Hourly Realtime Captioner (Hourly Interpreter/Realtime Captioner/Computer-Aided Transcriber) - DPRC

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services Coordinator, Real-Time Captioners provide communication access real-time translating 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 Translating

• Provide immediate verbatim translation of spoken English into text using court reporting methods, a steno machine, real-time technology, software, and a laptop computer 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).
• Absorb and relay 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.
• Consult 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 court reporting methods and theories, realtime software and technology, realtime captioning computer systems and equipment, and the industry-recognized code of ethics; comprehensive knowledge of the English language, including grammatical structures, syntax, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation; working knowledge of the language and vocabulary used in the assigned translating situations; and general knowledge of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Culture.
• Abilities: Incumbents must be able to caption at a minimum rate of 180 or more words per minute with a high level of accuracy; proficiently use, maintain, and troubleshoot court reporting steno equipment, realtime software, and computer systems and equipment; develop, maintain, and proficiently use a thorough dictionary that enables accurate and fluid translation; effectively listen for continuity, sense, and detail while translating; proficiently write in realtime in a conflict- free manner using punctuation and sustaining accuracy in fast-paced stressful situations; use advanced editing skills; work effectively with consumers; and maintain confidentiality.
• Education and Experience: Formal training in court reporting and steno methods to meet position requirements is required, with graduation from a court reporting school preferred. In addition, typically six to twelve months of experience providing realtime captioning services, preferably in a higher education setting, is necessary to perform at the level required for the translating assignments in the university setting. Additional post-secondary education in a four-year college or university setting may be necessary to fully comprehend and provide accurate translations of the language and vocabulary used in various academic, instructional, and/or administrative situations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to caption a minimum of 220 words per minute with a high level of accuracy;
• At least 2 years previous real-time captioning experience in a post-secondary setting;
• Experience and possession of appropriate software captioning public and/or live-streamed events with projected captions;
• Experience with team captioning;
• Back-up steno writer and laptop for use when primary system is down;
• Appropriate software for captioning 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, Certified CART Provider through the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA), or other comparable industry certificate.

Environmental/Physical/Special

• Must comply with the National Court reporters Association (NCRA) Code of Professional Ethics regarding impartiality, confidentiality, and integrity.
• Assigned hours may include days, evenings, and/or weekend.
• Some assignments may be off-campus or at other SF State satellite campuses.
• 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.