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Job Description
Office of the City Manager, Office of Language Access (OLA)
Work Location: 414 E. 12th St., Kansas City, MO
Salary Range: $5,794-$8,833 per month
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Some nights and weekends may be required
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Application Deadline: April 24, 2026
Responsibilities
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About the role
The Language Services Specialist ensures City communications are accessible, inclusive, and usable for people with disabilities and individuals with limited English proficiency. This role pays $5,794-$8,833 per month and offers the opportunity to lead accessibility practices that directly affect how residents access information, services, and programs. If you care about equity, compliance, and inclusive communication, this role has meaningful citywide impact.
What you'll do- Lead accessibility reviews and quality assurance of City communications including flyers, PDFs, websites, and digital content to ensure compliance with ADA and WCAG standards, removing barriers for residents with disabilities.
- Provide hands-on technical support to City departments by guiding document remediation, accessible design practices, and accessible digital publishing so materials are usable by all audiences.
- Evaluate and test accessibility compliance across websites and public-facing materials using accessibility tools and manual reviews, then recommend clear corrective actions.
- Train and educate City staff on accessibility standards and inclusive communication practices, building long-term organizational capacity and compliance.
- Embed accessibility into City workflows by advising departments on accessible communications and public engagement strategies from planning through publication.
- Track, analyze, and report accessibility data to identify trends, gaps, and progress, supporting leadership decision-making and continuous improvement.
- City materials consistently meet ADA and WCAG accessibility standards
- Departments proactively incorporate accessibility into communications and workflows
- Accessibility issues are identified early and resolved efficiently
- Clear, accurate reporting supports compliance and accountability
- Residents experience improved, equitable access to City information and services
- Stable public-sector role with citywide impact
- Transparent monthly pay range with growth potential
- Standard weekday schedule with advance notice for evening or weekend needs
- Professional development in accessibility standards, tools, and best practices
- Collaborative work environment focused on equity, inclusion, and public service
- The opportunity to be a recognized subject-matter expert influencing City policy and practice
Accessible communication is essential to public trust, legal compliance, and equity. This role helps ensure that residents with disabilities can fully access City services, information, and opportunities, strengthening inclusion across Kansas City.
Qualifications
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What you'll bring- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- At least 3 years of experience in language services, including translation, interpretation, and language access program management
- Demonstrated experience with ADA accessibility practices, including screen readers, accessibility testing tools, manual evaluations, and remediation of PDFs and web content
- Ability to support accessible digital communications and ensure compliance with accessibility standards
- Strong communication skills and the ability to explain technical accessibility concepts clearly to non-technical audiences
- Comfort working independently while collaborating across departments and with community partners
Other Information
Military veterans encouraged to apply
Why You'll Love Working with Us - Core Employee Benefits (Benefits offered to all permanent employees unless otherwise specified)
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Affordable medical, dental, and vision plans with multiple options and low employee contributions.
Generous Paid Time Off
Enjoy vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays-with accruals that grow the longer you're with us.
Secure Retirement Planning
City-funded pension plan plus an optional 457 savings plan to help you build long-term financial security.
Support for Life's Big Moments
Paid parental and bereavement leave to help you navigate major life events with peace of mind.
Tuition Assistance
Get reimbursed for eligible education expenses-invest in your future while you work.
Income Protection
Short- and long-term disability coverage options to safeguard your earnings.
Life Insurance Provided
City-paid life insurance with the option to add more coverage for extra peace of mind.
Community Volunteer Leave
Take up to 8 hours annually to give back to causes you care about.
Want the Full Picture?
Click here for a complete benefits summary.
URGENT!!! CRITICAL RECRUITMENT INFORMATION
Applications and/or resumes are evaluated on the information received by the application deadline. Please ensure that your application or resume clearly demonstrates how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying, this includes providing all relevant educational dates and a detailed description of relevant work experience, including months/years of employment. Applications and/or resumes may not be considered if information is incomplete.
In order for a resume to be used in lieu of an application the resume must have been submitted online via the City's Applicant Tracking System.
Positions requiring a high school diploma/GED certificate must be obtained from a school/program accredited by the Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.
The minimum education requirement for positions that allow for experience equivalency for an accredited degree is a high school diploma. Unless otherwise specified, an accredited degree must be obtained from a college or university listed with the U.S. Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.
For positions with a salary grade of EX6 or higher that require an accredited degree, qualifying professional experience must be obtained AFTER the accredited degree is obtained.
Successful completion of a pre-employment criminal history/background check is required for all positions. Some positions require a post offer drug screen and/or physical.
If appointed, non-residents must obtain residency inside Kansas City, Missouri's city limits within nine months.
The City of KCMO is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The City is committed to providing a workplace environment for its employees and citizens free from discrimination based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity. For more information, please see our EEO Policy
The City of KCMO is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please call 816-513-1908 or send an e-mail to accommodations@kcmo.org .
If claiming military veterans' preference points, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 or a DD-256 (for reservists). To claim veterans' points you must have served 180 days of regular active duty service and be discharged or released under honorable conditions during peacetimes or 90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during "wartime" and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. (DOD) 38 U.S. Code • 4211).
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
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City of Kansas City
Show moreKansas City, Missouri is a growing, world-class community of just over 500,000 residents that serves as the central hub for a thriving bi-state, 18-county metropolitan area of 2.5 million residents. The City is governed by a 13-member City Council and Mayor that appoint a City Manager to oversee a municipal organization with over 4,000 employees, 16 departments, and a total annual operating and capital budget exceeding $1 billion. A diverse and culturally rich community located at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers, KC is known for its long traditions as the home of spectacular BBQ, jazz, beautiful boulevards, fountains, and parks. Kansas City boasts celebrated cultural traditions including jazz; theater, and history, including the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Kansas City is also the proud home of professional sports teams including the Chiefs, Royals and Sporting KC, and has served as host of several NCAA tournaments over recent years. The City is generally recognized as one of the most livable cities in America and looks forward to showcasing our city on the national and world stage as host of the 2023 NFL Draft and the 2026 World Cup. The City of Kansas City, MO seeks to attract and retain a qualified and progressive workforce to provide high-quality services to Kansas City, MO residents and visitors.
The spirit of Kansas City, powered by its people From Super Bowl wins to revitalizing neighborhood spaces to reimagined transportation networks, the Kansas City spirit shines in the big moments, but also in the everyday work that moves our city forward. Behind every moment of pride are the people who plan, build, grow, and serve with heart. Here, you’ll help turn bold ideas into lasting impact for generations to come.EVP Pillars and Proof Points
The programs, culture, and people that make our EVP real:
We build what lasts. People come here to serve and stay because they see their impact live on. Every park, policy, and plan make Kansas City stronger for the next generation.We dream big. Working for Kansas City means shaping what’s bigger than any one person, and we rally together to make this city shine. From Super Bowl wins to the World Cup stage, it’s our people who make those moments possible.We grow together. Our city thrives when its people do. From tuition support to leadership programs, employees build meaningful careers here, in a city where opportunity, community, and quality of life can co-exist. We show up for each other. In Kansas City, teamwork comes with a true sense of belonging. Across departments and generations, people step up, lend a hand, and celebrate one another’s wins. It’s the kind of place where everyone looks out for their neighbors, at work and beyond.
Be a part of the team that helps run our great city. View our current opportunities under Careers or click here: www.kcmo.gov/jobs to apply today.
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