Operations Support
Operations
Operations Analyst
Computer Support/Help Desk Specialist
Systems Programmer
Systems EngineerOperations
Position Requirements
Prerequisites
- Some programming is required for scripts. Some programming experience is a plus.
- Be Windows knowledgeable. For mini computers and mainframes experience is generally required.
- Network experience and/or certification is a major plus, if the job involves network monitoring.
Education
Most occupations in this area require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.
Certification
The Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) credential proves that you have the skills to successfully support end-users and to successfully troubleshoot desktop environments that are running the Microsoft Windows operating system.
Job Description
COMPUTER OPERATORS control and monitor the operations of computer hardware systems, including minicomputers, networks of personal computers (PCs), and mainframes, ensuring efficient use. Meeting the demand of computer networking or multi-user systems, Computer Operators are working on PCs and minicomputers, applying the same tasks as those performed on larger computers. Automation has also changed the nature of an Operator's job. As technology continues to advance, Computer Operators will monitor an automated system.
This link gives you the skills and aptitudes that are generally required for a Computer Operator positions.
Accessibility Software
Need to investigate how well the computer systems interacts with existing screen readers. This is being investigated.
Computer Support/Help Desk Specialist
Position Requirements
Prerequisites
Usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.
Education
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.
Certification
The Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) credential proves that you have the skills to successfully support end-users and to successfully troubleshoot desktop environments that are running the Microsoft Windows operating system.
Job Description
Provide technical assistance to computer system users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone or from remote location. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems.
This link gives you the skills and aptitudes that are generally required for an Operations Support Specialist positions.
Job qualifications from the Bender Consulting Services.
First of all, the candidate would need to be as strong a JAWS user as possible in my view. I would go so far as to recommend that the candidate should be able to do all of the following well.
* Create Windows shortcut keys to run programs
* Independently solve accessibility issues
* Understand which key strokes are JAWS key strokes and which are
application key strokes
* Use navigation quick keys for MS Word
* Use navigation quick keys for the Web
* Use Place markers on the Web
* Use custom labels
* Use Web personalization
* Change configuration Manager settings
* Set up row and column reading for MS Word tables
* Understand and demonstrate use of MS Word styles
* Set up row and column reading for MS Excel
* Reclass windows
* Elementary scripting
* Change JAWS key stroke assignments
* Install, uninstall and repair JAWS
* Install, uninstall and back up script sets
The above is not an exhaustive list.
Other hardware and software considerations differ from company to company.
The person doing the Help Desk work likely will use other in-house and
purchased software besides the Help Desk software. You would need to
consider how compliant that software is to the Section 508 requirements and
how accessible the software is. If someone is not proficient at using a
screen reader, that does not necessarily mean that the software is
inaccessible.
Besides technical skills, the candidate would need to be able to do the
following.
* Communicate well verbally and in writing.
* Exercise creative problem-solving skills
* Dress professionally.
* Have good table manners.
* Be well-groomed daily
* Willing to work full time, over time, various shifts and be on call
* Have reliable transportation
* Above all, have a positive attitude as much as possible.Case Studies
The Training and Employment Division within SCCB trains Blind and Visually Impaired individuals to work in a call center environment. The Training and Employment Division at SCCB has placed hundreds of blind and visually impaired persons in customer service jobs not just in South Carolina, but all over the United States! More >>
This an excellent story of a visually impaired woman who is over 50, becoming a computer programmer. She now manages a help desk, among other duties.
Thomas Edward Craig is a tech support and sales rep for Sighted Electronics, working from his Austin, TX home.
Accessibility Software
The candidate would need to be as strong a JAWS user as possible in my view. I would go so far as to recommend that the candidate should be able to do all of the following well.
* Create Windows shortcut keys to run programs
* Independently solve accessibility issues
* Understand which key strokes are JAWS key strokes and which are
application key strokes
* Use navigation quick keys for MS Word
* Use navigation quick keys for the Web
* Use Place markers on the Web
* Use custom labels
* Use Web personalization
* Change configuration Manager settings
* Set up row and column reading for MS Word tables
* Understand and demonstrate use of MS Word styles
* Set up row and column reading for MS Excel
* Reclass windows
* Elementary scripting
* Change JAWS key stroke assignments
* Install, uninstall and repair JAWS
* Install, uninstall and back up script setsOperations Analyst
Position Requirements
Prerequisites
This position is the next career step for a Computer Operator. A number of years of operations experience is required, as well as a demonstrated proficiency in many areas required of the Operations Analyst position.
Education
See Computer Operator education.
Job Description
Computer Operations Analysts possess a proficient understanding of the computer operations environment (i.e., operating systems, application systems, terminology, infrastructures, languages, libraries, tools, processes, and procedures). They work under general supervision and follow standard procedures in performing most tasks. Computer Operations Analysts monitor, track, and execute batch processing. In addition, they may analyze and manipulate schedules (i.e., work orders). They monitor and manage critical path processing for all systems in a multi-system environment. Computer Operations Analysts provide first-level problem diagnosis and resolution using troubleshooting procedures to resolve moderately complex problems; they recognize a wide variety of problem conditions and may recognize the customer-base impact and severity of those conditions. They provide timely escalation of complex problems to a technical support resource and/or to the appropriate level of senior staff. They identify the need for, document, and update department procedures with approval from the supervisor or manager. Computer Operations Analysts assist with rollout support during an implementation. They coordinate with customers on requested activities (e.g., purges, installs, enhancements, new system set ups). Responsibilities may also include updating/creating control members, updating DB2 tables, completing run sheets, auditing nightly batch updates, verifying system availability post-IPL, researching and correcting moderately complex failed processes and abends, participating in scheduled disaster recovery activities, and providing status and problem notifications via phone mail and email. Computer Operations Analysts may also provide technical support to customers, resolving moderately complex issues/inquiries regarding systems, applications, and data. They are a technical resource and mentor for less-experienced team members.
Accessibility Software
Generally, the screen reader software such as JAWS and/or available screen magnifier is all that is needed.
Systems Programmer
Position Requirements
Prerequisites
Usually some experience in Operations and experience in computer programming.
Education
four - year bachelor's degree
Job Description
The Systems Programmer is responsible for writing, testing, debugging and maintaining system level programs and administrative applications software. Assists with the development, supervision and maintenance of security standards on the administrative system. Performs project management duties on technical projects as necessary. Works with the Director of Institutional Research and Computer Applications, the Associate Director of Computer Applications and the Programmer/Analysts in a technical-team approach in consulting and proposing design of programming projects.
This link gives you the skills and aptitudes that are generally required for an Operations Support Specialist positions.
Accessibility Software
Generally, the screen reader software such as JAWS and/or available screen magnifier is all that is needed.
Systems Engineer
Position Requirements
Prerequisites
Usually some experience in Operations and experience in computer programming. Sometimes the next step in a career path for a Systems Programmer.
Education
four - year bachelor's degree
Job Description
Systems Engineer will support Systems Engineering in RMA (Reliability/Maintainability/Availability& Testability) disciplines. Tasks involve technical writing, Reliability and Maintainability Predictions, Circuit Analysis (Analog & Digital), Failure Mode Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA), Testability, Failure Analysis, Proposal Writing and other tasks related to RMA&T discipline.
Accessibility Software
Generally, the screen reader software such as JAWS and/or available screen magnifier is all that is needed.