The New York City Housing Authority’s (NYCHA) Language Services Unit (LSU) is responsible for the oversight, coordination, implementation and tracking of policies and activities related to language access.

In ensuring compliance with all federal, state and city laws as applicable, the Language Services Unit provides language access policy guidance and training for NYCHA departments and staff; oversees an in-house team of interpreters and translators; and manages associated third-party vendor contracts. LSU leverages available data to monitor, evaluate and improve the efficiency of NYCHA’s provision of language services, as well as accommodations for individuals with visual or hearing disabilities.

Overseen by and reporting to the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Chief Communications Officer, the Director, Language Services Unit, will serve as the official Language Access Coordinator for the agency and provide management and supervision for the Language Services Unit. The Director will liaise with external partners and NYCHA departmental leaders to coordinate and implement language access policies and best practices. The Director will also collaborate to develop and implement language access agency programs and initiatives, and services to residents.

The Director, Language Services Unit will manage and oversee third-party vendor language access contracts, leverage available data to monitor and evaluate NYCHA’s provision of language services, implement language access mandates and ensure compliance with all federal, state and city laws as applicable.

The Director will also provide supervision for the Language Services Unit Coordinator, as well as direction and oversight for the Language Services Unit, compromised of six interpreter/translators who provide translation of vital documents and other communications materials, as well as in-person interpretation services for NYCHA residents.

Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

- Manage and coordinate the provision of language services to NYCHA residents.
- Hire and supervise staff to assist with the duties of the Language Services Unit.
- Maintain pertinent data and analytics to ensure accurate reporting and appropriate service levels.
- Coordinate with departments and teams across the authority to implement language services.
- Identify new services, technologies, and practices to incorporate into the provision of language services, and lead best-value contracts’ negotiations.
- Supervise the Language Services Unit Coordinator and day-to-day translation project -management.
- Ensure the consistent accurate delivery of final translations and interpretation services performed by Language Services Unit staff or vendors.
- Create and oversee a Language Liaison program and rebuilds the Volunteer Language Bank of volunteer bilingual staff.
- Assist in the expansion of language services across NYCHA.
- Provide supervision and oversight of language services vendors.
- Assist in the procurement of new language service vendors and equipment, as needed.
- Perform precise and timely vendor reporting.
- Build and maintain vendor relationship to ensure efficient delivery of Language Access services.
- Advise the Authority on language access policy.
- Conduct assessments of services provided across the Authority and identify areas of improvements.
- Develop and execute NYCHA-wide staff training on language access policies, mandates and procedures.
- Meet and collaborate with Chief Communications Officer and colleagues from the Department of Communications on all Language Services Unit matters.
- Oversee the regular review and publication of updated Language Access and Language Implementation Plans and other required reporting.
- Liaise with government counterparts to share resources and best practices.

NOTE: Due to the existence of a civil service list, candidates must have permanent civil service status in the title of Administrative Director of Social Services to be considered.

NOTE: This position is open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate in your cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position under the 55-a Program. For detailed information regarding the 55-a Program, please visit the link below:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcas/downloads/pdf/psb/100_1.pdf

Additional Information

1. INTERAGENCY TRANSFERS INTO NYCHA OF THOSE PERMANENT IN TITLE ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE FACE OF AN ACTIVE AND VIABLE NYCHA PROMOTION LIST OR PREFERRED LIST FOR THE SAME TITLE.
2. NYCHA residents are encouraged to apply.

Please read this posting carefully to make certain you meet the minimum qualification requirements before applying to this position.

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and four years of progressively responsible experience, in a large governmental agency, business firm, civic or community organization operating in the area of social services, including one year at the administrative or managerial level; or

2. Education and/or experience equivalent to "1" above. Graduate education or a license may substitute for up to a maximum of three years of experience in the area of social services, but not for the one year of experience at the administrative or managerial level as described in "1" above, as follows:

(A) A master’s degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, business, child welfare, counseling, economics, education, finance, human resources, labor relations, management, management science, nursing, operations research, organizational behavior, personnel or public administration, political science, psychology, sociology, social work, statistics, and/or urban studies may substitute for two years of experience; and/or

(B) Graduate education beyond the baccalaureate degree may be substituted at the rate of 30 semester credits from an accredited college or university in the area(s) listed in “2(A)” above for each year of experience up to a maximum of three years; or

(C) A valid New York State Registration as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) may substitute for three years of experience.

However, all candidates must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and one year of experience at the administrative or management level as described in "1" above.

- Diplomacy, tact and excellent judgment. - Highly professional demeanor. - Self-starter who can take initiative and work both individually and as part of a team. - Ability to think creatively, embrace new approaches, and pioneer innovative solutions to intricate problems. - Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. - Demonstrated skill and experience in leveraging data relevant to language access administration. - Experience in developing and overseeing programmatic initiatives. - Flexibility and able to work weekend and/or evenings as needed.

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

NYCHA has no residency requirements.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.