Language Access Coordinator - Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs (MOLA)

Washington, DC

Full Time

Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs (MOLA)

Manager/Supervisor

POSITION:   Language Access Coordinator
OFFICE:        Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs (MOLA)
OPEN:            March 31, 2025
CLOSE:         April 18, 2025
GRADE:        Excepted Service, Grade 6 (ES-6)
SALARY:      $78,894

This is an Excepted Service position. Selected candidate must be a District resident or establish residency within 180 days of hire.

Current District of Columbia residents will receive priority and advanced preference for screening and interviews.

background

This position is located in the Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs (MOLA) under the jurisdiction of the Executive Office of the Mayor. The mission of MOLA is to ensure that the Latino community has full access to quality health, education, employment, and social services in the District. The overall goal is to improve on the quality of life for Latino residents of our nation's capital by working with DC Government agencies and community-based organizations to fulfill the Mandate of MOLA, including the "Language Access Act of 2004". For more information about MOLA, please click here: https://communityaffairs.dc.gov/mola

The Language Access Coordinator position functions as the manager of the Language Access program for MOLA, leading the team responsible for providing coordination to cover entitles in the implementation of the language access plans; to provide technical assistance to agencies named under the Language Access Act of 2004, so that the Hispanic/Latino individuals living in the District of Columbia are better informed, represented, and served; and to provide policy recommendations on improving language access to Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals.

Major duties

Manages and supervises MOLA staff in the implementation and execution of the Language Access program.
Coordinates, develops, monitors, and negotiates District agency action plans, such as Biennial Language Access Plans (BLAPs) to address language access needs for the limited English proficient (LEP) and no-English proficient (NEP) Latino population in the District. Write progress and final reports covering community needs and agencies' language access action plans effectiveness.
Advocates, inside and outside DC Government, on the behalf of the Latino community, so that DC Latino residents, visitors, and workers may be better represented, informed, and able to access a full range of health, education, housing, economic development, and employment services.
Assists agencies with the implementation of the Language Access Act by providing technical support to facilitate covered entities' outreach efforts into LEP communities.
Serves as a mechanism that provides collaborative services between Latino community groups, the Mayor, DC Government agencies, and private sector institutions. Act as primary liaison between the MOLA Director and District agencies.
Participates in and conducts special studies, surveys and research projects or assignments. Develops and analyzes facts needed and recommends action to be taken. Provides advocacy, policy recommendations or guidance to appropriate District government agencies; and disseminates information to the Latino community on those issues.
Provides technical support and expertise to District government agencies in fulfilling language access initiatives in document translations, cultural diversity training for District agency employees, diversification of agency workforce, and community partnerships and outreach.
Furnishes data on the composition and trends in the Latino population and provide reports, briefs, and other information on the issues in the Latino community. Facilitates District agencies resources to understanding Latino demographics as well as the needs of the Latino immigrant community.
Develops and coordinates quality control mechanisms for translated documents in Spanish for agencies to ensure a high level of translation and culturally competent materials that are available to constituents. Compiles reports and analyzes statistical data on translation and interpretation services provided by District agencies to determine trends, and to identify problem areas.
Provides limited quality control for translated documents in Spanish for agencies named under the Language Access Law to ensure a high level of translation and culturally competent materials that are available to constituents. Edits and assists District government agencies in the translation of documents into Spanish.
Provides advice and assistance in areas of human resources, safety, human rights, economic development, housing, employment, social services, public health, transportation, education, and multicultural development.
Attends meetings with or for the Director, as an aide or designated representative, provides backup on long range program matters on policy issues. Assists MOLA Director in the development and negotiation of MOLA advocacy projects related to Language Access. Engages in advocacy on issues affecting individuals in local and federal government.
Performs other related duties as assigned

COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Comprehensive Knowledge of the mission, function, operations, governing laws, established policies, goals and objectives of the Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs.
Thorough knowledge of the District of Columbia Language Access Act.
Thorough knowledge of community-based agencies and organizations serving the different Latino communities.
Thorough knowledge of the culture, tradition, language and characteristics of different ethnic communities and bilingual capabilities of community-based agencies serving the Latino community.
Skill in applying analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to issues concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of agency operations which affect the Latino community.
Ability to coordinate multiple projects independently or in a team-oriented environment.
Ability to collect, translate, and disseminate current policy program information about relevant government services.
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Spanish in order to negotiate effectively with diverse political and cultural entities to achieve agency goals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, communications, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of experience and training in a related communications role which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Well qualified candidates should have 3-5 years in translation, transcription, interpretation, or developing presentations for training or teaching purposes, preferably in a government or nonprofit setting.
Certifications or similar training and evaluation related to transcription and interpretation.

Work environment

The work is performed primarily in-person in an office setting. Time in the field is frequently required for related events.

SPECIAL NOTE - SECURITY SENSITIVE

This position is deemed security sensitive. The incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability – Security Sensitive.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

There is a legal requirement that each new appointee to the Excepted Service either:

be a District of Columbia resident at the time of appointment; or
become a District resident within one hundred eighty (180) days of appointment.

The law also requires that Excepted Service employees remain District residents during the duration of the individual’s appointment. Failure to remain a District resident for the duration of the appointment will result in forfeiture of employment.

If you are interested in this role, please upload your resume and answer the questionnaire. Only the candidates deemed most suited for the position based on resume will receive a call to schedule further discussion

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