Captioning Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In this digital era, the focus on Captioning Assistants has never been more pronounced.

As communication continues to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can accurately and efficiently transcribe spoken words into written form grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What does a Captioning Assistant truly do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker attempting to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager formulating the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply intrigued by the behind-the-scenes work of captioning,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Captioning Assistant job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Captioning Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Captioning Assistants provide vital communication services by creating captions for video content.

These captions enable individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to access, understand, and enjoy video media.

Captioning Assistants carry out the following duties and responsibilities:

• Transcribe audio content into written form for captioning purposes
• Ensure captions accurately reflect the spoken words, sound effects, and music in the video
• Edit and revise captions for clarity and readability
• Maintain awareness of cultural nuances and idiomatic expressions to ensure accurate translation
• Sync the captions with the corresponding audio and visual elements of the video
• Review and proofread captions before finalizing them
• Use specialized software and technologies to create and edit captions
• Adhere to specific style guides and formatting standards
• Ensure all captioning work is completed within established timelines
• Respect and maintain confidentiality when working with sensitive material

 

Captioning Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Captioning Assistant to provide accurate and timely captions for a variety of media.

The Captioning Assistant will be responsible for transcribing spoken words into written form, ensuring the accuracy of information and adherence to guidelines for closed captioning.

Our ideal candidate is a detail-oriented individual with excellent listening and typing skills.

Previous experience in transcription or a similar role is preferred.

Ultimately, the role of the Captioning Assistant is to provide support in creating accessible content for individuals with hearing impairments, ensuring that everyone has equal access to information.

 

Responsibilities

• Listen to and accurately transcribe spoken words into written form
• Ensure synchronization of captions with spoken dialogues
• Review and correct errors in transcriptions
• Adhere to specific captioning style guidelines
• Coordinate with the production team to ensure timely delivery of captions
• Keep up-to-date with language trends and terminology
• Respect confidentiality and maintain the privacy of information

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Captioning Assistant, Transcriptionist, or similar role
• Excellent listening and typing skills
• Attention to detail
• Excellent command of English language and grammar
• Knowledge of closed captioning standards and practices
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• High school diploma; degree in English, Communications, or related field is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Captioning Assistant
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some roles may require attending live events for real-time captioning.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Captioning Supervisor or Production Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $55,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Captioning Assistant Do?

Captioning Assistants play a crucial role in communications for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

They are responsible for providing real-time captions for live telephone conversations using voice recognition software.

This can include captions for everyday phone calls, business meetings, doctor appointments, and even emergency calls.

They listen to the conversation carefully and verbally repeat or re-voice what is said by the user into a captioning software which converts the spoken words into written form.

This allows the individual who is deaf or hard of hearing to read what is being said.

Captioning Assistants must be able to accurately interpret and convey the full meaning, intent, and tone of the user’s conversation.

They also correct any errors made by the voice recognition software in real-time.

While not involved in the conversation, they need to maintain strict confidentiality regarding the content of the calls.

They must also follow company policies and regulatory guidelines strictly to ensure equal communication access for all users.

In addition to these tasks, Captioning Assistants may also be responsible for maintaining the equipment and software they use, ensuring it is functioning correctly and efficiently.

 

Captioning Assistant Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Captioning Assistant should have skills and qualifications that align with job requirements, such as:

• Excellent listening skills to accurately understand and transcribe spoken dialogue and sound effects in real time.
• Strong typing speed and accuracy to keep pace with live audio and ensure real-time captioning.
• Profound knowledge of grammar, spelling, and punctuation to provide clear and comprehensible captions.
• Capability to work well under pressure to ensure accurate and timely delivery of captions.
• Knowledge of specific language or subject matter, including medical or legal terminology, depending on the context of the captioning job.
• Good attention to detail to ensure accuracy in the representation of spoken words and sounds.
• Interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with team members and clients.
• Technical proficiency to operate captioning software and related equipment.
• Problem-solving skills to address technical or transcription issues that may arise during the captioning process.

 

Captioning Assistant Experience Requirements

Captioning Assistants generally require a high school diploma or equivalent and should have strong typing skills.

They typically need to have a typing speed of 60 to 80 words per minute with high accuracy.

Entry-level captioning assistants may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships or part-time roles in transcription services or media companies.

These professionals can also gain valuable experience in roles such as Transcriptionist, Data Entry Clerk or other roles that require rapid and accurate typing skills.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often develop their skills and knowledge in various transcription software and platforms.

They may have experience working with video editing software and have a good understanding of broadcast standards and compliance regulations.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience and may be ready for a managerial or team lead position.

They may also have advanced understanding of the technical aspects of closed captioning and be adept at troubleshooting and resolving technical issues.

Some companies may prefer candidates with a degree in Communication, English, Journalism, or a related field, and may require their captioning hires to have advanced relevant experience in real-time captioning and proficiency in multiple languages.

 

Captioning Assistant Education and Training Requirements

Captioning Assistants typically require a high school diploma or its equivalent.

While there are no specific educational requirements, many employers prefer candidates who have completed post-secondary coursework in English, communications, or a related field.

Being a Captioning Assistant requires a strong command of the English language, including grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Knowledge in additional languages can also be beneficial in some settings.

They also need exceptional listening skills and the ability to transcribe verbal information quickly and accurately.

Therefore, keyboarding or typing courses can be very beneficial for this role.

Furthermore, familiarity with captioning software and technology is often required.

Many companies provide on-the-job training for these technologies.

Additionally, some positions may require a certification from the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA).

This certification demonstrates a candidate’s proficiency and commitment to the field.

Continuing education to keep pace with advancements in captioning technology and changes in language use is also beneficial.

 

Captioning Assistant Salary Expectations

A Captioning Assistant can expect to earn an average salary of $32,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary can vary depending on factors such as the number of hours worked, the specific company of employment, geographic location, and the assistant’s level of experience and skill in the field.

 

Captioning Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a captioning assistant need?

Captioning Assistants need excellent listening skills to correctly interpret spoken words into written form.

Good typing speed and accuracy are also essential.

They should possess strong reading skills, along with the ability to use specialized captioning software.

Familiarity with different accents and dialects is beneficial, as is the ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.

 

Do captioning assistants need a degree?

Although a degree is not necessarily required to become a Captioning Assistant, a bachelor’s degree in English, communication, or a related field can be beneficial.

Some employers may prefer candidates with a background in court reporting or transcribing.

Most importantly, captioning assistants should have excellent typing skills and a good understanding of grammar and punctuation.

 

What should you look for in a captioning assistant resume?

When reviewing a resume for a Captioning Assistant, you should look for evidence of strong typing speed and accuracy, along with experience in captioning or transcription.

Proficiency in using captioning software is also a significant asset.

Other key qualities to look for include good listening skills, excellent grammar, and a keen attention to detail.

 

What qualities make a good captioning assistant?

A good Captioning Assistant should have a sharp ear, able to accurately and swiftly transcribe verbal content.

They should be detail-oriented, ensuring the accurate depiction of the speaker’s words, tone, and intent.

They should also be able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Additionally, familiarity with a wide range of accents and dialects can be a major advantage.

 

How challenging is it to hire a captioning assistant?

Hiring a Captioning Assistant can be moderately challenging as it requires a unique skill set.

These professionals need to have a sharp ear, fast typing speed, and excellent command over grammar and punctuation.

Furthermore, familiarity with captioning software and a variety of accents and dialects is a plus.

Hence, finding candidates with this combination of skills may require a dedicated search.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the true essence of being a captioning assistant.

Guess what?

It’s not just about transcribing audio.

It’s about facilitating communication, one caption at a time.

With our comprehensive captioning assistant job description template and practical examples, you’re ready to make a leap.

But why stop there?

Dig further with our job description generator. It’s your best recourse for crafting accurate job postings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every caption is a bridge to understanding.

Let’s foster communication. Together.

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