Sr Quality Analyst

As a Sr. Quality Analyst at the Georgia Department of Human Services, your main responsibilities include leading accessibility testing and audits, creating and managing test plans and cases, conducting thorough functional and regression testing, and collaborating with teams to enhance product usability. You will focus on ensuring applications meet accessibility standards like WCAG, all while documenting defects and offering solutions to improve overall product quality.

To qualify for the Sr. Quality Analyst position at the Georgia Department of Human Services, you should possess a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, and have over seven years of experience in quality analysis. Experience with automated testing tools, a strong understanding of ADA tools and standards, and proficiency in user acceptance testing are essential. Certifications in web accessibility, such as CPWA or WAS, are preferred.

The Sr. Quality Analyst plays a pivotal role in promoting accessibility at the Georgia Department of Human Services by conducting comprehensive accessibility tests, documenting findings, and providing strategic insights for improvements. You will lead by example, ensuring all digital products adhere to the highest accessibility standards, thus contributing to a more inclusive experience for all users.

As a Sr. Quality Analyst at the Georgia Department of Human Services, you will utilize various automated testing tools such as WAVE, JAWS, and axe, alongside manual testing tools like NVDA and Voiceover. Familiarity with test management tools like Jira or GitLab will also be integral for tracking testing progress and documentation.

The Georgia Department of Human Services offers significant opportunities for growth for the Sr. Quality Analyst through ongoing training, participation in usability research, and fostering awareness of ADA guidelines. As a subject matter expert, you will not only gain exposure to various projects but also contribute to shaping practices that further your career and enhance your skills in quality assurance and accessibility.

When conducting accessibility testing, I begin with a combination of automated tools to scan for issues, followed by manual testing using assistive technologies like JAWS or NVDA. This hybrid approach allows me to identify both obvious and nuanced accessibility barriers, ensuring a thorough evaluation in line with WCAG standards.

I prioritize defects based on their impact on user experience and compliance with standards like WCAG. Critical defects that hinder accessibility or affect a large user base are addressed first, while lower-impact issues are categorized for planned future updates based on resource availability.

I have extensive experience with automated testing tools such as WAVE and axe, which I use to perform initial scans for compliance. Additionally, I am skilled in scripting and managing test cases in tools like Jira, which helps streamline the testing process and maintain documentation.

I believe effective collaboration is key in my role. I regularly partner with business analysts, developers, and UX designers to discuss accessibility requirements and offer feedback throughout the project lifecycle to ensure inclusivity is considered from the start.

I stay updated on accessibility standards through continuous learning — participating in webinars, workshops, and networks focused on accessibility. Additionally, I regularly review updates from organizations such as W3C to ensure our practices are aligned with evolving guidelines.

During UAT, I actively solicit feedback from users and encourage open communication about their experiences. This input is crucial in identifying areas for improvement and ensuring that the product meets not just technical standards but also user expectations.

Documentation is essential in my testing process as it captures test plans, test cases, and defect reports. This detailed record serves as a reference for continuous improvement, aids in compliance audits, and ensures that important knowledge is retained within the team.

I ensure my team adheres to accessibility best practices by providing training, sharing resources, and incorporating accessibility guidelines into our development processes. Regular workshops and review sessions also promote awareness and foster a culture of inclusivity.

My approach to mentoring junior QA testers involves hands-on training, including real-world examples and encouraging questions. I guide them through the testing lifecycle, emphasize the importance of accessibility, and help them develop their own testing skills and methodologies.

Improving accessibility is crucial in technology because it ensures that digital resources are usable by everyone, regardless of their abilities. It not only expands our audience and enhances user satisfaction but also fulfills legal regulations and promotes social responsibility within the tech industry.