Note: This position is on a Part-Time/as-needed basis with approximately 39.44 hours/5.44 days per month.

MUST HAVES:

• Highly proficient in WCAG 2.2 / website accessibility requirements under the AODA.
• Strong experience in developing WordPress websites, customizations and plugins.

Description

NOTE

• Assignment Type: This position is currently listed as "Hybrid" and will be mostly remote with the possibility that the consultant may be asked to occasionally attend the workplace if requested. The details of this arrangement will be confirmed with the Hiring Manager.
• Extension/Amendment Attestation: Extension(s) only allowed using unused days/funds left on contract. No additional funds will be added beyond maximum contract value. The Statement of Work (SOW) shall expire on March 31, 2026. HSC may exercise its option(s) to extend a SOW beyond March 31, 2026 using unused days/funds left on the contract. Such extension(s) will be upon the same terms, conditions and covenants contained in the SOW.

Responsibilities:

Enhancements, Support and Maintenance

• Develop, customize, and maintain WordPress websites, ensuring they meet client requirements and industry best practices.
• Collaborate and comply with Ontario Design Standard design and technical teams to implement responsive and user-friendly designs.
• Create and modify WordPress themes and templates, utilizing HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Develop custom plugins and functionality to extend WordPress core features.
• Integrate WordPress with third-party platforms, multimedia, videos, PDF content, SCORM files onto a site.
• Remediate with best practices and accessibility standards for clients and make the website 100% AODA compliant.
• Remediate errors/bugs on live website (e.g., broken links, content issues, etc.).
• Developing additional web pages in WordPress or other technology as required.
• Ensure adequate testing is done, so quality of website is not altered.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather and implement project requirements.
• Conduct thorough testing and debugging of WordPress sites to ensure a flawless user experience.
• Consult with clients to develop and document Website requirements.
• Design and integrate website related code.
• Write, modify and test website related code.
• Prepare mock-ups and storyboards.
• Communicate technical problems, processes and solutions.
• Prepare reports, manuals and other documentation on the status, operation and maintenance of software.
• Assist Ministry in the deployment and hosting of WordPress websites.

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.2) Compliance

• Ensure website is 100% AODA compliant.
• Perform an audit of the website to identify issues related to WCAG compliance and remediate.
• Ensure all new or updated content or code released must conform with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.
• Comply with AODA standards and leverage Assistive Technology tools (such as screen readers, JAWS, NVDA) testing where needed.
• Collaborate with Ministry teams to be able to use the OPS Toolkits for testing for WCAG Level A and Level AA conformance.

Application Monitoring

• Perform website optimization, including improving site speed, performance.Continue to monitor & troubleshoot site's performance issues and remediate as required.
• Monitor underlying application services (i.e. PHP files) and ensure they are updated periodically.
• Monitor to ensure certificate renewals are up to date and actioned appropriately.
• Troubleshoot on a cloud Azure platform (Configuration, etc)

Reporting & Google Analytics

• Develop queries required to generate monthly site usage from google analytics that can assist with:
• Site usage and provide recommendations to increase website usage and prevent connection drop-offs.
• Perform search engine optimization to improve website and improve visibility.

Knowledge Transfer, Documentation and Training

• Prepare reports, manuals and other documentation on the status, operation, and maintenance of software.
• Provide knowledge transfer, training & upskill ministry teams upon request.

Experience and Skill Set Requirements

Public Sector Experience - 5 points

• 5+ years of professional web development experience, with a focus on WordPress.
• Proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and MySQL.
• Strong experience in developing custom WordPress themes and plugins.
• Knowledge of website deployment and hosting processes.

Accessibility Knowledge and Experience - 40 points

• In-depth knowledge of accessibility standards and compliance regulations, with a focus on auditing and reporting.
• Highly proficient in WCAG 2.2 / website accessibility requirements under the AODA.
• Demonstrated experience in accessibility testing domain and testing process life cycle.
• Experience with accessibility tools & technologies used with desktop, tablet, mobile & gaming devices.
• Readers: JAWS, NVDA, Narrator, Voiceover, Talkback
• GAT, WAT, CCA, MS Insight, AXE, WAVE, Inspect
• IAAP Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) and any additional related Accessibility certifications are an asset.

Technical Expertise and Guidance - 40 points

• Strong experience in developing WordPress websites, customizations and plugins.
• Strong experience in Google Analytics
• Proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and MySQL.
• Experience with cloud platforms such as Azure
• Experience with Agile methodologies including using kanban/task boards
• Proactively identify accessibility-limiting user experiences on our various digital platforms.
• Consult on customer-reported accessibility gaps in digital customer experiences.

Development Skills - 15 points

• Demonstrated experience in developing complex google analytical reports.
• Own end-to-end responsibility of analyzing online environment to deliver fully functional tracking codes.
• Ability to collaborate with IT Professionals throughout the Software Development Life Cycle Experience in structured methodologies for the development, design, implementation and maintenance of applications Experience in design, code, test, debug and document applications.
• Experience eliciting and documenting information from diverse business area stakeholders and subject matter experts Excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills; verbal and written communication skills; interpersonal and negotiation skills A team player with a track record for meeting deadlines Front End Skills.
• Experience conducting design walkthrough sessions with project team Knowledge and understanding of Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA) and related regulations and standards Ability to provide user and system documentation as required.