Title: Program Coordinator (Language & Disability Access) #W0437

State Role Title: Prog Admin Specialist II

Hiring Range: $72,500 - $83,500/yr.

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of Social Services

Location: DSS HOME OFFICE

Agency Website: www.dss.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

At the Virginia Department of Social Services, we put people at the center of everything we do. We believe that every Virginian can live a life of dignity and that all voices, ideas and experiences contribute greatly to our pursuit of excellence. Inspired by continuous improvement, we commit ourselves to listening, learning and cultivating environments of trust, respect and positive engagement. Together, we are mission-driven, eager to achieve, and passionate about bringing the best of who we are to those we serve.

We design and deliver high-quality human services that help Virginians achieve safety, independence and overall well-being. We are a $2 billion agency – one of the largest in the Commonwealth of Virginia – partnering with 120 local departments of social services and 31 community action agencies, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children, adults, and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside 1,650 (state) and 12,200 (local) human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens have easy access to the services and benefits available to them.

In addition to a rewarding work experience, VDSS offers excellent health and life insurance benefits, pre-tax spending accounts, state funded Short and Long Term Disability, paid holidays, vacation, tuition assistance, free wellness programs, and a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching – Employee Benefits.

The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), Portfolio of Human Services is seeking a Language & Disability Access Program Coordinator. This position is responsible for serving as the agency’s subject matter expert for language and disability access. Responsibilities will include coordinating and maintaining the VDSS Language Access Plan (LAP) and disability accessibility compliance to ensure meaningful access to VDSS services and resources for those with limited English proficiency and individuals with disabilities. The position will coordinate the agency’s compliance with federal and state accessibility requirements, including Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), to ensure and improve accessibility of all agency digital communications. This position will also coordinate and manage the Secretariat-wide language access funds for distribution.

Minimum Qualifications

• Considerable experience in program development and support that demonstrates the ability to identify, navigate and successfully resolve various compliance, risk management and regulatory issues pertaining to language access and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and WCAG compliance.
• Knowledge of language access requirements and civil rights laws and regulations.
• Demonstrated knowledge regarding creation and/or implementation of a language and/or disability access program/plan.
• Considerable knowledge of state and federal accessibility standards, including Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and WCAG accessibility standards and the ability to evaluate website and digital media for compliance with accessibility standards.
• Knowledge of document remediation for Section 508 compliance and accessibility for those with disabilities.
• Knowledge of website content management systems and best practices.
• Ability to stay current with federal and state compliance requirements, resources, and best practices related to language access, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and WCAG.
• Ability to train others with varying levels of knowledge about accessibility to achieve compliance and user experience outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to focus on the big picture, and dive into the details when necessary.
• Ability to interpret and apply state and federal policies and procedures and experience developing and implementing policies and procedures to comply with federal or state requirements.
• Documented ability to influence and build strategic working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to lead and drive change in the planning and development of new programs, initiatives, policies, or procedures that result in more effective or efficient operations.
• Experience with complaint investigation and applying best practices related to investigating grievances or complaints.
• Excellent oral presentation and writing skills with the ability to articulate ideas clearly and concisely.
• Extensive experience with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Additional Considerations

• Knowledge of the laws, regulations, and guidelines affecting funding and implementation of social service programs; and of the principles, practices, and procedures used for social service program planning and evaluation preferred.
• Experience in human services including social services, healthcare, or hospital or health system administration related to compliance functions in the human services field, preferably in a large government entity.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a fingerprint-based criminal history background check. A record of criminal history does not automatically bar an applicant from consideration. Employment verification will be conducted to include current/previous supervisory employment reference checks.

VDSS will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

Please be advised that this position may be approved to work onsite for two days per week and work remotely for three days per week.

Selected candidate may be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

To be considered for this position, you must submit a Commonwealth of Virginia application or resume through the on-line “Virginia Jobs” (PageUp) employment site no later than 11:55 p.m. on the closing date listed. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and additional considerations as stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided. Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment within 90 days of the closing date.

The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity within its workforce.

VDSS does not provide sponsorship.

VDSS is an official certified state agency that values the service and experience of our Veterans. As such, Veterans are encouraged to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni also are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants, if requested, during the application and/or interview process.

If you have been affected by Policy 1.30 Layoff as a state employee and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Card (Blue Card), you must submit this document through the “Virginia Jobs” (PageUp) employment site when you apply.

Contact Information

Name: VDSS - Division of Human Resources

Phone: dssrecruitment@dss.virginia.gov

Email: dssrecruitment@dss.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.