Lead Interpreter​/Translator - Spanish

Job Summary

The Lead Medical Interpreter/Translator is responsible for organizing and overseeing the daily work activities of the department. The role ensures workflow is managed appropriately, provides guidance to staff, conducts medical and general interpreting/translating, mentors team members, and supports departmental initiatives.

• Is partially accountable for work product of others; has authority to work as group leader and establish work standards.
• Performs medical interpretation for patients and families in fast‑paced, emotionally taxing situations such as care conferences, end‑of‑life discussions, and rounds.
• Performs medical translation for patients and families, independently translates, edits, and proofreads simple and complex After Visit Summaries.
• Connects patients and families to hospital resources and shares observations with clinical staff to ensure quality patient care.
• Responds to Code emergency requests, confirms language preference, and provides interpretation for crisis interventions.
• Arranges interpretation for all languages as needed, coordinating outside agencies, phone interpretation, spoken and sign language services.
• Participates in leadership activities in the department, including the Interpreter Services Professional Practice Council and other unit committees.
• Provides in‑services, presentations, and represents the department on hospital‑wide committees and unit committees.
• Conducts ongoing review and development of department policies and procedures.

• Native or near‑native ability in verbal and written communications in both English and Spanish.
• Advanced knowledge of medical terminology and ability to perform consecutive, simultaneous interpretation and sight translation.
• Advanced knowledge of cultural, health literacy, and perceptual factors that may affect patient treatment and communication.
• Ability to establish and maintain excellent client relationships and exercise sound judgment and professionalism.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure, work well with individuals at all levels, and work effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to mediate and resolve complex problems, provide leadership, and influence others.

Education and experience requirements vary; candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in translation and interpretation and have at least four years of interpreting and hospital experience. Preferred licenses include Health Care Interpreters (CHI) or Certification for Medical Interpreters (CMI) issued within 548 days of hire.

Stanford Medicine Children’s Health (SMCH) strongly values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity and non‑discrimination in all of its policies and practices, including the area of employment. SMCH does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, medical condition, veteran status, or disability.

Typical new team members join at the minimum to mid salary range. Minimum to Midpoint Range (Hourly): $44.59 to $50.04. Compensation is based on the level and requirements of the role, education, experience, skills, location, and internal equity.