Language Services Specialist (Administrative Officer)

Job Description:

Language Services Specialist (Administrative Officer)

Description

Position available with the City Communication Office, Language Access Division located at 414 E 12th St
Salary Range: $4,619-$6,928/month
Normal Work Days/Hours: Monday-Friday, 8a-5p
Application Deadline Date: November 18, 2024


Responsibilities

The Office of Language Access' (OLA) goal is to make the City of Kansas City more accessible for everyone through meaningful access to the information and services the City provides. The Language Services Specialist position is a specialized professional role with both internal and public facing responsibilities centered on implementation and sustainment of the City's Comprehensive and Equitable Language Access Plan (CELAP).

The Language Services Specialist works with City departments and leadership to ensure rollout across all departments, offices, and facilities; and assists residents with language services requests and/or concerns made directly to OLA.

The Language Services Specialist will serve in one of three capacities within OLA:

• Plain Language Services will focus on clear communication to reduce language barriers and address cognitive challenges.
• Target Language Services will focus on the growing need to provide translation for city documents and real-time interpretation for public meetings, community engagement and city events.
• ADA Assistive Communication Services will focus on reducing verbal and non-verbal barriers, providing a variety of materials and aids to effectively communicate.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure City departments are aware of how to successfully submit requests for language services support, aids, and materials.
• Host department-level training sessions to ensure compliance with CELAP and ordinance.
• Engage with the community by attending events, connecting with community partners, and working with language access vendors/service provides.
• Support department implementation and monitoring of department-level CELAP.
• Create training sessions, presentations, and materials that provide guidance to departments on acquiring accommodations, hosting accessible events content translation and more.
• Maintain knowledge of the latest trends in language access/services training and development.

Qualifications

REQUIRES an accredited Bachelor's degree and 3 years of professional experience in business or public sector administration to include at least 2 years performing administrative and/or supervisory work involving more complex projects or programs; OR an equivalent combination of qualifying education and experience with at least 2 years performing administrative and/or supervisory work involving more complex projects or programs.

Preference given to any of all of the following:

• Bachelor's Degree in Ethnic Studies, Language Studies/Foreign Languages, Communications
• Minimum of 3 years of full-time experience in language services
• Multilingual
• Certified Interpreter or Certified Translator
• Excellent presentation skills

Other Information

URGENT!!! CRITICAL RECRUITMENT INFORMATION

Applications and/or resumes are evaluated on the information received by the application deadline. Please ensure that your application or resume clearly demonstrates how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying, this includes providing all relevant educational dates and a detailed description of relevant work experience, including months/years of employment. Applications and/or resumes may not be considered if information is incomplete.

In order for a resume to be used in lieu of an application the resume must have been submitted online via the City's Applicant Tracking System.

Positions requiring a high school diploma/GED certificate must be obtained from a school/program accredited by the Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

The minimum education requirement for positions that allow for experience equivalency for an accredited degree is a high school diploma. Unless otherwise specified, an accredited degree must be obtained from a college or university listed with the U.S. Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.
For positions with a salary grade of EX6 or higher that require an accredited degree, qualifying professional experience must be obtained AFTER the accredited degree is obtained.
Successful completion of a pre-employment criminal history/background check is required for all positions. Some positions require a post offer drug screen and/or physical.

If appointed, non-residents must obtain residency inside Kansas City, Missouri's city limits within nine months.

The City of KCMO is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The City is committed to providing a workplace environment for its employees and citizens free from discrimination based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity. For more information, please see our EEO Policy

The City of KCMO is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please call 816-513-1908 or send an e-mail to accommodations@kcmo.org .

If claiming military veterans' preference points, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 or a DD-256 (for reservists). To claim veterans' points you must have served 180 days of regular active duty service and be discharged or released under honorable conditions during peacetimes or 90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during "wartime" and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. (DOD) 38 U.S. Code • 4211).

Salary:

$4,619-$6,928/month