Braille Transcriber

Chicago Public Schools; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A public school system in Chicago is seeking a full-time Braille Transcriber responsible for transcribing and reproducing instructional materials in braille, large print, and audio formats. Ideal candidates must have a high school diploma, 3+ years of experience in braille materials, and certification. Proficiency with braille tools and technology is essential. This position ensures access to educational resources for visually impaired students. Candidates must establish Chicago residency within six months of hire.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional experience with translating braille materials.
• Fluent in reading braille.
• Experience with instructional materials for visually impaired.

Responsibilities

• Receive and review requests for transcribing instructional materials.
• Operate tools such as braille writer and scanner.
• Maintain detailed records of all requests and materials transcribed.
• Consult with educational staff for material clarification.
• Adapt maps, charts, and images into tactile representations.

Skills

Transcribing materials to and from braille

Using braille writer and braille embosser

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Time management and organizational skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace

Collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED equivalent

Library of Congress Braille Transcriber Certification

Tools

Braille translation software

3D printing equipment

Job description

Job Summary

Reporting to the Manager of Special Education Services Delivery, the Braille Transcriber will be responsible for duties in connection with transcribing and reproducing instructional materials in braille, large print, and audio formats and will perform additional duties as required. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

Responsibilities

• Receive and review requests from educational staff for instructional materials to be transcribed to and from braille, print, and audio formats
• Operate tools such as a braille writer, braille embosser, scanner, and computer with braille translation software
• Enter instructional content or material into the computer/appropriate software to be translated and embossed into braille
• Use formatting skills to convert scanned materials into the appropriate braille format
• Consult with educational staff members for clarification surrounding requests for transcribed materials
• Maintain detailed records of all requests received and transcribed for teachers of the visually impaired
• Adapt maps, charts, graphs, images, and all graphics into tactile representations
• Download books and other print materials into audio formats using talking books software
• Under the direction of a teacher of the visually impaired, provide direct classroom support regarding the accessibility of materials, as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education Required:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Library of Congress Braille Transcriber Certification or actively working to obtain this certification

Experience Required:

• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience working with and translating braille materials
• Experience with 3D printing is preferred

Other Requirements:

• Fluent in reading braille

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of and/or familiarity with the principles and techniques of transcribing materials to and from braille
• Experience with equipment used to transcribe print to braille
• Resources such as Bookshare, Learning Ally, and the Library of Congress Talking Books Program as well as the Illinois Instructional Materials Center (IIMC)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with a variety of constituent groups
• Strong time management and organizational skills; capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high levels of accuracy and attention to detail, and meeting deadlines
• Proficient in the use of technology and computer programs (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace); must have the ability to type at least 45 words per minute

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.