Spec, Braille

Hillsborough County Public Schools; Brandon (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Hillsborough County Public Schools seeks a Braille Specialist for FIMC-VI to produce accessible instructional materials in braille and tactile formats. The role manages braille textbooks from receipt to delivery, ensuring BANA standards are met and coordinating with vendors and transcribers.

The specialist will operate Braille embossers, thermoform machines and related software, maintaining accurate inventory and database records while supporting other accessible media teams.

Qualifications

• Experience transcribing educational materials into braille per BANA standards.
• Ability to manage braille materials inventory and track volumes.
• Familiarity with braille production workflows and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Transcribes and produces braille textbooks and materials with tactile graphics in multiple codes.
• Receives and inspects braille materials from outside sources; tracks volumes and uses labeling/barcode systems.
• Assists in other accessible media departments as assigned.
• Transcribes print materials to braille using specialized software; meets BANA standards.
• Produces braille books and tactile graphics; handles embossing, binding and shipping preparation.
• Operates and maintains adaptive technology and equipment used in braille production; performs minor maintenance.

Skills

Braille transcription

Tactile graphics

Barcode scanning

Database entry

Vendor communications

Tools

Braille embossers

Thermoform machines

Braille software

Labeling systems

Bar code scanners

Job description

Please contact Amanda Lawyer ([e-mail]) or Sarah Murphy-Ellis ([e-mail]) for any questions or further information.

Summary

The Braille Specialist for FIMC-VI will produce high-quality accessible instructional materials in a timely manner and will manage the receipt and preparation of purchased accessible textbooks. This includes accessible instructional materials (textbooks, ancillary materials and assessments) in formats including but not limited to braille, tactile graphics and digital. Braille Specialist will report to the Manager 1 of the FIMC-VI Accessible Instructional Materials Production and Distribution Department.

NOTE: School Board Policy ensures equal opportunity for all in its personnel policies and practices and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender preference, political beliefs, social and family backgrounds, disability or age.

The district accords preference in selection, retention, and promotion procedures to certain veterans and spouses of veterans who are Florida residents.

Responsibilities

• Transcribes and produces a wide variety of braille textbooks and reading materials with appropriate tactile graphics in multiple codes using all available software and hardware devices. This includes transcribing educational materials using Unified English Braille, English Braille American Edition, and Nemeth Code in contracted and uncontracted braille. All braille and tactile graphic materials transcribed will meet standards set-forth by Braille Authority of North America (BANA).


• Receives and inspects braille materials (hard copy or digital formats) procured from outside sources. This includes the accurate tracking of individual volumes of multi-volume braille textbooks; the management and use of labeling and bar code scanning technology that synchronizes with the FIMC-VI database; data entry into the database to maintain an accurate status and location of textbooks and tactile graphics; and ensuring that the braille and tactile graphics meet the quality standards set forth by FIMC-VI and BANA. Braille specialist will also communicate with vendors and transcribers regarding the status of orders and corrections/edits needed.


• Assists in other accessible media departments as assigned.


• Transcribes print textbooks and ancillary materials (tests, assessments, handouts, and other reading materials) from print to braille using specialized software in a timely manner. All transcriptions will meet standards set by BANA.


• Produces braille books and/or supplemental tactile graphic volumes for Florida’s students with visual impairments in a timely manner. This includes the embossing, binding, labeling, and preparing for shipment of multi-volume books and/or assessments.


• Operates and maintains adaptive technology and specialized equipment in the production of braille books and tactile graphics. Specialized equipment and technology includes braille embossers, thermoform machines, specialized printers, paper bursting machine, computers, and database systems specific to FIMC-VI operations. This includes minor maintenance or repair of braille production material and equipment.


• Edits, receives, sends and manages electronic “braille masters” and tactile graphics used in the production of accessible textbooks.


• Displays technical proficiency in the efficient and accurate operation of FIMC-VI database systems (including data entry, bar codes, etc.) used in the tracking the status and inventory of all braille orders, books and masters.


• Communicates via phone, email, web-requests, etc. regarding braille orders and braille production. This includes communicating with vendors, volunteer transcribers, American Printing House for the Blind, other Instructional Materials Centers around the United States, publishers, teachers, etc.


• Manages and maintains supplies and inventory needed for braille production. This includes but is not limited to tactile graphics masters, braille master files, braille paper, binding combs, thermoform supplies, labels, and others as needed.


• Plans, organizes and completes the purging of master files for braille or tactile graphics inventory per the criteria set by FIMC-VI for recycling damaged or out-of-date textbooks.


• Researches and remains current on innovative practices in the production of braille.


• Operates hand trucks, mail carts and pallet jacks in a safe and efficient manner as required to transport inventory.


• Manages the return of defective or incorrect items and maintains accurate records of such items.


• Collaborates with other team members to ensure the timely delivery of accessible instructional materials to Florida’s students with visual impairments.


• Performs annual inventories and related clerical duties as needed.


• Performs any other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities and tasks outlined in this document are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of the district.

Other Information

Cooperation: Establishes and maintains effective relations. Exhibits tact and consideration. Displays positive outlook and pleasant manner. Offers assistance and support to co-workers. Works cooperatively in group situations. Works actively to resolve conflicts.

Job Knowledge: Competent in required job skills and knowledge. Exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills. Keeps abreast of current developments. Requires minimal supervision. Displays understanding of how job relates to others. Uses resources effectively.

Organization Support: Follows policies and procedures. Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time. Supports organization's goals and values. Benefits organization through outside activities. Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.

Project Management: Develops project plans, coordinates projects. Communicates changes and progress. Completes projects on time and, on budget. Manages project team activities.

Quantity: Meets productivity standards. Completes work in timely manner. Strives to increase productivity. Works quickly. Achieves established goals.

NOTE: School Board Policy ensures equal opportunity for all in its personnel policies and practices and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender preference, political beliefs, social and family backgrounds, disability or age.

The district accords preference in selection, retention, and promotion procedures to certain veterans and spouses of veterans who are Florida residents.

All job postings close at 7:00 p.m. on the posted Closing Date. Applications must be submitted before this deadline.

All applicants must have an \"ACTIVE\" application and must have received an active notification from the Application Center to be considered or interviewed for any posted position.

Not Currently an Employee of our district?

• If you are seeking employment with Hillsborough County Public Schools, you can apply for the position by clicking the \"Apply\" button.

Are you a current employee of Hillsborough County Public Schools?

• Eligible employees can find and apply for positions on the new employee experience on the Infor System (GHR Employee Space). Click on Opportunities to explore current openings.

All current employees seeking transfer or promotion must apply through the employee experience page.

Employees who wish to transfer to a different position or location must satisfy the minimum requirements of the desired position.

Please review the skills/competencies listed on your employee profile to determine your eligibility.

If you need to update your skills/competencies, please contact the Application Center at 813-840-7181.

You must ensure that you have the proper skills/competencies added to your employee profile PRIOR TO, OR SHORTLY AFTER, applying for any opening.

(Skill/competency updates are not necessary for employees seeking a lateral transfer (same job at a different location)).

Job description search: https://www2.sdhc.k12.fl.us/jobdescrs/

Salary Schedules

Our district salary schedules are available at: https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/employeerelations