Computer- Aided Transcriber - (Hourly Interpreter/Realtime Captioner/Computer-Aided Transcriber) - Reasonable Accommodations

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services Coordinator, Computer- Aided Transcribers provide communication access real-time transcription services (CART) to Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing (DHOH) individuals, including students, faculty, staff, and university guests. Incumbents facilitate communication by using court reporting methods, a steno machine, real-time technology, software, and a laptop computer to create real-time word-for-word text of spoken English. Position Information

Communication Access Real-Time Transcription

• Provide immediate verbatim transcription of spoken English into text using a laptop computer, specialized steno mask, and computer aided speech-to-print/text transcription system in such settings as the classroom, student-teacher conferences, and/or other academic, instructional, administrative, or public campus events.
• Provide a laptop computer screen or other display device for the consumer(s) to read.
• Indicate environmental cues to the consumer(s).
• Assist consumer(s) with concurrent participation in the communication process by voicing questions or comments that the consumer has entered into the system.

Preparatory and Post-Assignment Tasks

• Research technical terminology related to assignments to develop and modify custom software dictionaries and any additional preparation for comprehension and accurate translation.
• Consultation with student, instructor and/or captioning team, as necessary.
• Set up of captioning equipment and display device before class.
• Provide consumer(s) with an electronic disk, e-mail, or hard copy version of the final, edited transcript.
• Work with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Coordinator to resolve any issues around access to materials for captioners and/or the consumer.

Other Duties As Assigned

At All Times Demonstrate behaviors that are in line with the User Friendly Principles (P530C) and Principles of Conduct for a Multi-Cultural University (P30D)

Demonstrate safe work practices for oneself, others and the office environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge: Incumbents must possess a thorough knowledge of the specialized computer-aided speech-to-text software and transcription system they are using, including a thorough knowledge of standard spelling and/or phonetic abbreviations, text condensing strategies, and automatic speech recognition involved in creating meaning-for-meaning translations; working knowledge of the computer equipment used, language and vocabulary used in assigned translating situations, and the industry’s code of ethics; and familiarity with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Culture.
• Abilities: Incumbents must be able to proficiently use specific speech-to-text software and word condensing strategies to ensure the accuracy of transcriptions; speed type at a minimum rate of 55 to 60 words per minute; demonstrate proficient English grammar and editing skills; maintain confidentiality; and work in stressful situations requiring constant attentiveness. Incumbents must possess strong listening skills, phonetic aptitude, and language skills to ensure transcription of the full meaning intended by the speaker(s).
• Education and Experience: Familiarity with academic higher education is highly preferred. Attendance at a post-secondary institution may be necessary to understand and provide accurate transcriptions of the language and vocabulary used in various academic, instructional, and/or administrative situations. Proficiently use specific speech-to-text software and word condensing strategies; demonstrate proficient English grammar and editing skills; maintain confidentiality. Typically, three to six months of related experience, preferably in a higher education setting, are necessary to meet the requirements of most transcribing assignments.

Preferred Qualification

• Ability to caption a minimum of 180 words per minute with a high level of accuracy;
• At least 2 years previous computer-aided transcription experience in a post-secondary setting;
• Experience and possession of appropriate software transcribing public and/or live-streamed events with projected captions;
• Experience with team captioning/transcribing;
• Back-up equipment as appropriate for use when primary system is down;
• Appropriate software for transcribing live-streaming events;
• Appropriate software for embedding captions into real-time video feed.

Core Competencies

• Bias toward collaboration and teamwork.
• Effective communication skills across a variety of venues.
• Customer/Client Focus with an emphasis in problem solving and resolution.
• Personal effectiveness and credibility as demonstrated by interpersonal and professional confidence.
• Diversity and inclusion.

Required License/Certification

• It is preferred that incumbents have at least one of the following certifications: State of California Certified Shorthand Reporter certificate, Court Reporting Certificate of Completion, Realtime Voice Reporter (RVR), Realtime Voice Reporter – Master (RVR-M), and/or Registered Cart Provider – Master (RCP-M) via the National Verbatim Reporters Association (NVRA) Other comparable industry certificate.

Environmental/Physical/Special

• Must comply with the National Verbatim Reporters Association (NVRA) Code of Professional Ethics regarding impartiality, confidentiality, and integrity.
• Assigned hours may include days, evenings, and/or weekend.
• Must refrain from wearing scented products to ensure access for people with chemical sensitivities.
• Must be able to competently interact with a culturally and ethnically diverse population of students, faculty and staff.