Director - Interpreter Services

MaineHealth; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 97,000 - 131,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid parental leave

Flexible work policy

Student loan assistance

Professional development

Well-being resources

Job summary

MaineHealth seeks a Director of Interpreter and Cross-Cultural Services to lead ICCS across the MaineHealth system. This role oversees language access strategy, interpreter and translation services, ADA support, regulatory compliance, and quality improvement.

The ideal candidate has 5–7 years of progressive leadership experience in language services, with at least 3 years guiding teams in healthcare LEP programs and strong knowledge of federal/state language-access laws.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of progressive leadership experience in language services.
• 3 years of supervisory experience in healthcare LEP programs.
• Bachelor’s degree in business or healthcare with language studies; master’s preferred.
• Knowledge of federal and state language-access requirements.
• Experience with budgeting, performance and quality improvement.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Interpreter and Cross-Cultural Services across MaineHealth.
• Develop and implement Language Access Plan and standards of practice.
• Lead quality improvement and data analytics for language services.
• Collaborate with senior leadership, Compliance, DEI, and operational teams.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and ADA support.

Skills

Leadership

Healthcare language services

Regulatory compliance

Budgeting

Data analytics

Change management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Interpreter scheduling software

Data analytics tools

Job description

Description

MaineHealth Corporate

Management/Leadership

Req #: 94577

This is a senior leadership role overseeing Interpreter and Cross-Cultural Services across MaineHealth. The Director is responsible for the overall language access strategy, including interpreter and translation services, ADA support, regulatory compliance, quality improvement, and development of the system-wide Language Access Plan.

The ideal candidate will have 5–7 years of progressive leadership experience in language services, including at least 3 years leading/supervising teams and experience with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) programs in healthcare. They should have strong knowledge of federal and state language-access requirements, program development, performance and quality improvement, budgeting, data/analytics, and change management.

This person will work closely with senior leadership, medical staff, Compliance, DEI, and other operational teams, so strong collaboration, communication, and relationship-building skills are essential. A bachelor’s degree is required, with a master’s preferred, along with appropriate interpreter/language-services certification.

Summary

The Director of Interpreter and Cross-Cultural Services provides assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of the development and implementation of standards of practice for interpreter, translation, and cross-cultural services in support of patient-centered clinical excellence and innovative practice in the field of language services. The Director effectively provides leadership in the growth, development, and implementation of ICCS initiatives within Maine Medical Center and the MaineHealth system and serves as liaison to external agencies relative to regulatory compliance and language access. The Director develops and implements a Language Access Plan that supports Maine Health’s mission, vision and values. The Director of ICCS is responsible and accountable for developing systems and processes for language access across the MaineHealth System. He/she is responsible to plan, direct and supervise all aspects of the program. The Director ensures that the Language Access Plan supports the strategic imperatives, that the system meets all accreditation requirements and applicable state and federal related regulations, that appropriate information is obtained and utilized to enhance performance, and that education relative to language access is ongoing. In addition, the Director of ICCS acts as a liaison with other departments throughout MMC and the MaineHealth System. The Director is responsible for supporting the strategic plans of MMC and the MaineHealth System. The Director provides oversight of the written and spoken language programs and associated ADA support and works closely with system senior leadership, medical staff leadership as well as other system operational functions including but not limited to Corporate Compliance, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Medical Staff Office. This is a dynamic position for a visionary leader.

Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities (KSAs)

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business or healthcare-related field with associated language studies. Master’s degree in business or healthcare field with language-associated studies at the graduate or undergraduate level preferred.
• License/Certifications: Certification consistent with MaineHealth’s Interpreter Services Competency plan.
• Experience: 5-7 years of progressive leadership experience including delivery of language services and leadership of language service programs. 3 years of prior supervisory experience. A minimum of 3 years of experience in Limited English Proficiency programs in the healthcare setting.
• Demonstrates strong language services background with knowledge of professional language principles, processes and interventions.
• Demonstrates knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations related to healthcare and the provision of language support services.
• Demonstrated skills in the planning and development of multidisciplinary clinical programs and systems in both hospital and community based health and social service delivery systems.
• Experience in performance management, systems thinking and application of quality management principles.
• Must possess and utilize negotiating skills to be recognized as a collaborator and team builder.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and the ability to implement a quality improvement process.
• Presents leadership skills and experience consistent with managing and motivating diverse work groups.
• Demonstrates knowledge of computer software applications for translation, transcription, disability access, and interpreter scheduling.
• Demonstrates proficiency in data management and analytics, including software programs, with the ability to develop and carry out studies.
• Demonstrates the ability to lead and implement change management and process improvement activities.
• Possesses communication skills to facilitate meetings and effectively exchange information with staff, other departments, healthcare professionals, and administrators.
• Demonstrates leadership abilities including the ability to establish priorities, meet deadlines, and manage the department’s productivity standards.
• Demonstrates proficiency with financial management including organizational goals and managing within budget limits.
• Demonstrates the ability to lead and problem-solve in a proactive, creative manner using sound judgment based on factual information and administrative knowledge.
• Demonstrates a strong ability to communicate verbally and in writing to internal and external constituencies.
• Established knowledge of the community of support for Interpreter and Cross-Cultural Services including key vendors, service organizations, language groups, and political, cultural, and ethical challenges.

Additional Information

MaineHealth is committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive environment where care team members can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve across Maine and New Hampshire. We offer competitive benefits including paid parental leave, flexible work options, student loan assistance, professional development opportunities, and well-being resources—so you can grow your career while feeling supported both personally and professionally.

We recognize the value each team member brings to our organization.Any offer of employmentwill depend onqualificationssuch asskills, relevant experience, education, certifications,and otherjob-relatedfactors. Thebase rangeis an estimate and does notreflect the full valueofourtotal compensationpackage.

The pay range for this position is $97,177.60to $131,497.60per year.

Compensation for part-time positions isdeterminedon a prorated basis consistent with the scheduled hours and applicable full-time equivalent (FTE).

In addition to base pay, MaineHealth offerscomprehensivebenefits, recognition programs, career growth opportunities, and,where applicable,shiftdifferentials or other incentives.

If you have questions about this role, please contact [e-mail]

Additional Information

With a career at any of the MaineHealth locations across Maine and New Hampshire, you’ll be working with health care professionals that truly value the people around them – both within the walls of the organization and the communities that surround it.

We offer benefits that support an individual's needs for today and flexibility to plan for tomorrow – programs such as paid parental leave, a flexible work policy, student loan assistance, training and education, along with well-being resources for you and your family.

MaineHealth remains focused on investing in our care team and developing an inclusive environment where you can thrive and feel supported to realize your full potential.

If you have questions about this role, please contact [e-mail]