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Jobs at AbilityNet.
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AbilityNet is the leading UK charity for computing and disability. In 2005 we supported over 490,000 adults and children through direct work, training and online services.
We have a network of centres, mainly hosted by major IT companies, and are working with an increasing number of partners and affiliates to provide a quality managed local service for disabled people.
Demand for our services grows with our reputation. The people who work for AbilityNet are our greatest asset and a hugely talented group, who combine passion for what we do with great communication skills and IT knowledge.
How would you like to use your experience to enable people with a disability or limiting condition to use technology to change and enhance their lives?
We are looking for exceptional people for the following roles:
Accessibility & Usability Consultant
Location: London Office (preferred)
Hours per day: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Job Purpose
You will join a dedicated consultancy team whose work is widely acclaimed. We are ideally looking for someone with an established reputation in the ICT accessibility field, with a focus on new media and web based applications. You will be expected to work as a member of a small team and gain the respect of your peers with minimum supervision, managing a variety of projects delivering web & software audits and accessible web design, speaking at public conferences, delivering training, initiating new work and helping deliver it to the highest standards. This is an opportunity to increase your reputation in this sector whilst gaining huge job satisfaction.
You will have an in-depth knowledge of HTML, CSS and the concepts of web accessibility; knowledge of JavaScript and ideally AJAX; an up-to-date knowledge on the range of assistive technology available to people with a disability; a flexible approach and first class presentation skills. The post will be based in an AbilityNet office in the London area (preferred but with the possibility of working at another AbilityNet office elsewhere in the UK) and includes the flexibility to work from home.
Accountabilities
Working on audits, disabled user testing, training, design, consultancy and development of materials. This will combine a share of the current and future workload of the Accessibility Services team, as well as new contacts and leads that you can create and develop.
Tasks
- To assist the team in delivering, developing and expanding the range of consultancy services
- To assist the team in developing and maintaining www.abilitynet.org.uk
- To assist in developing and expanding our product lines
- To proactively identify ways of improving our products and services
- To present training sessions and offer in-depth consultancy to organisations on web accessibility and usability
- To undertake web and software accessibility and usability audits
- To undertake HTML and CSS validations
- To moderate and report on disabled user testing sessions
- To design and build sites internally and for customers
- To draft/review standards documents
- To remain abreast of trends and developments in the area of web and software accessibility
- As required, to support the Advice and Information team, to receive, record and respond to enquiries by telephone, email and mail.
Candidate Skills:
- To have an in-depth knowledge of HTML, CSS and the concepts of web accessibility
- To have up to date knowledge on the range of assistive technology available to people with a disability
- To have good presentational skills
- To be able to work independently and as part of a team
- To be self-motivated and proactive
Person Specification:
- Confident individual who can work across different media with accessibility
- Ability to manage diverse workload
- Demonstrable problem solving skills
- Excellent time management and organisational skills
- Willingness to extend themselves beyond their normal duties when required to take on additional practical tasks or responsibilities
- Demonstrate effective communication skills
Please email your CV along with a covering letter explaining why you are the right candidate to:
We are accepting applications from individuals only. Separate applications are required if you wish to apply for more than one post.
Office Administrator (London City University)
Location: Based at our London office - City University, Angel
Days per week: Tues, Weds, Thurs
Hours per day: 9:30 to 5:30 (Negotiable)
Job Purpose
The Accessibility team, based in London City University is currently seeking a department administrator on a part time basis working 3 days per week. The team has 10 members who require support in the area of test planning and administration. This is a busy dynamic department with a significant amount of contact with our employees, testers and external supporters. The team is seeking an individual who can carry out multiple tasks and can support all team members in a timely and efficient manner.
Accountabilities
- User Testing Administration – Booking of lab facilities, booking testers
- Developing a database of available testers
- Ensuring all tests run smoothly
- Assisting in the planning and scheduling of testing
- Meeting and welcoming testers and our clients on arrival
- Ensuring all arrangements are put in place to facilitate any requirements testers may have
- Refreshments and Hospitality
- Ensuring the necessary processes and procedures are followed to facilitate payment of testers
- Data input and maintenance of data integrity
- Liaise with charities and organisations to promote our network to people with disabilities
- General Administration support to the Accessibility Team on a day to day basis, maintaining stationary store, general filing.
- Receiving incoming phone calls and directing calls within the department
- Any other duties as appropriate and aptitude permits
Candidate Knowledge:
- Previous experience in an administrative role together with reception experience circa 2+ years
- Experience of using and maintaining databases
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office
- Experience of carrying out preliminary screening interviews via telephone and in person
Candidate Skills:
- Ability to work effectively in dynamic environment
- Must be able to manage and prioritise own workload
- Keen attention to detail
- Ability to work effectively with little direction or supervision for extended periods of time
- Excellent telephone manner with the ability to handle callers confidently
Person Specification:
- Confident individual who can represent AbilityNet in a positive manner when contacting testers / external supporters/ clients
- Ability to work with a diverse range of people and ability to anticipate / determine the needs of disabled testers
- Demonstrable problem solving skills
- Willingness to extend themselves beyond their normal duties when required to take on additional practical tasks or responsibilities
- Able to display calmness, patience and sensitivity under pressure
Please email your CV along with a covering letter explaining why you are the right candidate to:
We are accepting applications from individuals only. Separate applications are required if you wish to apply for more than one post.
Assessor (West Midlands / East of England)
Location: West Midlands / East of England
Reporting to: Head of Assessment Services
FT/ Perm: Contract to Nov 2011
Days per week: 3
Job Purpose
The Assessor role provides information, advice and support to individuals with any type of disability, of any age, and in any life situation, as well as to professionals and support organisations.
The primary purpose of this role is to deliver technical assessments for the ATW contracts in West Midlands and East of England. The role will deliver other services including assessments, consultancy, training and personal installations as required.
Accountabilities
- Assess the needs of individual disabled children and adults in relation to technology and recommend appropriate hardware, software, devices and training needs . Assessments will be conducted in the workplace, ,AbilityNet centre, at home or educational establishmentProvide confidential reports with recommendations for individuals, medical, rehabilitation, educational, legal or other advisors.
- Provide consultancy services on practical and strategic steps to support implementation of assistive technologies in a variety of organisations
- Maintain a wide general knowledge of developments and products associated with technology and disability, and share this with other members of the team.
- Give information and advice on the use of assistive technologies by disabled people , to individuals, carers, professionals and organisations.
- Provide on-site technical support and/or training on equipment where required.
- Run seminars and training courses explaining and demonstrating the opportunities that accessible technologies can offer for disabled peopleWriting up of reports following assessment, training or consultancy appointments.
- Undertake any other project based work that is relevant to the role.
Candidate Knowledge
- Demonstrable Experience of assistive technologies and Window’s Accessibility features
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office. ICT skills at least equivalent to ECDL
- Strong working knowledge of installing and using PC hardware and software,
- Ability to learn to use new hardware and software products
Candidate Skills
- Ability to manage own workload and prioritise as required.
- Excellent communication skills with people across all life and work settings, regardless of age, ability or disability
- Excellent written skills
- Need to demonstrate the ability to explain technical details to suit the needs of the client.
Person Specification
- Self motivated individual with interest in working with assistive technology
- Be available to travel within the UK / Europe including nights away from home
- Confident / Presentable individual who can represent AbilityNet in a positive manner to our clients
- A proven track record in a similar assessment / consultant role is desirable
- Able to display calmness, patience and sensitivity under pressure
- Willingness to extend themselves beyond their normal duties when required to take on additional practical tasks or responsibilities
- Willingness to embrace changes in technologies and working practices
Please email your CV along with a covering letter explaining why you are the right candidate to:
We are accepting applications from individuals only. Separate applications are required if you wish to apply for more than one post.
Thank you for your interest in working at AbilityNet and good luck in your search for suitable employment.
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