Language Access and Engagement Specialist - Bilingual at CityofPhiladelphia

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)