Access Manager

Title: DSHS DVR ASL Access Manager

Location: Lacey United States

Salary

$85,000.00 - $100,000.00 Annually

Job Description:

Are you a certified ASL (Adult Sign Language) interpreter and want to build and maintain a positive, productive working relationship with the deaf, hard of hearing community as well as state employees that are deaf, hard of hearing?

Come join us, we have an exciting opportunity with DVR (Division of Vocational Rehabilitation) as an ASL Access Manager. 

In this role, you'll have a statewide responsibility for consultation, guidance, and management in all phases of delivering the American Sign Language Interpreter service for vocational rehabilitation and workforce programs and services throughout the state. The position will guide and inform the state's employment services for people that are deaf or hard of hearing. This position will assist the agency in building and maintaining a positive, productive working relationship with deaf and hard of hearing community and state employees that are deaf, hard of hearing or deafblind. 

This Lacey-based role will utilize a hybrid telework schedule from within the South Puget Sound area. Regular travel throughout the state of Washington will be expected. Interpreter appointments are scheduled, but some may require flexibility with short notice.

Some of what you will do:

• Support contract development for ASLI and ensure that contract monitoring policies and principles are implemented throughout the state. 
• Develop a strong partnership with all parts of DSHS, who have language access responsibilities and roles by maintaining continuous open communication.
• Develop, establish, and implement accessibility standards, best practices, process, practices, and tools that ensure learning content and learning platforms meet accessibility requirements for the division and collaborate with other DSHS access language staff for standardization. 
• Consult on the development of an effective contracting monitoring for ASL interpretation services to include sampling methodology, monitoring timelines and reporting timelines. 
• Provide language access for staff to ensure effective communication with people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
• Act as the statewide subject matter expert for monitoring and reporting staff compliance with ADA requirements, federal and state law, Office of the Chief Information Security Officer policies and guidance, DVR policies, regulations, and guidelines. 
• Keep current on best practices, tools, and technology related to access, digital access, and digital learning. Maintain up-to-date knowledge on philosophies promoting accessibility, including Universal and Inclusive Design principles. 

This role requires consistent use of independent expert judgment and decision making in the development of the review of policy and development of sign language interpretation service, practice and protocol that meet the legal requirements and creates a high standard for implementation of innovative efforts related to disability access, language access, proactive equity, antiracism, and belonging within the agency. The position promotes access to Government services for Deaf, Deafblind, Hard of Hearing, Late Deafened and Deaf Disabled people in the state of Washington. 

If you're ready to take your ASL expertise to the next level, make a lasting impact, and champion inclusion, this is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and Deafblind people across Washington. 

Who should apply:

National Interpreter Certification (NIC) or state-level credentials; Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI), federally certified interpreters, professional qualified interpreters, and language skilled interpreters are encouraged to apply. You need to have one of these certifications for consideration:

• Certificate of Interpreting ("CI") from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf;

• Certificate of Transliteration ("CT") from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf;

• Comprehensive Skills Certificate ("CSC") from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf;

• Reverse Skills Certification ("RSC") from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf;

• Interpretation Certificate ("IC") from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf;

• Transliteration Certificate ("TC") from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf;

• Master Comprehensive Skills Certificate ("MCSC") from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf;

• National Interpreter Certification ("NIC"), NIC Advanced or NIC Master from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf;

• Generalist/Level III Certification from the National Association of the Deaf;

• Advanced/Level IV Certification from the National Association of the Deaf;

• Master/Level V Certification from the National Association of the Deaf;

• Certified as a Deaf Interpreter through ODHH;

• Qualified as a Deaf Interpreter through ODHH; or xvi. Qualified as a Pro-Tactile ASL (PTASL) Interpreter through ODHH, Western Oregon University or any approved Deafblind Service Provider in Washington State

Concurrent work experience should include:

• Maintaining the highest level of sensitivity and confidentiality in line with interpreting ethics.
• Remaining neutral during translation.
• Understanding Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deafblind, and hearing loss access issues and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Strong skills in information analysis and project management.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite and virtual meeting platforms.

Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Proficiency in building and cultivating cooperative working relationships with agencies, administration divisions, and diverse internal and external partners.
• Ability to develop long-range strategies, influence policy, and direct statewide implementation; manage crises, assess risk, and develop strategic action plans.

This job is classified as Washington Management Service 2.

Questions about this opportunity? Please contact Jill Ranft at jill.ranft@dshs.wa.gov  and reference project number 04549. 

The Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency's vision that you bring an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

 Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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