DSHS OOS Language Testing Administrator

Are you looking to drive meaningful work in Language access and equity?
 
The Department of Social and Health Services(DSHS), Office of Equity, Access, & Belonging (OEAB) is seeking a DSHS OOS Language Testing Administrator.

This is a fantastic, high-visibility position, which offers the opportunity to manage, develop and enhance the statewide Language Testing and Certification program for the Department of Social and Health Services.
  
You will work in a supportive, professional environment that allows you to be the critical link in ensuring DSHS provides an adequate pool of qualified interpreters and translators necessary for the language access the department’s clients/employees need for bilingual/multi-lingual services. You will lead program modernization, oversee digital testing platforms, and ensure compliance with state and federal language-access laws.

This position offers flexible hybrid remote work.

Some of What You’ll Do: 

• Program Compliance & Governance: Maintain full accountability for statewide language testing program compliance, resource allocation, service delivery, and the creation of strategic succession plans.
• Contract & RFP Management: Initiate, write, and manage vendor contracts and RFPs for test development, administration, proctoring, and grading, including reviewing invoices and approving resource allocations.
• Database & Platform Business Owner: Oversee, troubleshoot, and modernize the online testing platform and LTC Gateway database system to streamline candidate access, track scores, and identify system-wide IT modifications.
• Testing Operations & Scheduling: Direct overall agency-level scheduling, reserve test rooms, coordinate proctors, and establish yearly and monthly test schedules on the online appointment platform.
• Accommodations & Accessibility: Review and determine allowable test accommodation requests to preserve test integrity, collaborating directly with the ADA Director to ensure all testing materials remain fully accessible.
• Quality Control & Test Validation: Lead test content updates, implement WAC rulemaking revisions, complete candidate test critiques, and conduct analyses to ensure all examination instruments are valid and reliable.
• Stakeholder & Community Engagement: Serve as the primary agency liaison and subject matter expert to multilingual communities, advocacy groups, and statewide partners to promote available language access resources.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Manage data collection protocols to track program impact, determine employee testing clusters, evaluate fill rates, and produce annual performance outcome reports.
• Customer Support & Issue Resolution: Manage the public-facing website, oversee the program mailbox, and act as the primary point of contact for complex test grievance complaints and fee refund resolutions.

What we’re looking for:

Bachelor’s degree and five years of experience administering statewide programs and services related to language testing and certification.

Additional qualifying experience will substitute for the required education on the basis of one year of experience for one year of education.

Desired Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the Reyes Consent Decree, WAC rules, and the Language Access Provider Collective Bargaing Agreement(CBA).
• Expertise in language testing design principles, including reliability, validity, and accessibility.
• Extensive experience serving and working with diverse linguistic, cultural, and low-income communities.
• Proven ability to organize, manage, and execute complex, statewide projects and strategic plans.
• Skilled in facilitating partnerships across government agencies, non-profits, businesses, and foundations.
• Strong track record of leading, motivating, and building relationships with internal teams and external contractors.
• Experience developing, leading, and executing strategic organizational change initiatives.
• Ability to manage high-volume workloads and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in creating public-facing written materials, Microsoft Office Suite, and virtual conference tools.

Preferred Skills:

• Fluency and literacy in a language other than English

Your completed application should include a letter of interest describing your experience, skills, knowledge and abilities that demonstrate how you meet the qualifications for the position.  
  
Questions about this opportunity? Please contact reema.goyal@dshs.wa.gov and reference project number 06959.
 
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 a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, 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.

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 protect­ed 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 (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/rpau/ap/DSHS-AP-18-17-Internet-Official-Housekeeping-2024.pdf. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position. 
 
  
 
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