DSHS HCLA ASL Interpreter & Access Manager

Description

Are you a certified ASL interpreter looking for a leadership role that goes beyond interpreting? Do you thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, handling confidential and government-level discussions?

Come join us, we have an exciting opportunity at the Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) within DSHS’s Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) as ASL Interpreter & Access Manager.

In this role, you’ll be the driving force behind language access and support for the Deaf, Deafblind, Hard of Hearing, Late Deafened, and Deaf Disabled employees and community members. This dual-role opportunity combines ASL interpretation with access management, ensuring seamless communication and accessibility across leadership teams. You’ll work closely with ODHH staff, management, and HCLA leadership, voicing crucial meetings and assisting in policy development, fostering language equity, and social justice initiatives. You must be able to provide both signed and spoken English interpretation. Your expertise and leadership will ensure equitable communication, ADA compliance, and strategic accessibility initiatives across divisions. Your role is vital in fostering trust, shaping accessibility standards, and ensuring effective communication at the highest levels.

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

Some of what you will do

Provide ASL interpretation for the ODHH Director, ODHH employees, and other HCLA leadership.

Develop and manage contracts for ASL interpretation needs, ensuring compliance with ADA regulations

Serve as a subject matter expert, providing guidance and technical support on ASL accessibility.

Collaborate with HCLA and other DSHS language access teams to standardize practices and ensure compliance.

Act as a consultant and advisor on sign language interpretation access and digital accessibility.

Assist in implementing accessibility standards and training initiatives across multiple divisions.

Advocate for equitable language access for Deaf, Deafblind, Hard of Hearing, Late Deafened, and Deaf Disabled employees and community members.

Maintain professional expertise in accessibility standards and federal and state compliance regulations and respond to federal and state audits.

Ensure timely, accurate, and efficient sign language interpreter services statewide.

Assist with analytics and policy language, ensuring ADA compliance and effective implementation.

Stay informed on advancements in digital accessibility and inclusive design principles.

Approve interpreter invoices and support scheduling within the ODHH Sign Language Interpreters Contracts and Resources Program Manager and assist in streamlining schedules and payments.

Provide consultation on contract monitoring plans, compliance, and training needs.

Ensure adherence to procurement and contracting policies while mitigating liability risks.

This role requires fluency in ASL and the ability to interpret and voice in spoken English for hearing participants. The ideal applicant is highly organized and proactive, with strong database skills for scheduling, rate input, and record management. They must excel in planning and coordination, ensuring smooth daily operations while anticipating accessibility needs and identifying resources for meetings. As a communication advocate, they will promote inclusivity and equal access across divisions. Confidence in engaging with high-level officials, including the governor’s office and directors, is essential, along with strong leadership, time management, and interpersonal skills to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

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.

We invite you to apply today!

Who should apply

A Graduate from an Interpreter Training Program AND at least 5 years of experience working as a professional interpreter.

Or professionals with a human service field bachelor's degree and at least 5 years experience working as a sign language interpreter for multiple Deaf employees.

Or a minimum of 9 years experience working as an Interpreter plus is involved in the Deaf and/or Deaf-Blind community and has taken Continued Education Workshops and training in the interpreting field.

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:

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.

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.

Advanced management skills in policy writing, project and process management, budget analysis, and long-term care planning and development.

This job is classified as Washington Management Service 2.

Interested? Please list 3 professional references’ contact information on your application and include your current resume and a cover letter explaining how your knowledge, skills, and abilities qualify you for this role.

If you have questions about the job posting number 03716, at .

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.

Supplemental Information

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 protect ed 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 . Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or .

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