Benefits Access Coordinator

State of Maryland•Baltimore City, MD

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is critical to the success of overall Family Investment Administration programmatic operations as well as compliance with applicable federal regulations, state legislation, policies, and procedures. The Benefits Access Coordinator is responsible for the operational development, implementation, management, and evaluation of the Maryland Department of Human Services Family Investment Administration's benefits access, language access, and civil rights compliance initiatives. This position ensures meaningful access to DHS programs and services ensures adherence to non-discrimination requirements. The Coordinator serves as the designated Statewide Language Access Plan Coordinator and therefore manages language assistance services, developing plain language practices, provides expert guidance, training, and technical assistance to staff, fosters partnerships with community stakeholders, collaborates with other DHS divisions and state agencies, and monitors compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and policies to promote equitable service delivery, supporting the overall strategic goals of the MD DHS, FIA and OBA. Makes recommendations to the Director of the Office of Benefits Access concerning new or revised state legislation and federal regulations affecting the Department of Human Services Family Investment Administration.

Requirements

Eight years of experience, four years of experience in the administration of a human services program or experience conducting studies and analyses of programs, procedures, practices and organizations and an additional four years of professional or technical experience in the administration of a human services program or experience conducting studies and analyses of programs, procedures, practices and organizations.
Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and four years of experience in the administration of a human services program or experience conducting studies and analyses of programs, procedures, practices and organizations.
Candidates may substitute graduate level education at an accredited college or university in a human services related field at the rate of 30 credit hours per year for up to six years of the required experience.
Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military experience as a commissioned officer in Administrative Officer classifications or Administrative Officer specialty codes in the General, Administrative, Clerical and Office Services field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Nice To Haves

One year experience managing large-scale programs, budgets, and partnerships.
Six months knowledge of equity-centered service design, program evaluation, and data-informed decision-making.
Six months skill in written and verbal communication, including the ability to represent the organization and connect with diverse audiences.
Six months ability to translate community needs, data, and emerging trends into equitable and responsive service strategies.

Responsibilities

Develops, implements, and continually updates the Office's LAP to meet state/federal requirements and best practices. Conducts needs assessments, sets goals, establishes procedures, and ensures the plan is integrated into office operations under the Director's guidance.
Designs and delivers language access training for staff (including onboarding). Serves as the primary contact and subject matter expert, providing ongoing guidance, consultation, and interpretation of relevant policies to support staff in serving LEP individuals effectively.
Collaborates with MD Benefits, Systems, and program teams to ensure alignment with plain language and language access standards to reduce barriers to access.
Manages the provision of interpretation and translation services for LEP individuals. Oversees language service vendor contracts, ensuring quality, cost-effectiveness, and compliance. Maintains a repository of translated documents and resources.
Implements outreach strategies to inform LEP communities about services. Builds and maintains partnerships with community organizations and leaders to gather feedback and improve service delivery. Represents the office at community events as assigned.
Tracks and analyzes data related to language service use, compliance, and community feedback. Prepares regular operational reports for the Director on program effectiveness and areas for improvement. Manages the language access complaint process.