Working Title
Hourly Realtime Captioner (Hourly Interpreter / Realtime Captioner / Computer-Aided Transcriber) - DPRC
SF State University
San Francisco State is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status.
Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Senior Human Resources Manager.
Applicants may visit for more information on SF State's policy prohibiting discrimination, and how to file an online report using the procedures under Executive Order 1096 Revised.
Inquiries can be directed to the campus Title IX Coordinator and Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Administrator by calling (415) 338-2032 or emailing Francisco State is a 100% Smoke / Vapor-Free Campus.
Smoking or Vaping of any tobacco / plant-based substance is not permitted on any University properties.
The person holding this position may be considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
This position may be a "designated position" in the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. The successful candidate accepting this position may be required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.
Department
Disability Programs & Resource Center
Appointment Type
Hourly
Time Base
0.01 FTE
Work Schedule
Intermittent / Hourly
Anticipated Hiring Range
$70 / hour - $97.17 / hour
Salary is commensurate with experience.
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).
- Assist consumer(s) with concurrent participation in the communication process by voicing 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.
- Consultation 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.
Equipment : Because the dictionaries of these systems are highly customized, Realtime Captioners often provide their own equipment and software, including realtime-capable steno machine, laptop computer, and display monitor for consumers, current software for realtime translation, realtime cables, and other items for set up (.
extension cords, extra battery, and power surge protector).
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; and
- Appropriate software for embedding captions into real-time video feed.
- Core Competencies embody the following 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)
- 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.
Pre-Employment Requirements
This position requires the successful completion of a background check.
Eligibility to Work
Applicants must be able to provide proof of US Citizenship or authorization to work in the United States, within three business days from their date of hire.
Employment Requirement
CSU requires faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19 or declare a medical or religious exemption from doing so.
Any candidates advanced in a currently open search process should be prepared to comply with this requirement. The systemwide policy can be found at and questions may be sent to