Overview
POSITION OVERVIEW
APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
DIVISION: OFFICE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (OPD)
REPORTING LOCATION: 611 WALKER
WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8 AM - 5 PM
PURPOSE: Functions as Program Assistant between the City administration and the community, providing reference services and information assistance.
Description Of Duties / Essential Functions The Office for People with Disabilities (OPD) is the primary advocate for the rights and needs of over 215,000 Houstonians with disabilities. The Office serves as a liaison between the Mayor, City Council, city departments and other public and private entities on matters pertaining to the disability community. OPD\'s vision is a city where everyone understands the importance of equal participation and full inclusion of all Houstonians.
We Achieve Our Vision By Providing And Participating In Programs And Services Which Address The Needs And Rights Of Houstonians With Disabilities, Including:
Facilitating delivery of services
Acting as liaison to Houston Commission on Disabilities (HCOD)
Making recommendations to public and private entities regarding the development of policy and legislation
Establishing local, state and national partnerships to promote community integration and awareness
Organizes virtual and in person meetings of the Houston Commission on Disabilities (HCOD).
Essential functions and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Communications Strategy & Management
Work with consultants to lead the development and maintenance of a comprehensive multi-media accessibility guide for City departments.
Serve as a liaison to City departments implementing Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.
Monitor and audit the Department of Neighborhoods\' digital media.
Work with the City of Houston webmaster to write, design, and develop the Department of Neighborhoods, Office for People with Disabilities, and Houston Commission on Disabilities webpages.
Manage the Office for People with Disabilities and Houston Commission on Disabilities social media channels and coordinate with the Department of Neighborhoods’ digital media strategy in compliance with City policy.
Draft and prepare talking points, speeches, and presentations for office leadership.
Represent the Department of Neighborhoods, the Office for People with Disabilities, and the Houston Commission on Disabilities on internal and external committees and working groups.
Grant and Events
Support DON and OPD with grant writing, research, and compliance activities, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.
Assist in planning and provide recommendations for major annual events, including the ReelAbilities Film and Arts Festival, ADA Anniversary Celebration, and the Annual Houston Disability Celebration, working closely with the event lead.
Emergency Management
Participate in emergency management activations as needed, which may require overnight shifts.
Assist in scheduling ASL interpreters for press conferences.
Help develop messaging by incorporating communications strategies.
Working Conditions This position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment.
Minimum Requirements Education Requirements Requires a Bachelor\'s degree in art, design, communications, typography or a closely related field.
Experience Requirements Two years of experience in media, public relations, the art field or a closely related field are required.
Substitution: Directly related professional experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.
License Requirements None
Preferences Accessibility Subject Matter Expertise (Critical)
Standards & Compliance: Deep understanding of WCAG (Levels A and AA) and relevant laws (e.g., Section 508, ADA).
Testing & Remediation: Hands-on experience testing content using screen readers (JAWS, NVDA) and other Assistive Technologies (AT). Ability to perform manual checks and use automated tools (e.g., Axe, WAVE).
Accessible Content Creation: Skill in creating or modifying content formats to meet accessibility standards.
Advocacy & Training: Ability to serve as an internal accessibility champion, translating technical requirements into plain language and providing actionable guidance to colleagues.
Software and Technical Proficiency
Content Creation & Design: Advanced MS Office/Google Workspace with accessibility features; basic to intermediate graphic design with tools like InDesign, Photoshop or Canva.
Digital Platforms: Experience with professional social media management and email marketing tools, applying accessibility best practices to execute strategy and measure impact.
Core Communications And Analyst Skills
Written and Oral Communication: Strong ability to draft complex documents and present to diverse audiences.
Strategic Planning: Develop, execute, and measure integrated communication plans that embed accessibility from the planning stage.
Project & Stakeholder Management: Manage complex projects and coordinate with senior stakeholders; detail-oriented for quality assurance and compliant content.
Interpersonal skills and relationship building
Familiarity with current events and policy issues locally and nationally
Spanish proficiency strongly preferred; ASL proficiency preferred but not required.
General Information Selection / Skills Tests Required: None. However, the department may administer a skills assessment relevant to the job description.
Safety Impact Position: NO. If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and, if a promotional position, a drug test may be required.
Salary Information: Pay Grade 20. Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate\'s qualifications as well as pay rates of other employees in this classification.
Application Procedures Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.
To view detailed application status, log in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832-393-0350.
If you need special services or accommodations, call 832-393-0350. (TTY 7-1-1)
If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.
Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly if you are selected to advance in our recruitment process.
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.
Equal Employment Opportunity EOE Equal Opportunity Employer. The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
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APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
DIVISION: OFFICE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (OPD)
REPORTING LOCATION: 611 WALKER
WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8 AM - 5 PM
PURPOSE: Functions as Program Assistant between the City administration and the community, providing reference services and information assistance.
Description Of Duties / Essential Functions The Office for People with Disabilities (OPD) is the primary advocate for the rights and needs of over 215,000 Houstonians with disabilities. The Office serves as a liaison between the Mayor, City Council, city departments and other public and private entities on matters pertaining to the disability community. OPD\'s vision is a city where everyone understands the importance of equal participation and full inclusion of all Houstonians.
We Achieve Our Vision By Providing And Participating In Programs And Services Which Address The Needs And Rights Of Houstonians With Disabilities, Including:
Facilitating delivery of services
Acting as liaison to Houston Commission on Disabilities (HCOD)
Making recommendations to public and private entities regarding the development of policy and legislation
Establishing local, state and national partnerships to promote community integration and awareness
Organizes virtual and in person meetings of the Houston Commission on Disabilities (HCOD).
Essential functions and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Communications Strategy & Management
Work with consultants to lead the development and maintenance of a comprehensive multi-media accessibility guide for City departments.
Serve as a liaison to City departments implementing Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.
Monitor and audit the Department of Neighborhoods\' digital media.
Work with the City of Houston webmaster to write, design, and develop the Department of Neighborhoods, Office for People with Disabilities, and Houston Commission on Disabilities webpages.
Manage the Office for People with Disabilities and Houston Commission on Disabilities social media channels and coordinate with the Department of Neighborhoods’ digital media strategy in compliance with City policy.
Draft and prepare talking points, speeches, and presentations for office leadership.
Represent the Department of Neighborhoods, the Office for People with Disabilities, and the Houston Commission on Disabilities on internal and external committees and working groups.
Grant and Events
Support DON and OPD with grant writing, research, and compliance activities, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.
Assist in planning and provide recommendations for major annual events, including the ReelAbilities Film and Arts Festival, ADA Anniversary Celebration, and the Annual Houston Disability Celebration, working closely with the event lead.
Emergency Management
Participate in emergency management activations as needed, which may require overnight shifts.
Assist in scheduling ASL interpreters for press conferences.
Help develop messaging by incorporating communications strategies.
Working Conditions This position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment.
Minimum Requirements Education Requirements Requires a Bachelor\'s degree in art, design, communications, typography or a closely related field.
Experience Requirements Two years of experience in media, public relations, the art field or a closely related field are required.
Substitution: Directly related professional experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.
License Requirements None
Preferences Accessibility Subject Matter Expertise (Critical)
Standards & Compliance: Deep understanding of WCAG (Levels A and AA) and relevant laws (e.g., Section 508, ADA).
Testing & Remediation: Hands-on experience testing content using screen readers (JAWS, NVDA) and other Assistive Technologies (AT). Ability to perform manual checks and use automated tools (e.g., Axe, WAVE).
Accessible Content Creation: Skill in creating or modifying content formats to meet accessibility standards.
Advocacy & Training: Ability to serve as an internal accessibility champion, translating technical requirements into plain language and providing actionable guidance to colleagues.
Software and Technical Proficiency
Content Creation & Design: Advanced MS Office/Google Workspace with accessibility features; basic to intermediate graphic design with tools like InDesign, Photoshop or Canva.
Digital Platforms: Experience with professional social media management and email marketing tools, applying accessibility best practices to execute strategy and measure impact.
Core Communications And Analyst Skills
Written and Oral Communication: Strong ability to draft complex documents and present to diverse audiences.
Strategic Planning: Develop, execute, and measure integrated communication plans that embed accessibility from the planning stage.
Project & Stakeholder Management: Manage complex projects and coordinate with senior stakeholders; detail-oriented for quality assurance and compliant content.
Interpersonal skills and relationship building
Familiarity with current events and policy issues locally and nationally
Spanish proficiency strongly preferred; ASL proficiency preferred but not required.
General Information Selection / Skills Tests Required: None. However, the department may administer a skills assessment relevant to the job description.
Safety Impact Position: NO. If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and, if a promotional position, a drug test may be required.
Salary Information: Pay Grade 20. Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate\'s qualifications as well as pay rates of other employees in this classification.
Application Procedures Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.
To view detailed application status, log in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832-393-0350.
If you need special services or accommodations, call 832-393-0350. (TTY 7-1-1)
If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.
Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly if you are selected to advance in our recruitment process.
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.
Equal Employment Opportunity EOE Equal Opportunity Employer. The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
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