What are the responsibilities and job description for the Spanish Access Specialist position at Orchard Place?
Job Title: Spanish Access Specialist
Location: Child Guidance Center (Des Moines, IA) – Potential for visiting other OP Branches and/or virtual settings
Pay for this position is posted at: $20.00 – $22.00/hour (commensurate with experience and education)
Schedule for this position: Full-time, primarily weekday hours with flexibility for occasional evening or virtual family needs
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Location: Child Guidance Center (Des Moines, IA) – Potential for visiting other OP Branches and/or virtual settings
Pay for this position is posted at: $20.00 – $22.00/hour (commensurate with experience and education)
Schedule for this position: Full-time, primarily weekday hours with flexibility for occasional evening or virtual family needs
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Position Overview:
Orchard Place is seeking a compassionate, bilingual professional to join our Child Guidance Center team as a Spanish Access Specialist. This position was created to eliminate barriers and improve access to mental health services for Spanish-speaking children and families. You will work closely with therapists and intake staff as a cultural liaison, trusted interpreter, and family engagement partner - ensuring families feel welcomed, informed, and supported every step of the way.
Key Responsibilities:
- Interpretation & Translation (60%)
- Provide live interpretation for intake, treatment planning, and family meetings.
- Translate documents, consent forms, and other family-facing materials.
- Serve as a cultural bridge between Spanish-speaking families and clinical staff.
- Family Access & Engagement (30%)
- Meet with families in their homes, community settings, or virtually to explain services, consents, and next steps.
- Collaborate with therapy teams to ensure timely and supported engagement in services.
- Identify community-specific barriers and help build culturally responsive solutions.
- Operational Support (10%)
- Attend weekly planning meetings to align with program priorities.
- Track service metrics and share insight into language access trends.
- Provide occasional support across CGC programs based on need.
Qualifications:
- Required:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Fluent Spanish speaker.
- Strong interpretation/translation abilities (spoken and written).
- Valid driver’s license, vehicle insurance, and reliable transportation.
- Preferred:
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s in Human Services, Education, Social Work, or related field.
- Prior experience supporting immigrant or Latino communities.
- Interpreter training/certification (e.g., Bridging the Gap, CCHI).
- Familiarity with mental/behavioral health systems.
Criminal and abuse registry checks completed as required by Orchard Place's licensing and accreditation standards.
Salary : $20 - $22