Captionist I

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Provides live, real-time captioning to deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf/visual impaired consumers in academic settings and non-academic settings. Voices for students as required
• Prepares for assignments by reviewing materials and terminology, inputting words into PAL (Personal Abbreviation List), and familiarizing set with course/assignment materials
• Edits and proofreads transcripts following assignments. Merges and uploads transcripts to department website within established timeframes
• Coordinates equipment use with team members, and safely sets up, cares for, and maintains equipment assigned to or in one’s possession
• Maintains effective communication with customers, staff, and colleagues regarding the provision of captioning services
• Attends professional development sessions and participates in department committees and staff meetings. May assist in training and mentoring newly hired and/or less experienced captionists
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of captioning practices and procedures
• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and academic vocabulary
• Skill in customer service and professionalism
• Skill in typing no less than 65 words per minute (WPM)
• Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite, Access Services Database System (ASDS), myCourses, Kronos, RIT email and Google drives at an intermediate level
• Ability to listen to rapid spoken English, to restate it rapidly, accurately and in correctly formed English sentences

Minimum Education & Experience

• Associates degree in related field
• Equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered

Job Level Overview

Operations, Administrative, Service, or Technical Support Level 1 - An entry-level role building knowledge and skills. Performs routine, well-defined, easy-to-understand tasks that can typically be learned in a short period of time. Work is performed under close supervision using clearly prescribed methods and detailed instructions.

Real-Time Captioning at RIT/NTID

Real-time captioning at RIT/NTID provides Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals with immediate access to spoken language, supporting full participation in communication, dialogue, and learning.

This position plays a vital role in delivering entry-level live real-time captioning for classes, meetings, interviews, and other on-campus events. Captionists use laptop computers and specialized captioning software to convert spoken language into text in real time. Captions are displayed on individual devices (such as an iPad or laptop) or on shared screens for individuals or larger groups. This position requires the ability to accurately hear and process spoken communication in real time.

Work Schedule and Location

Please note: This position is 40 hours per week/9 months (39 weeks per year).

Work months are mid-August through mid-May

A weekly schedule is established each semester and requires flexibility to meet student needs. Captionists must be available to work Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., with occasional weekend hours. All work is performed onsite at RIT’s Henrietta campus.

Department/College Description

The Department of Access Services (DAS) at RIT/NTID is seeking candidates to join the largest team of professional captionists working in postsecondary education.

What We Offer / Training Program

Selected candidates must successfully pass an initial screening to qualify for an online captioning training program. This paid training:

• Runs for 6–8 weeks
• Requires approximately 20 hours per week
• Covers specialized captioning software, culture-specific information, and industry best practices

Upon successful completion of the training, candidates must pass a comprehensive final skills assessment to be eligible for permanent, full-time (40 hours/week) employment.

FLSA Category

Work Location

Compensation

Application Materials

When you are ready to complete an application for this position please be prepared to submit the below requested information.  This will be required to ensure your application is processed in a timely manner.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Additional Details

In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law.

If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request to [email protected]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.