"Hourly Real Time Captioner POOL (Temporary & Intermittent)"

About the Position

This is an hourly, temporary, intermittent position. Work schedules may vary each academic term depending on operational needs. This position may require working some weekend and evening hours as needed.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and applicable state and CSU policies, Accessibility Services (AS) provides eligible students with disabilities academic support services, disability counseling, campus and community resources, and strategies necessary to provide them with an accessible education experience. Accessibility Services ensures that Cal State East Bay’s campus climate is inclusive and facilitates academic accommodations in all areas of learning.

The purpose of this position is to provide communication access via real-time captioning services for students, faculty, staff and guests of the campus who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing. Services may be required on-site at one of Cal State East Bay’s three campuses: Hayward, Concord, and/or Oakland. Real-time captioning may be needed in academic courses, meetings, office hours, student groups, and/or campus events.

Real-time captioners will facilitate communication by using court reporting methods, a steno machine, real-time technology, software, a laptop computer, and any other equipment needed (i.e., tablet, iPad, etc.) to create real-time text of spoken English. Real-time captioners will provide and maintain their own software and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional level real-time captioning services for students, faculty, staff and guests of the campus who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing in a variety of assignments across campus.
• Provide real-time transcriptions of spoken English into text, not summarized.
• Use appropriate court reporting methods with a steno machine, real-time technology, software, and laptops/tablets as needed.
• When available, substitute when other captioners are absent, as needed.
• Prepare for assignments by reading course materials, reviewing Canvas information, etc., as needed.
• May be required to provide a digital transcript after the event - this will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

Minimum Qualifications

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.
• Six to twelve (6-12) months of experience providing realtime captioning services, preferably in a higher education setting.
• 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.

Certifications Requirements:

• Must possess 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) (preferred).
  • Possess a comparable industry certification.

Knowledge and Abilities:

• 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.
• General knowledge of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Culture.
• 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.

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Requires broad experience with higher education and/or complex subject matter presented at the university level.
• Currently attend, or have graduated from, a four-year university in order to effectively understand student needs in various university settings and ensure effective delivery of services.

Skills and Abilities:

• Develop, maintain, and proficiently use a thorough dictionary that enables accurate and fluid translation.
• Effectively listen for continuity, sense, and detail while captioning.
• Proficiently write in real-time in a conflict- free manner using punctuation and sustaining accuracy in fast-paced stressful situations.
• Use advanced editing skills in post-production, as needed.
• Work effectively with a broad range of consumer needs and preferences in a diverse, multicultural environment.
• Possess a high degree of linguistic, cognitive, and technical skills.
• Possession and maintenance of real-time captioning equipment, including but not limited to, steno machine(s), laptop(s), tablet(s), etc.

Knowledge:

• Thorough understanding of, and adherence to, the NCRA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
• Demonstrated understanding of the unique communication needs of Deaf or hard-of-hearing consumers.
• Working knowledge of the vocabulary, terminology, and basic information in a variety of subjects commonly found in a university environment.
• Specific knowledge of specialized vocabulary and techniques used in professional and technical subject matters.
• Demonstrated understanding of student and classroom needs in a university setting.

Preferred Skills and Knowledge

• Graduation from a court reporting school.
• A Bachelor's Degree.
• Two-plus (2+) years experience in a higher education setting.
• Possess basic office skills including common office software programs, email platforms, and electronic calendaring.

Salary and Benefits

PLEASE NOTE: The starting salary placement depends on qualifications and experience and is anticipated to be in the range of $55.00 per hour to $100.00 per hour.