Section 508 Subject Matter Expert (Remote)

Are you looking for your next challenge? Are you ready to work with a performance-based small company? At Zantech, we are a dynamic Woman Owned Small Business focused on providing complex, mission-focused solutions with a proven track record of outstanding customer performance and high employee satisfaction. We would love to talk with you regarding the next step in your career. Come join our team!Zantech is looking for a talented Section 508 Subject Matter Expert to contribute to the success of our upcoming Applied and Emerging Technology Support project for a Hybrid role based out of Camp Springs, MD.The Section 508 Subject Matter Expert serves as the technical authority for accessibility compliance across all USCIS Office of Information Technology systems and applications. This role requires a DHS-certified Trusted Tester who will conduct hands-on accessibility testing, provide expert consultation to development teams, and ensure USCIS Information and Communication Technology (ICT) meets federal Section 508 standards. The 508 SME works in direct support of the USCIS Section 508 Coordinator, conducting audits, providing remediation guidance, and driving continuous improvement in USCIS accessibility posture.Responsibilities include, but will not be limited to:Section 508 Testing & Compliance AssessmentConduct comprehensive Section 508 accessibility testing of USCIS systems and applicationsReview, assess, and document accessibility compliance/noncompliance across USCIS ICTPerform hands-on testing according to DHS Accessibility and Language Services (A&LS) Division protocolsTest operating systems for PCs and Macbooks for accessibility complianceEvaluate web applications, mobile applications, documents, and multimedia contentConduct testing at all phases of the Software Engineering Lifecycle (SELC)Provide independent review and sample testing for Section 508 audits and consultationsAccessibility Audit & ReportingLead formal Section 508 audits for USCIS applications and systemsDocument findings with detailed descriptions, screenshots, and code examplesClassify defects by severity and impact on users with disabilitiesGenerate comprehensive accessibility compliance reports for USCIS stakeholdersTrack remediation progress and re-test after fixes are implementedReport noncompliance results with structured timelines for corrective actionMaintain audit documentation and compliance records per DHS requirementsTechnical Consultation & Remediation GuidanceProvide expert consultation to USCIS development and design teamsRecommend specific remediation approaches for accessibility defectsReview design mockups and wireframes for accessibility considerationsConduct code reviews to identify accessibility barriers during developmentProvide guidance on ARIA implementation, semantic HTML, and keyboard navigationAdvise on accessible PDF creation, document remediation, and multimedia captioningSupport continuous improvement of USCIS Section 508 complianceAutomated Accessibility TestingImplement and maintain automated functional accessibility testing toolsIntegrate accessibility scanning into CI/CD pipelinesConfigure and optimize DHS-approved 508 automation toolsEstablish automated accessibility testing as part of continuous quality assuranceAnalyze automated scan results and identify false positivesSupplement automated testing with manual validation where requiredEducation & Knowledge TransferEducate development teams and testers on Section 508 standards and best practicesConduct training sessions on DHS A&LS Division protocols and proceduresProvide guidance on WCAG 2.1 Level AA success criteriaDemonstrate use of assistive technologies (JAWS, NVDA, screen readers, magnifiers)Share knowledge on accessible design patterns and ARIA best practicesDevelop training materials, quick reference guides, and accessibility checklistsMentor other testers in accessibility testing techniquesAssistive Technology TestingConduct testing with industry-standard assistive technologies:Screen readers (JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, TalkBack)Screen magnification software (ZoomText, Windows Magnifier)Speech recognition software (Dragon NaturallySpeaking)Alternative input devicesValidate keyboard-only navigation and interaction patternsTest color contrast, focus indicators, and visual accessibilityEnsure compatibility across different browsers and assistive technology combinationsStandards & Policy ComplianceEnsure compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (36 CFR 1194)Apply WCAG 2.1 Level AA success criteria in testing and remediationFollow DHS Section 508 policies, standards, and proceduresStay current with updates to federal accessibility requirementsTrack DHS A&LS Division guidance and incorporate into testing practicesContribute to USCIS accessibility standards and governance documentationProgram Support & MetricsSupport USCIS Section 508 Coordinator in program monitoring and metricsUtilize and improve existing Section 508 audit reporting toolsTrack accessibility compliance status across USCIS portfolioGenerate metrics on audit coverage, defect trends, and remediation velocityPresent accessibility status and recommendations to USCIS leadershipCoordinate with other Section 508 testers and projects as designatedRequired Experience or Knowledge of the following technologies/functions:Minimum 5 years of accessibility testing experienceMinimum 3 years using DHS Trusted Tester methodologyMinimum 2 years of federal government experience, preferably DHS agenciesDemonstrated experience conducting Section 508 audits for complex web applicationsExperience testing applications with diverse assistive technologiesTrack record of working with development teams to remediate accessibility issuesTechnical Skills (Required):Expert knowledge of Section 508 standards and WCAG 2.1 Level AA requirementsAdvanced proficiency with assistive technology testing tools:JAWS (Job Access With Speech) - current versionNVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)VoiceOver (macOS/iOS)Other screen readers and magnification toolsProficiency with DHS-approved accessibility testing tools:ANDI (Accessible Name & Description Inspector)Colour Contrast AnalyserBrowser developer tools and accessibility inspectorsStrong understanding of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and ARIAExperience with automated scanning tools (axe, WAVE, Pa11y)Knowledge of PDF accessibility and remediation techniquesUnderstanding of accessible mobile application testing (iOS, Android)Technical Skills (Highly Desired):Experience with accessibility test automation frameworks (axe-core, Pa11y-CI)Knowledge of accessible design systems and component librariesFamiliarity with content management systems and accessibility pluginsExperience testing Single Page Applications (SPAs) and modern JavaScript frameworksUnderstanding of accessible video player requirements and captioning standardsKnowledge of accessible data visualization techniquesFederal & DHS-Specific Knowledge (Required):Deep familiarity with DHS A&LS Division protocols and proceduresUnderstanding of federal accessibility compliance and enforcementKnowledge of DHS Section 508 program requirementsFamiliarity with Agency Section 508 Assessment reportingUnderstanding of accessibility considerations for PII/sensitive data interfacesPreferred Experience or Knowledge of the following technologies/functions:USCIS-Specific Experience (Highly Desired): Experience testing USCIS public-facing and internal applicationsKnowledge of USCIS form-based workflows and immigration benefit processesUnderstanding of multilingual accessibility considerations (USCIS supports 15+ languages)Familiarity with USCIS design standards and component librariesExperience with USCIS Section 508 program proceduresRequired Education/Certifications:Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Human-Computer Interaction, or related fieldRelevant work experience may be substituted for educationDHS Trusted Tester Certification (TTv4 or TTv5+) - REQUIREDMust maintain active certification through recertification as requiredMust stay current with latest DHS Trusted Tester training and standardsCertifications (Highly Desired):Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC)Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS)IAAP Accessibility certificationsAdditional assistive technology certificationsRequired Security Clearance:US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain an active Public Trust or higher clearance, per contract requirements.Outstanding Performance…Always!"Our corporate motto represents our commitment to build long-term relationships with both our clients and our employees by providing the highest quality service in everything we do. We strive for excellence for our clients and for each other. We embrace the opportunity to hire individuals with new talents and fresh perspectives. Zantech offers competitive compensation, strong benefits, and a vacation package, as well as a fast-paced and exciting work environment. Come join our team!