Participant Support Specialist (Bilingual)

Description

Participant Support Specialist (Bilingual)
Department: Administration and Engagement
Job Status: Full Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Supervisor: Operations & Participant Support Manager
Salary: $48,000–$50,000 annually
Work Schedule:
• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Thursday: 11:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
• Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required to support agency events or
operational needs.
Primary Work Location: Main Office, 1101 E High Street, Charlotteville, VA
Work Type: In-Person

The Women’s Initiative
About The Women’s Initiative
The Women’s Initiative (TWI) provides free, high-quality mental health counseling, resilience
programs, and social support services to women throughout Charlottesville and the surrounding
region. Guided by our Resilience Model of Care, we deliver holistic, trauma-informed, and culturally
responsive services that empower individuals to transform challenges into positive change and
growth.
Each year, The Women’s Initiative serves thousands of women and members of the gender
expansive community through counseling, wellness programs, educational workshops, and
community-based services. We are committed to expanding equitable access to mental health care
for all women and gender-expansive individuals, particularly those who face barriers to care due to
financial hardship, cultural or language differences, discrimination, transportation challenges, or
other life circumstances. We recognize that these barriers disproportionately affect many
communities, including Black, BIPOC, Latiné, and LGBTQ+ individuals, and strive to ensure that
every person seeking support is welcomed with dignity, compassion, and respect.
To further expand access to care, we collaborate with healthcare providers, social service agencies,
and other community organizations throughout the region to bring mental health services to where
they are needed most.

Mission
The mission of The Women’s Initiative is to provide women with effective counseling, social support,
and education so they can transform challenges into positive change and growth.

Values
We are committed to identifying and supporting each woman’s needs and strengths and providing
compassionate care that maintains the highest standards of excellence in an environment that is
welcoming, safe, and supportive.

Location
The main office is located at 1101 East High St. The Women’s Initiative maintains a satellite office at
the Sentara Community Health and Outreach Clinic at 920 E High St and embeds with community
partners across the Charlottesville area.

Why Join Our Team?
At The Women’s Initiative, you’ll join a mission-driven team dedicated to expanding access to highquality mental health care for women and gender-expansive individuals. We value collaboration,
cultural humility, innovation, and continuous learning. Our employees are supported through
competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a workplace culture that prioritizes
compassion, well-being, and meaningful community impact.

Position Description
Job Summary
The Bilingual Participant Support Specialist (Spanish/English) serves as the first point of contact for
individuals seeking services at The Women’s Initiative. This position creates a welcoming, culturally
responsive, and participant-centered experience by providing exceptional customer service,
coordinating appointments, supporting participant intake and referrals, and connecting individuals to
counseling and wellness services. Working collaboratively with clinical and administrative staff, the
Participant Support Specialist helps ensure timely access to care while promoting a compassionate,
inclusive, and efficient participant experience.
The ideal candidate is a compassionate, bilingual (Spanish/English) professional who is passionate
about improving access to mental health care and creating a welcoming, inclusive experience for
every participant. They are an exceptional communicator with strong organizational skills and the
demonstrated ability to provide compassionate, culturally responsive service to individuals from
diverse backgrounds. They thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, balance multiple
priorities with accuracy and professionalism, and are dedicated to providing responsive, participant centered service while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and integrity.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
• Frequent travel between The Women’s Initiative’s office locations and occasional travel
throughout the service area is required.
• A valid driver’s license, reliable personal transportation, and the ability to travel
independently are required.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials weighing up to 15 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use a computer for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of organizational operations.

Compensation and Benefits
Starting salary is based on directly related experience, education, certifications, and other job-related
qualifications. Most new employees are hired at or near the beginning of the posted salary range,
with higher starting salaries considered for candidates whose experience and qualifications
substantially exceed the minimum requirements. A comprehensive benefits package is offered,
including health, dental, and vision insurance, 160 hours of paid time off annually, up to $1,000 in
annual professional development funding, and a SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with an employer
match up to 3% after one year.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The Women’s Initiative is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without
regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual
orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status
protected by applicable law.

Additional Information
The Women’s Initiative reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as
organizational needs evolve. This job description does not constitute an employment contract and
should not be construed as a guarantee of employment.

To Apply
Applicants must provide a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position. Applications
are accepted via email only. Please send the resume and cover letter in a combined PDF to HR and
indicate “Participant Support Specialist Application” in the email subject line.
HR Manager – Susan Osmanzada
Email: hr@thewomensinitiative.org
Subject: Participant Support Specialist Application

For more information about The Women’s Initiative, please visit www.thewomensinitiative.org.

Job Duties

Position Description
Job Summary
The Bilingual Participant Support Specialist (Spanish/English) serves as the first point of contact for
individuals seeking services at The Women’s Initiative. This position creates a welcoming, culturally
responsive, and participant-centered experience by providing exceptional customer service,
coordinating appointments, supporting participant intake and referrals, and connecting individuals to
counseling and wellness services. Working collaboratively with clinical and administrative staff, the
Participant Support Specialist helps ensure timely access to care while promoting a compassionate,
inclusive, and efficient participant experience.
The ideal candidate is a compassionate, bilingual (Spanish/English) professional who is passionate
about improving access to mental health care and creating a welcoming, inclusive experience for
every participant. They are an exceptional communicator with strong organizational skills and the
demonstrated ability to provide compassionate, culturally responsive service to individuals from
diverse backgrounds. They thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, balance multiple
priorities with accuracy and professionalism, and are dedicated to providing responsive, participant centered service while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and integrity.

Essential Functions
• Welcome and assist participants, visitors, and community members in English and Spanish
by phone, email, and in person.
• Coordinate participant intake, registration, scheduling, referrals, and waitlist activities to
ensure timely access to services.
• Maintain accurate participant records, documentation, and scheduling information in the
electronic health record (EHR) and other agency systems.
• Provide information about counseling, wellness, and community resources while maintaining
participant confidentiality.
• Facilitate scheduling for counseling appointments and wellness clinics, including evening
clinic coverage as assigned.
• Collaborate with clinicians and administrative staff to support participant care and continuity
of services.
• Maintain a welcoming, organized reception area and assist with general office and
administrative functions.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and organizational events, and perform other duties
as assigned.
The essential functions listed above are intended to describe the primary responsibilities of this
position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties. Responsibilities may be modified
or expanded based on organizational needs.

Skills Required

Required Skills and Qualifications
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Fluency in both English and Spanish (written and spoken) is required.
• Two or more years of progressively responsible customer service, participant services,
administrative support, healthcare, behavioral health, nonprofit, or human services
experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced
environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn electronic health record (EHR) and
database systems.
• Demonstrated ability to provide compassionate, culturally responsive, and participantcentered service to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with organizational policies.

Work Schedule

Work Schedule:
• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Thursday: 11:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
• Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required to support agency events or
operational needs.
Primary Work Location: Main Office, 1101 E High Street, Charlotteville, VA
Work Type: In-Person