Language Access Supervisor

Initial Posting Date:

Application Deadline:

Agency:

Salary Range:

Position Type:

Position Title:

Job Description:

Oregon’s nonpartisan Legislative Policy and Research Office (LPRO) is proud to be recruiting for a Language Access Supervisor to coordinate language translation and interpretation services and provide meaningful access to the legislature for Oregonians.

This position’s responsibilities include language access plan development, supervision of language access staff, vendor oversight, quality control, workflow coordination, education and monitoring the experience of the general public and members’ constituents. This position helps promote, maintain and improve language access services within the Legislative Assembly.

Examples of the work of the Language Access Supervisor include:

• conducting need assessments, developing a plan for addressing in-person interpretation, remote interpretation and written translation needs, and keeping that plan updated with feedback from a variety of sources
• developing educational materials and presenting about language access to legislative branch partners and members of the public
• developing training procedures for providing language services
• overseeing quality assurance, including a timely and effective process for language services to legislative committees
• serving as primary point of contact for the legislative branch in responding to language interpretation and translation requests from the general public
• working closely with LPRO colleagues and other nonpartisan staff on technical and process improvements

To view the job description in its entirety, please click here.

The work history and experience of the successful candidate will include:

Knowledge of:

• Current best practices for both translation and interpretation services
• Knowledge of public policy and legislative process
• Federal and state laws and regulations related to public accommodations and equal access
• Program and project management tools and recordkeeping skills
• Information systems, platforms and related technology to improve language access services
• Oregon interpretation certification/qualification requirements
• The difference between human and machine translation
• Federal and state laws and regulations related to public accommodations and equal access

Skill in:

• Bilingual (both spoken and written fluency, or signing fluency) in English and at least one of the following languages: Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Standard, Mandarin, or Cantonese Chinese, or American Sign Language (ASL)
• Intermediate level computer skills in MS Office Suite including Outlook, Word and Excel
• Excellent spoken and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills

Ability to: 

• Think creatively, embrace new approaches, and pioneer innovative solutions to intricate problems
• Speak clearly using plain language with proper grammar and spelling
• Effectively assist with all forms of correspondence
• Work effectively both independently and within a team
• Exercise independent judgement, problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Exercise tact and discretion in interacting with internal and external individuals at all levels
• Work effectively with diverse individuals and groups
• Share information and lessons learned with supervisors
• Effectively support and collaborate with others to achieve program objectives
• Handle multiple priorities, processes, and demands in a dynamic work environment
• Work under pressure with frequent interruptions

LPRO employees currently have the flexibility to work according to a hybrid in-person and remote work schedule during the periods between legislative sessions and interim committee meetings. Staff currently meet in person at the LPRO offices every Wednesday. During legislative sessions and periods when interim committees meet, staff work solely onsite in the State Capitol building and other off-site legislative offices to carry out the duties of their positions.

HOW TO QUALIFY:

Your application must demonstrate:

A bachelor’s degree with 4 years’ experience in positions working with language access services, including community relations, or program coordination

Preference will be given for candidates with experience in the following areas:

• Program development and procedural documentation
• Work with culturally specific, multilingual, and/or limited English proficient communities
• Project coordination, especially related to language access
• Writing and presenting to audiences of varied backgrounds and educational levels
• Development of training and educational materials
• Work with public agencies

*An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to demonstrate ability to perform the duties of the position may be considered

Please Note: Attach your current cover letter and resume. Applications submitted without both documents may not be reviewed. Your cover letter should clearly demonstrate how your work history demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities listed above.

WHY THE OREGON STATE LEGISLATURE?

• Work/life balance - paid leave and a competitive benefits package.
• We offer full medical, vision and dental with paid sick leave, vacation, personal leave and ten paid holidays per year.
• Collaborative work environment with a team of bright, hardworking, and fun individuals.
• Opportunities for professional development to expand your breadth and depth of knowledge.
• Support the creation of public policy and watch as history unfolds for the State of Oregon as ideas become crafted into policies and laws.
• The Legislative Branch is made up of 7 small-medium state agencies where you can really get to know your co-workers.

TO APPLY:

• IF YOU ARE NOT A STATE EMPLOYEE: To apply for this position, follow the "Apply" link and complete the application & questions online. If this is your first time applying in our new system "Workday", you will need to create a new user profile. You can even drag and drop your resume into Workday and it will read and generate your Work History! Be sure to attach a cover letter and resume.

• CURRENT STATE EMPLOYEES: Login to Workday using the Career app on your Home Page. Prior to clicking "Apply", update your employee profile to reflect your Education, Skills, and Job History (including your current job).

• Attach your current cover letter and resume.

• Please monitor your Workday account, as all communication will be sent to you through this system. You must have a valid e-mail address to apply.

• This announcement closes at 11:59 PM on the close date listed.

SPECIAL INFORMATION:

• Over the next two years, the Capitol Building is undergoing extensive renovation and construction projects which may limit accessibility to employees.  This may require Legislative employees to work both from home and within the building as the construction project dictates.  While working from home, personal, stable and high-speed internet access will be required to perform the functions of this position. There may be occasions that require employees scheduled to be working from home, to report to the Capitol or an offsite building.  Every effort will be made to provide reasonable notice. However, employees may be required to report to the building under short notice. The State Capitol building is located at 900 Court Street NE, Salem, OR  97301.
• Oregon state government provides qualifying veterans and disabled veterans with preference in employment in accordance with ORS 408.225, 408.230, and 408.235. If you are requesting veterans' preference, you may receive an additional questionnaire in your Workday account. In order to ensure your privacy, we are asking that you complete the Veterans’ Questionnaire and attach your qualifying military documents at that time. This questionnaire will be sent to your Workday account after you submit your application. We ask that you complete the questionnaire before the application deadline; extensions may be granted if necessary and reasonable. For questions about documentation, please visit: Veterans Resources. Or call the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs at: 1-800-692-9666.
• The salary in this job posting reflects the base salary without contributions to the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS). Employees eligible for PERS will have their salary increased by 6.95% and 6% will be automatically subject to a mandatory employee contribution to PERS.
• The work experience and/or education section of your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet all the minimum and desired skills listed above.
• An offer including salary will not be extended until an equal pay analysis is completed pursuant to ORS 652.220 and 659A.357.  An equal pay analysis will be conducted utilizing the education and work experience section of the legislative application.
• Work Authorization:  The Oregon State Legislature does not offer visa sponsorships. On the first day of employment, all hires will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. In addition, hires will have three business days from their first day of employment to present documents that establish employment authorization and identity. The Oregon State Legislature is an E-Verify employer and will use E-Verify to confirm that hires are authorized to work in the United States.
• If you have questions regarding this recruitment, or need assistance to participate in the application process, please contact Aimee Steketee, Human Resource Analyst, at aimee.steketee@oregonlegislature.gov or (503) 986-1373.
• The Oregon State Legislature is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to Workforce Diversity.