Summary This permanent position is eligible for 100% distant or local telework. The salary range advertised is for the Washington, DC area and may be adjusted based on the geographic locale of the selected applicant(s). Selectee(s) will not be eligible for relocation expenses in the event the Library determines the position is no longer suitable for distant telework. Responsibilities The incumbent acts as a digital accessibility specialist and is an expert in the Americans with Disabilities Act/Section 508a of the Rehabilitation Act (ADA/508), Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and current, related accessibility technologies. In addition, the incumbent also performs market and technology research on new and emerging technologies and helps prepare reports on new and emerging information and communication technologies that could prove useful for current and future LC applications. The incumbent provides guidance to those who are working in project groups, particularly on accessibility related issues, or on accessibility requirements for projects, particularly those with a public interface. The incumbent may be a team member on high visibility, enterprise-wide projects and/or programs, provide expertise and communicate compliance, and directly involved in the success of accessibility projects and/or programs. In addition, the incumbent provides technical expertise in monitoring and evaluating contract activities, and in selecting and assisting to procure commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) covering accessibility projects or relevant new technologies. Ensures LC systems and websites are in compliance with Section 508a of the Rehabilitation Act (508) and other library accessibility directives and regulations. Assists OCIO staff to plan, design, and test new systems, to conform to Library accessibility standards, directives, and regulations. Keeps abreast on new and emerging technologies, solutions, services and products that enable better accessibility accommodations. Analyzes websites, applications, and products, including new, customized, and existing, to improve them for compliance with Library accessibility approaches and policies. Diagnoses and solves complex systems problems. Develops alternatives for presentation to management. Performs feasibility studies and cost benefit analysis to support alternatives. Evaluates requirements, analyzes alternatives and recommends solutions relating to the complete life cycle for information systems and information systems components. Recommends the purchase of a new and/or COTS that will satisfy current needs at the lowest cost. Responds and resolves problems of a complex technical nature. Monitors and evaluates contractor performance, practices, procedures, techniques, methods and management controls. Provides technical evaluations of hardware and software products and makes recommendations to management. Solicits requirements from all stakeholders and reconciles them into a coherent whole for product acquisition. Creates specifications and statements of work for hardware, software and services. Plays a major role in evaluating the many procurements related to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 508a of the Rehabilitation Act and Library accessibility approaches, policies, directives, and regulations. These evaluations include requesting VPATs or other accessibility documentation from vendors and evaluating them against Library accessibility policies and standards. Performs a variety of duties related to information technology (IT) projects involving program related issues that contain complicating elements. Participates and leads special cross-cutting initiatives and task force groups as needed to accomplish programmatic goals. These groups may review specific technologies, tools, approaches, policies and programs or develop new initiatives in various areas. Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of accessibility technology, Library of Congress specific services and technologies, and general IT infrastructure capabilities by providing expert advice on the use and application of these technologies to fulfill LC requirements and to comply with applicable laws. With a special focus on accessibility related technologies, provides expert analysis and advice on complex program related information technology (IT) issues and problems where new analytical techniques must be developed to identify and evaluate findings based on operations and changing program requirements, as well as changing laws and regulations, identifies relevant issues. Collects relevant information from multiple varied sources, some of which are difficult to access. Makes authoritative recommendations to management. Provides well written explanations and justifications for plans and recommendations. Defines and validates the need for proposed new websites, applications, and products through consultation with stakeholders. Reviews general business and functional requirements that support the need for these systems. Identifies and evaluates potential system design approaches, and develops the final technical specifications for websites, applications, and products. Utilizes Project Management Methodology, and ensures that projects are completed within scope, on time, and within budget. Incorporates all phases of Systems development Life Cycle (SDLC). Requirements Conditions of Employment Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past or current drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment. Qualifications Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision. Ability to design, test, and administer assistive systems for information technology systems.** Ability to analyze organizational and operational problems and develop solutions.** Knowledge of IT contractor monitoring policies and procedures.** Ability to apply project methodologies and techniques to manage IT projects. Ability to communicate in writing. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing. Education Additional Information This position is located in the User Experience Design Section, Design Division, IT Design and Development Directorate, Office of the Chief Information Officer. The position description number for this position is 405239. The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustment for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position. Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement. Although it is the Library's policy to afford the maximum pay benefit to employees when setting rates of pay, a new appointee who has had no previous Federal service will generally be paid at step one of the grade. The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities who meet eligibility requirements are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement. Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. For more information, please see: Vetting Process This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please email ADA@loc.gov. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be determined on a case-by-case basis. The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States and is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service. The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement. Initial permanent appointments to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period. Probationary periods served at other Federal agencies do not count toward this requirement. The Library of Congress may offer repayment for all or part of federally insured student loans. However, not all service units within the Library of Congress participates in the repayment of federally insured student loans. Therefore, determination to repay a federally insured student loan is subject to approval by the appropriate service unit. Are you a veteran? Please indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming in your application materials and/or applicant profile and provide the appropriate supporting documentation to validate your claim. Those applying for 5-point preference must submit Member Copy 4 of your DD 214. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out an SF-15 (click here for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form. If required supporting documentation is not attached, Veterans' Preference will not be considered in the application process.