Manager Cultural & Linguistic

CalOptima; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 91,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

CalPERS pension program

Tuition Reimbursement

Flexible scheduling

Generous PTO program

Job summary

CalOptima is seeking a Manager Cultural & Linguistic to lead the CLAS program, oversee translations and interpreter services, and drive compliance with NCQA, DHCS, DMHC, and CMS requirements.

The role emphasizes collaboration with leadership, external partners, and regulators to advance equitable health services while guiding strategic projects and staff development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in health care administration or related field PLUS 5 years of experience leading cultural and linguistics services or related program required; an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position, such as those listed above, may also be qualifying.
• 3 years of progressive management/leadership experience, including direct supervision of staff required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the department, including providing leadership, coordination and staff support to ensure effective communication, development and implementation of special projects, programs and new initiatives.
• Ensure accurate and timely delivery of document translations and interpretive services, coordination of cultural educational events and other related projects.
• Develop CLAS reports to support NCQA Health Plan and HealthCare Outcomes Accreditation process and renewals.
• Lead the team to facilitate regulatory audits and audit readiness activities for the department.

Education

Bachelor's degree in health care administration or related field

Job description

Manager Cultural & Linguistic

CalOptima

Join Us in this Amazing Opportunity

The Team You'll Join

We are a mission driven community-based organization that serves member health with excellence and dignity, respecting the value and needs of each person. If you are ready to advance your career while making a difference, we encourage you to help us build healthier communities for all.

More About the Opportunity

We are hoping you will join us as a Manager Cultural & Linguistic and help shape the future of healthcare where you’ll be an integral part of our Cultural & Linguistic Services team, helping to strive for excellence while we serve our member health with dignity, respecting the value and needs of each of our members through collaboration with our providers, community partners and local stakeholders. This position has been approved to be Full Office.

• If telework is approved, you are required to work within the State of California only and if Partial Telework, also come in to the Main Office in Orange, CA, at least two (2) days per week minimum.

The Manager Cultural and Linguistic (C&L) will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the department, including providing leadership, coordination and staff support to ensure effective communication, development and implementation of special projects, programs and new initiatives. You will ensure the accurate and timely delivery of document translations and interpretive services, coordination of cultural educational events and other related projects. The incumbent will work to enhance and strengthen CalOptima Health's Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) standards, including program, policy, contract compliance, statutory and regulatory obligations with the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Additionally, you will collaborate with leadership to implement programs with organizational-wide impact and work with internal and external contacts, including governmental or regulatory agencies. Together, we are building a stronger, more equitable health system.

Your Contributions To the Team:

• 50% - Leadership Functions
• Cultivates and promotes a mission-driven culture of high-quality performance, with a member focus on customer service, consistency, dignity and accountability.
• Directs and assists the team in carrying out department responsibilities and collaborates with the leadership team and staff to support short- and long-term goals/priorities for the department.
• Hires, manages, trains, reviews and sets goals for the team and staff.
• Monitors the department budget and provides input to leadership during the budget planning process.
• Develops and prepares CLAS reports to support the NCQA Health Plan and HealthCare Outcomes Accreditation process and renewals.
• Leads the team to facilitate DHCS, DMHC and CMS regulatory audits and audit readiness activities for the department.
• Develops and implements effective and standardized communication strategies to facilitate seamless information flow among internal and external business leads.
• Participates in and presents CLAS-related items at the Quality Improvement Health Equity Committee (QIHEC), Member Advisory Committees, Member Experience Committee (MEMx), etc.
• 45% - Program Oversight
• Oversees the maintenance of policies and procedures or desktop procedures that support effective collaboration, compliance and excellence for the C&L Program.
• Collaborates with leadership and other departments to drive the development, maintenance and evaluation of the CLAS Description, CLAS Evaluation and Work Plan and ensures these documents comply with accreditation, contractual and regulatory requirements.
• Engages in collaboration with all internal business leads to ensure C&L Work Plan elements are monitored, updated and reported to the QIHEC and subcommittees.
• Plans, organizes and provides coordination and direction for special projects.
• Provides communication, analysis and guidance in the development of special initiatives.
• Provides analytical and technical expertise on requests for information from leadership and other staff.
• 5% - Other
• Completes other projects and duties as assigned.

Do You Have What the Role Requires?

• Bachelor's degree in health care administration or related field PLUS 5 years of experience leading cultural and linguistics services or related program required; an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position, such as those listed above, may also be qualifying.
• 3 years of progressive management/leadership experience, including direct supervision of staff required.

You’ll Stand Out More If You Possess the Following:

• Master's degree in public health, health care administration, health care or related field.
• 5 years of experience in managed care, with a Medi-Cal managed health plan.
• Bilingual in English and in one of CalOptima Health's defined threshold languages (Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese).

What the Regulatory Agencies Need You to Possess?

N/A

Your Knowledge & Abilities to Bring to this Role:

• Develop rapport and establish and maintain effective working relationships with CalOptima Health's leadership and staff and external contacts at all levels and with diverse backgrounds.
• Work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Work a flexible schedule; available to participate in evening and weekend events.
• Organize, be analytical, problem-solve and possess project management skills.
• Work in a fast-paced environment and in an efficient manner.
• Manage multiple projects and identify opportunities for internal and external collaboration.
• Motivate and lead multi-program teams and external committees/coalitions.
• Utilize computer and appropriate software (e.g., Microsoft Office: Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and job specific applications/systems to produce correspondence, charts, spreadsheets, and/or other information applicable to the position assignment.

Your Physical Requirements (With or Without Accommodations):

• Ability to visually read information from computer screens, forms and other printed materials and information.
• Ability to speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and general communication.
• Hearing ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, and face-to-face interactions.
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing and reaching, flexibility, body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling and prolonged sitting.
• Lifting and moving objects, patients and/or equipment 10 to 25 pounds

Ways We Are Here For You

• You’ll enjoy competitive compensation for this role.
• Our current hiring range is: Pay Grade: 313 - $90,820 - $145,312 ($43.66 - $69.8615).
• The final salary offered will be based on education, job-related knowledge and experience, skills relevant to the role and internal equity among other factors.
• This position is approved for Full Office (**If the position is Telework, it is eligible in California only**)
• A https://www.caloptima.org/en/careers#benefits
• CalPERS pension program and additional retirement packages.
• Additional benefits and perks including:
• A generous PTO program
• A quality work life balance
• Various wellness programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities
• Career development opportunities
• Flexible scheduling
• And the satisfaction of knowing your work directly impacts and improves healthcare access for thousands of individuals and families.

Our Work Environment:

If located at the 500, 505 Building or a remote work location:

• Work is typically indoors and sedentary and is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours, with travel as needed.
• There are no harmful environmental conditions present for this job.
• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate.

If located at PACE:

• Work is typically indoors in a clinical setting serving the frail and elderly.
• There may be harmful or hazardous environmental conditions present for this job.
• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate to loud.

If located in the Community:

• Work is typically indoors and sedentary and is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours, with travel as needed.
• Employee will occasionally work outdoors in varied temperatures.
• There may be harmful or hazardous environmental conditions present for this job.
• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate to loud.

Why Join Us?

We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. Each employee brings a unique perspective to the overall team and we value everyone's input and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where you and every team member can thrive while making a meaningful impacts on our community members. Our team reflects and represents the communities we serve, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds who share our commitment to accessible, quality healthcare.

What's Your Next Step?

All Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. If you want to join our team, the deadline for the first review of applications is June 25, 2026 at 9:00 PM (PST). If you apply after the first review date, your application is not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date.

Our Commitment to You

• Your application and resume will be reviewed by a dedicated recruiter to this position. If your experience matches what we need, we will reach out to you to discuss the next steps. The selection process may include, but is not limited to, a skills assessment, phone screen and interview.
• If you make it through the steps above and are selected for this exciting role, you will be required to undergo a reference and a background check (to include a conviction record) and if applicable also pass a drug screening and/or a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (for specific positions). If you are an Internal CalOptima Health applicant, please apply through the internal portal on InfoNet.
• We will make sure to keep you updated through each step of the process on your candidate portal. Please make sure to watch for updates on your candidate portal and you emails which will be sent to the email address you listed on your application. Please check your email, including your SPAM folder, regularly throughout the recruitment process.
• CalOptima Health is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit. CalOptima Health wants to have qualified employees in every job position. CalOptima Health prohibits unlawful discrimination against any employee, or applicant for employment, based on race, religion/religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, sex stereotype, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transitioning status, age, sexual orientation, immigration status, military status as a disabled veteran, or veteran of the Vietnam era, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. CalOptima Health also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has, or is perceived as having, any of those characteristics.
• If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation at [phone] if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability.