Aaron McClellan in Human Resources at
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