Project - Language Access Coordinator

The City of Spokane invites applications for the position of Project Employee - Language Access Coordinator

Under the direction of the Office of Civil Rights, Equity, and Inclusion, this professional level position will work with staff to plan, develop, implement, and coordinate City and Department Language Access policies and procedures consistent with the Language Access Plan, that ensure equal access to all City of Spokane programs in compliance with federal and state civil rights laws and culturally and linguistically appropriate service standards and best practices.

General objectives are established and work is performed under the general direction of the supervisor. May manage projects and provide work program direction, including working with project team members. This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.

• 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…