BRAILLE COORDINATOR

Cleveland Public Library; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 44,685 - 54,615; Full time

Job summary

Cleveland Public Library is seeking a Braille Coordinator to coordinate braille production activities at the Ohio Library for the Blind and Print Disabled. Responsibilities include transcribing materials into Unified English Braille, overseeing volunteers, and supporting braille literacy programs.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and experience in braille transcription and project management, demonstrating proficiency in braille technology and community service.

Qualifications

• Unified English Braille (UEB) standard knowledge required.
• Minimum three years of professional experience in braille transcription.
• Minimum two years of project management experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate onsite braille production, including transcription of print materials.
• Oversee acquisition and editing of print or electronic texts for braille.
• Maintain electronic braille files and support collection development.

Skills

Braille transcription software proficiency

Technology proficiency and learning

Creating tactile graphics

Vendor coordination skills

Knowledge of IT systems and workflows

Spelling, grammar, punctuation knowledge

Familiarity with Revised Standards

Microsoft Office Suite proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in linguistics, communications, IT, or related field

Job description

BRAILLE COORDINATOR

HOURS: Minimum of 37.5 hours per week. May be required to work flexible hours, including evenings and/or weekends, to meet operational needs.

PAY GRADE: 4 ($49,650.00)

LOCATION: Memorial Nottingham (Ohio Library for the Blind and Print Disabled)

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for coordinating braille production activities for Ohio Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (OLBPD) that include transcribing printed materials, such as books, magazines, correspondence, and promotional content, into Unified English Braille (UEB), along with implementing related statewide outreach, programming, and overseeing volunteers. Perform other functionally related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree is required. Preferably in linguistics, communications, information technology/digital media production or a related field that provides knowledge of accessible formats, literacy, or disability services.
• Unified English Braille (UEB) standard.
• Three (3) years’ professional experience transcribing braille.
• Two (2) years’ project management experience, including planning, scheduling, communicating and evaluating projects.
• Experience organizing and monitoring the work of volunteers.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with advanced braille formats (e.g., tabular materials, computer notation, general textbook format).
• Three (3) years’ professional experience working for an organization that provides community-based services, and experience with individuals who are blind, have visual disabilities or reading disabilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Proficiency with braille transcription software programs and braille embossers.
• Proficiency with technology, including willingness and ability to learn new systems and tools.
• Skill in creating tactile graphics using specialized braille formats and equipment.
• Skill in coordinating with vendors to troubleshoot software and hardware issues.
• Knowledge of information technology systems, principles, and workflows relevant to production environments.
• Knowledge of proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure to ensure high-quality written documents.
• Familiarity with Revised Standards and Guidelines of Service for National Library Service Network Libraries.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, Teams, and PowerPoint.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Coordinate onsite braille production for OLBPD, including transcription of print materials into UEB braille.
2. Oversee the acquisition, scanning, formatting, and editing of print or electronic texts to prepare files for braille transcription.
3. Create and maintain electronic braille files for download, circulation, and submission to the NLS BARD portal.
4. Support collection development by selecting and acquiring braille books and related materials for library use.
5. Transcribe, proofread, and edit internal communications, publications, and special projects to ensure accuracy and adherence to braille standards.
6. Provide consultation to CPL staff and partners on braille needs for publications, programs, and organizational materials.
7. Research and apply current practices, technologies, tactile graphics methods, and emerging trends in braille production.
8. Maintain production records, track workflow stages, and prepare statistics on materials in process, completed, and pending.
9. Serve as the onsite expert for braille software, embossers, and related equipment, including troubleshooting and coordinating repairs or maintenance with vendors.
10. Develop and deliver braille-related training, programs, and mentoring for students, staff, and volunteer transcribers.
11. Recruit, train, and assign volunteers, ensuring their work meets braille standards and project requirements.
12. Participate in statewide outreach efforts, develop braille-focused programming, and build relationships with organizations serving blind, low-vision, and deafblind communities.
13. Act as OLBPD’s braille ambassador, promoting braille literacy and raising awareness of its importance statewide.
14. Perform other functionally related duties as assigned.