Language Access And Reporting Specialist

The Dane County Office of Equity and Inclusion Department has a current Full-Time (1.0 FTE) vacancy for a Language Access and Reporting Specialist position in Madison, WI.

The Eligibility List created will be used to fill future vacancies over the next six (6) months. All are encouraged to apply.

Commitment to Equity AND Inclusion

As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence – the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women and racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

DEFINITION

Under the direction of the Manager of Equal Employment Opportunity, this professional level position plans, develops, researches, reports, translates, and coordinates translation and interpretation policies and procedures county-wide to ensure equal access to all Dane County programs in compliance with federal and state civil rights laws and culturally and linguistically appropriate service (CLAS) standards and best practices

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

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 agencies such as the US Department of Health and Human Services, US Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services, US Department of Housing and Urban Development, US Department of Justice; state agencies such as the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, and others. 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 (CLAS). Develops tools to assess departments’ and contracted agencies’ compliance with contractual requirements regarding Language Access and provide support to staff in implementing those tools. Assist departments with the implementation of department specific policies. Updates County Wide Language Access Plan based on programmatic self-assessments. In partnership with program staff and Planning & Evaluation unit staff, and the Dane County Department of Administration, develops data system to track Language Access need, usage and quality. Provides input in budgetary and procurement matters related to implementation of the county-wide 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, video relay interpretation, at a meeting or event and virtual interactions) and implement them. Establishes 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 county-wide 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 Dane County Department managers in how to assess contracted agency Language Access compliance and how to develop corrective action plans when warranted. Acts as a resource to departments whenever issues or concerns are raised about the department’s Language Access policy or its implementation. Provides training, outreach, and technical assistance to departments and contracted agencies to ensure best practices in providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS). Provides translation or interpretation services as needed for department programs. Develops relationships with community groups and resources to engage with LEP and Language Access stakeholders about County language assistance services.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Education, Training and Experience:

Any combination of education, training and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in human ecology, sociology, linguistics, public affairs, community relations/engagement, community non-profits and leadership, planning and development, languages or interpreting & translation field, public relations, Chicano Studies, African American Studies, social justice or related field, and two (2) 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.

:

Must have a valid driver’s license, or access to reliable personal transportation, or equivalent. Availability to work as required occasionally during nights, weekends, and during special events.

Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job's responsibilities. Wisconsin's Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position's responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant's criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

For Bilingual Positions:

1) Provide services in both English and the required foreign language (e.g., Spanish, Hmong, etc.).

2) Applicants being considered for Bilingual positions will be tested during the recruitment process. This may consist of either being able to respond to questions in that language (e.g., Spanish, Hmong, etc.) during the interview; or passing an oral translation (English to foreign language / foreign language to English) exam prior to employment.

Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:

Professional office work environment. Work involves walking, sitting, standing, bending, stooping, twisting, turning, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, grasping, and reaching within normal ranges. Ability to lift and move a variety of work-related materials weighing up to 25 pounds (with/without assistance). Prolonged computer and phone use. Manual dexterity using fine and gross motor skills. Ability to speak and be heard by others. Ability to see and hear within normal ranges with or without corrective devices.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Extensive knowledge of issues pertaining to persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and civil rights legislation; knowledge of local, state and federal resources including various support services for LEP individuals; ability to effectively read and interpret state and federal laws, regulations and guidance documents; knowledge of general management principles and techniques; ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in developing, applying, interpreting and enforcing policies and procedures; ability to address potentially adverse or negative situations that may arise from time to time; effective oral and written communication skills; ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships; ability to speak in front of small and large groups; ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently and effectively; ability to work independently while demonstrating high productivity and good judgment; ability to interact in an effective, positive manner with others, utilize creative problem solving including development of innovative employee and consumer program accommodations, and follow direction of supervisory staff; ability to work effectively with various computer programs (including but not limited to Microsoft Word and Excel).

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45.01 - $59.86 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person