Language Access and Engagement Specialist Bilingual

Philadelphia, PA - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 7 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Position Summary

The Language Access and Engagement Specialists will serve as key members of the engagement team supporting the departments election operations by performing duties related to the development and implementation of language access and voter support as required to comply with Section 203 Language Provisions of the Voting Rights Act. These duties include but are not limited to translating documents recruitment of bilingual interpreters voter education and community outreach (e.g. Voting system demonstrations and voter information sessions) and serving as a liaison with city state and federal language access bodies. Based on Section 203 determinations Philadelphia County is required to provide language support and assistance with respect to persons of Hispanic and Chinese (including Taiwanese) heritage. The Philadelphia City Commissioners may choose to support additional languages beyond the section 203 required languages.

Continue to improve and professionalize the City Commissioners Language Access offerings including operations processes evaluation visibility and outreach

Provide limited English proficient (LEP) voters covered by Section 203 the information materials and assistance to meaningfully access the voting process

Recruitment of bilingual interpreters

Convene working group of community members to further language access for each supported language

Essential Functions

The Language Access and Engagement Specialists are responsible for assisting in language translation and interpretation services to provide meaningful access to voting for voters with Limited English Proficiency (LEP).

Language Access and Engagement Specialists under the direction of the Access and Engagement Director and/or Executive Director are responsible for partnering with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) - including consulting on the accuracy of translations/transliterations voter registration drives voting system demonstrations poll worker recruitment and more.

In coordination with Deputies and Executive staff Language Access and Engagement Specialists will assist in preparing supported language voter outreach materials including the translation of election materials and notices.

The Language Access and Engagement Specialists with the supervision of the Deputy Commissioners and Executive Staff are also responsible for:

assisting in planning and development of language-accessible outreach events for the department

supporting activities related to the distribution of elections materials

forming and managing working group of community members for supported language

assisting LEP voters with department interactions and staff the election day call center and

help maintain records of LEP interactions.

The Office of the City Commissioners expects to recruit and train hundreds of bilingual interpreters in Spanish Chinese and many other non-English languages. Language Access and Engagement Specialists are expected to assist in the recruitment and placement of bilingual interpreters for work on Election Day. Language Access and Engagement Specialists must also keep the Commissioners and Executive staff informed on the progress and status of the Bilingual Interpreter Program activities.

Performs related work as required. Some nights and weekends required.

Competencies Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Exceptional organizational skills and high attention to detail

Strong oral and written communications skills

Fluency in the English and certified to interpret in supported language

Excellent problem-solving decision-making and time management skills

Extensive knowledge of language translation practices and techniques of language Ability to work independently and think proactively in a fast-paced environment

Ability to effectively manage multiple projects tasks priorities and deadlines while understanding time sensitive nature of assignments

Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed

Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including Microsoft Outlook Word Excel and PowerPoint

Experience providing interpreter/translator services

Familiarity with Philadelphia and an interest in government service is a plus.

Valid Pennsylvania drivers license (or ability to commute to events as needed)

Qualifications :

Education:

Degree in Translation or Interpretation

Higher education a minimum of 2 years translation/interpretation experience

5 years minimum of experience in the target language

Graduation or certificate from a recognized training program for interpreters/translators

General Experience:

Two years of experience performing community outreach or translating duties.

Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the hiring entity which has included the specific experience.

Additional Information :

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter reference and resume.

Salary Range: $55000 to $62550

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTAs Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses subways trolleys and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
Employees receive paid vacation sick leave and holidays
Generous retirement savings options are available
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Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22 2023 vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses doctors emergency medical personnel) must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race ethnicity color sex sexual orientation gender identity religion national origin ancestry age disability marital status source of income familial status genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at or send an email to

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Employment Type :

Full-time

Position Summary The Language Access and Engagement Specialists will serve as key members of the engagement team supporting the departments election operations by performing duties related to the development and implementation of language access and voter support as required to comply with Section 2...