Project Employee - Language Access Coordinator

Full Job Description

The City of Spokane invites applications for the position of

Project Employee - Language Access Coordinator

Requirements

• Maintains current working knowledge regarding language access compliance requirements and best practices by researching Civil Rights compliance legislation, laws, regulations, and guidance issued by federal and state agencies.
• Conducts and/or assists department staff in conducting continuing program language access evaluation to ensure legal compliance and to achieve best practices in alignment with culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
• Develops tools to assess POS agencies’ compliance with contractual requirements regarding language access and provides support to staff in implementing those tools.
• Updates Language Access policies and procedures based on programmatic self-assessments. In partnership with program staff, monitors and develops new opportunities to implement data systems to track language access need, usage and quality.
• Provides input in budgetary and procurement matters related to implementation of the language access policy, plan, and procedures.
• Establishes interpreter and translator competency requirements so that translators’ and interpreters’ professional experience and credentials reflect current industry standards of practice.
• Develops and documents measures to ensure quality control of interpreters and translators. Develops and maintains a list of vendors for translation and interpretation services.
• Establishes policies and procedures for deploying language access resources that are appropriate for different contexts of service (e.g. interpretation in person, over the phone, at a meeting or event, and virtual interactions) and implements them.
• Maintains and engages in constant iteration for improvement of translation procedures for vital documents, client communications, and other documents.
• Coordinates ongoing language assistance services by assigning certified interpreters and translators to perform language assistance functions.
• Develops and coordinates a procurement strategy for provider compensation for language assistance services rendered.
• Provides regular staff training to ensure staff competency when offering language access services.
• Provides regular training to Department contract managers in how to assess POS language access compliance and how to develop corrective action plans when warranted.
• Provides training and technical assistance to POS agencies to ensure best practices in providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS).
• Provides translation or interpretation services as needed for department programs.
• Performs related work as required.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices regarding community engagement and neighborhood programs.
• Knowledge of the various means of information delivery, including, but not limited to, newsletters, internet, social media, television and radio, and a high degree of proficiency in utilizing these.
• Ability to interpret general directions and develop these into specific programs.
• Ability to think creatively and be innovative in problem solving.
• Ability to communicate, both verbally and in writing. Ability to express technical data and conclusions in oral and written form for public consumption.
• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work with City departments, community groups, agencies and individuals. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships to achieve a group consensus regarding solutions to problems.
• Ability to use a personal computer with word processing, database, spreadsheet, and graphic/presentation software programs.
• Skill in planning and organization.

Qualifications

• Any combination of education, training and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in communication, community relations/engagement, languages, or interpreting & translation field, public relations, social work, social justice, sociology, psychology, or related field.

• Two years of progressive experience in planning and analyzing policies, procedures, and programs for compliance with federal and state laws or regulations regarding civil rights or language access.
• Applicants must possess a driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility.