Language Access and Engagement Specialist - Bilingual

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What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
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Agency Description

The Philadelphia City Commissioners are a three-member bipartisan board of elected officials in charge of elections and voter registration for the City of Philadelphia. The City of Philadelphia is the sixth-largest city in the United States and one of the largest employers in Southeastern Pennsylvania.  

Position Summary 

The Language Access and Engagement Specialists will serve as key members of the engagement team, supporting the department's 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 driver's license (or ability to commute to events as needed) 

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 

Or 

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

General Experience: 

Two years of experience performing community outreach or translating duties. 

Or 

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

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

Salary Range: $55,000 to $62,550

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s 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
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

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 215-686-4670 or send an email to [email protected].

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx