Language Access Specialist

Job Description and Duties

Under the general direction of the Assistant Deputy Director, Office of Community Engagement, the Staff Services Manager I (Specialist) will provide program management and coordination and serve as the subject matter expert to improve language and web access for the developmental disabilities services system and language accessibility efforts for the Department of Developmental Services (Department). This position will manage the implementation of the Department’s Language Access Plan (LAP) to support the Department’s efforts to improve consumer and family experience and facilitate more consistent access to information and services for multi-lingual, monolingual, and diverse cultural groups and support linguistically competent Department employee and community partner engagement.

Effective July 1, 2025, State employees are subject to a salary reduction of three percent in exchange for five hours per month of the Personal Leave.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Under Government Code 14200, this position is a hybrid, in-office/telework position, and may be subject to change. Incumbent can be required to report to the office, or any designated location at any time. Telework agreements can be modified and/or cancelled at any time. Incumbent must live and work in California. All commute expenses to the reporting location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

This position requires lawful authorization to work in the United States. The Department does not sponsor employment visas for this position.

Occasional overnight travel within California.

Special Requirements

The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be typed in 12-point Arial font, single spaced, and be no more than one page in length. Applicants who fail to answer the question below or submit an SOQ may not be considered.

1. Identify the top three skills or experiences you possess that are listed in the duty statement for this position. For each one, please provide: (1) how long you have used the skill or gained experience, (2) an explanation of why this skill or experience makes you a strong candidate for the position, and (3) any formal training you have received related to the skill or experience.

If you are using list eligibility from an on-line exam to qualify for this position, you MUST include with your application any documentation (i.e., copy of transcript, degree, license, etc.) to verify meeting the MQ’s or you may not be considered for the position.

The MQs will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If it is determined that an applicant does not meet the MQs of the classification, the applicant may not be considered and withheld from the eligible list.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Knowledge of: Principles and practices of language access planning and programs, web content accessibility for individuals with disabilities including Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Education or experience in any field related of developmental disabilities. Developing and overseeing language access programs and services. working with a variety of community partner groups and diverse audiences, sometimes with conflicting interests. Office 365, including Outlook, Word, and Excel, including the different accessibility checker options within the Microsoft Office Suite. Expertise with Common Look and Adobe Pro accessibility checkers and remediation software(s) and processes.

Ability to: Demonstrate capacity for professional development; willingness and ability to accept increasing responsibility. Develop and maintain positive partnerships and professional relationships. Strong organizational, and communication presentation skills. Ability to take initiative and work independently.

Benefits

As a state employee working for the Department of Developmental Services, you and your family will have access to excellent medical, dental and vision insurance benefits in addition to retirement benefits.

Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base and length of appointment. Additional benefits may also be outlined for specific bargaining units in employee collective bargaining contracts. For more information, please visit the links below:

Benefit information can be found on the website and the website.

Additional Information

Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment. This recruitment may be utilized to fill future vacancies that may occur during the life of the certification list.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate may be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the California Department of Human Resources.

All appointments are subject to State Restriction of Appointment (SROA), Departmental Restriction of Appointment (DROA), Re-employment List procedures, pre-employment physical and fingerprint clearances. Further information on the definition of the above may be found on the California Department of Human Resources' website at: .

If you have not taken the Staff Services Manager I exam/assessment you may find the exam for this classification at the link below. You must take and pass the exam/assessment to obtain eligibility for hire. Click to gain list eligibility.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications -

  A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and is a narrative discussion of how the candidate's education, training, experience, and skills meet the minimum and desirable qualifications and qualify them for the position. The SOQ serves as a documentation of each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. SEE “SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS” ABOVE FOR INSTRUCTIONS.