DSHS HCLA Access Manager
About The Position
The Access Manager with the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA), Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH), provides American Sign Language interpreting for the ODHH Director and agency leadership. Approximately 75% of the position is interpreting, with the remaining 25% devoted to administrative and accessibility support, including coordinating interpreter requests, scheduling services, reviewing invoices, and supporting accessibility efforts. The role also advises on language access, helps manage interpreter contracts, and works with other divisions to improve access for Deaf, DeafBlind, hard-of-hearing, and other employees who need interpreting services. The position requires balancing accurate interpreting with administrative responsibilities, understanding Deaf culture, audism, and power dynamics, handling confidential information carefully, and building trust across communities and leadership levels. During the first 90 days, the employee will learn the Director's communication needs, build relationships, become familiar with leadership meetings, schedules, contracts, and service requests, and identify opportunities to improve coordination. Success includes consistent access to information for the Director, dependable interpreting services, and addressing accessibility needs before they become barriers. This is a hybrid position requiring onsite interpreting in Lacey on Thursdays for executive leadership meetings, with additional travel at the Director's request. The schedule includes longer workdays Monday through Thursday and a shorter Friday.
Requirements
- Graduation from an Interpreter Training Program and at least five years of professional interpreting experience; or a bachelor's degree in a human services field and at least five years of sign language interpreting experience with multiple Deaf employees.
- Additional qualifying professional experience may substitute year-for-year for the required education.
- Ability to interpret complex information accurately and maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to balance interpreting and administrative responsibilities.
- Ability to work effectively with Deaf, DeafBlind, hard-of-hearing, and hearing colleagues.
- Understanding of interpreting practices and accessibility requirements.
- Ability to coordinate schedules, contracts, invoices, and service requests.
- Ability to communicate clearly with leadership and agency partners.
- Ability to work onsite in Lacey on Thursdays and travel occasionally at the Director's request.
- A valid driver's license is required for employees driving on state business; employees using a privately owned vehicle for state business must have liability insurance.
Nice To Haves
- National Interpreter Certification or state-level interpreting credentials.
- Experience interpreting for professional leaders and diverse Deaf communities.
- Understanding of audism, power dynamics, and anti-racism.
- Lived experience or active involvement with Deaf or DeafBlind communities.
- Experience with accessibility policy, contracts, and service coordination.
Responsibilities
- Provide ASL interpreting for the ODHH Director, leadership meetings, and agency activities.
- Coordinate interpreter requests, schedules, invoices, and service logistics.
- Advise leadership and staff on ASL interpreting and accessibility needs.
- Support interpreter contracts and monitor service delivery.
- Apply ADA requirements and state and federal accessibility standards.
- Work across Department of Social and Health Services divisions to improve language access.
- Support accessibility procedures, training, and planning.
- Identify access barriers and recommend solutions.
- Provide technical guidance on interpreting services and related requirements.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
