Captioning Quality Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of digital content, the role of Captioning Quality Specialists is becoming increasingly vital.

As the world becomes more connected and reliant on visual media, the demand for professionals who can accurately and creatively caption our digital content grows.

So what exactly does a Captioning Quality Specialist do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to understand the core responsibilities of this position,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of captioning quality specialization,

You’ve come to the right place.

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

Let’s dive in.

Captioning Quality Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Captioning Quality Specialists ensure that captions for various forms of media are accurate, well-timed, and of high quality.

They must have a strong command of the language and be able to effectively convey dialogue, sound effects, and other audio elements in written form.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Reviewing and correcting captions for accuracy in grammar, punctuation, and spelling
• Ensuring that captions are synchronized with the audio
• Identifying and correcting errors or inconsistencies in the captioning
• Transcribing dialogues, sound effects, and other audio elements
• Ensuring that the style and format of captions are consistent and meet specified guidelines
• Working with other team members and departments to ensure the quality of the final product
• Staying updated with changes in captioning technology and industry standards
• Providing feedback and suggestions to improve the captioning process and quality
• Managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines
• Complying with all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies regarding captioning and accessibility

 

Captioning Quality Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a meticulous Captioning Quality Specialist to ensure the accuracy and quality of our captioning services.

The Captioning Quality Specialist’s responsibilities include reviewing and editing captions, ensuring compliance with style guides and specifications, and identifying areas for improvement.

Our ideal candidate has experience in captioning or subtitling, a keen eye for detail, and exceptional communication skills.

Ultimately, the role of the Captioning Quality Specialist is to ensure all captioning projects are executed to a high standard, adhering to set guidelines and maintaining the company’s reputation for quality.

 

Responsibilities

• Review and edit captions for accuracy, consistency, and adherence to style guides
• Identify and correct errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and timing
• Ensure that all captions meet readability and comprehensibility standards
• Provide feedback to captioning teams and management on quality issues and areas for improvement
• Participate in quality assurance projects and initiatives
• Keep up-to-date with advancements in captioning technology and best practices
• Maintain detailed records of reviewed content and feedback provided

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Captioning Quality Specialist, Subtitler, or similar role
• Strong knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• Experience with captioning software and tools
• Detail-oriented with a strong focus on quality
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to provide clear and concise feedback
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• High school diploma or equivalent; a degree in Linguistics, English, or related field is preferred

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Captioning Quality Specialist
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for team meetings or workshops.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Quality Assurance Manager or Director of Operations.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $70,000 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 Quality Specialist Do?

A Captioning Quality Specialist primarily works in the field of media, broadcasting, and transcription services to ensure the accuracy and quality of closed captioning.

They have a critical responsibility to review, edit, and correct the text of closed captions, subtitles, or transcriptions to assure they align accurately with the corresponding audio and video content.

This includes not only the spoken dialogue but also non-verbal elements like sound effects and music.

Beyond general accuracy, a Captioning Quality Specialist also considers the timing and synchronization of captions, ensuring they appear and disappear in sync with the corresponding speech and sounds.

They may also be responsible for ensuring captions adhere to various guidelines, standards, or specific client requirements, such as the use of proper grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting.

Some Captioning Quality Specialists might also have the responsibility of training and guiding other team members to maintain the quality standards across the organization.

Their role is significant in making media content accessible to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, and others who benefit from closed captioning, like non-native speakers or those in noise-sensitive environments.

 

Captioning Quality Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A qualified Captioning Quality Specialist should possess the following skills and qualifications that align with the job role:

• Excellent listening skills and attention to detail to accurately transcribe audio into text.
• Technical knowledge of captioning software and tools to effectively generate captions and subtitles.
• Fast and accurate typing skills, ensuring that the transcription matches the pace of the spoken content.
• Strong English language skills, including grammar, punctuation and vocabulary, to ensure high-quality captions.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate with a team and provide feedback on caption quality.
• Flexibility to work with a wide range of media content, including movies, television shows, and online videos.
• Knowledge of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community and the specific requirements for captioning content in an accessible way.
• Problem-solving skills to address and rectify captioning errors or syncing issues.
• Understanding of broadcast standards and regulations for closed captioning.

 

Captioning Quality Specialist Experience Requirements

Captioning Quality Specialists typically begin their career with a background in media, communication, or a related field.

Entry-level positions may require 1 to 2 years of experience in broadcasting, transcription, or captioning.

This experience can be gained through internships, part-time roles, or relevant coursework.

Candidates who have held roles such as Transcriptionist, Closed Captioner, or Broadcast Technician often possess the necessary skills for this job.

These roles provide individuals with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with audiovisual materials, transcribe speech into written form, and proofread captions for accuracy.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience are generally expected to have honed their captioning skills and should have a comprehensive understanding of captioning software and standards.

They may have previously worked in roles where they were responsible for creating, editing, and synchronizing captions for various types of media content.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in the field may have leadership experience, having supervised captioning teams or managed large captioning projects.

These experienced candidates are likely to have extensive knowledge of accessibility regulations and may be ready for senior roles or management positions within the captioning industry.

 

Captioning Quality Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Captioning Quality Specialists typically have a bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Linguistics, or a related field.

They must possess excellent reading and comprehension skills, as well as an in-depth understanding of grammar and spelling.

Proficiency in foreign languages can be a significant advantage in this field.

While not always required, having prior experience in transcription, editing, proofreading or captioning is often highly beneficial.

Employers may also look for candidates familiar with closed captioning software and equipment.

Some positions may require a certification in closed captioning.

These certification programs often cover areas such as captioning laws and regulations, real-time captioning, post-production captioning, and the use of specialized captioning software.

In addition, a Captioning Quality Specialist should have strong critical thinking abilities and attention to detail, as the role involves reviewing and correcting captions to ensure high-quality and accurate content.

Ongoing training is often necessary in this field due to advancements in captioning technology and changing industry standards.

A commitment to continuous learning and staying updated on the latest trends and technologies is therefore essential for success in this role.

 

Captioning Quality Specialist Salary Expectations

A Captioning Quality Specialist can expect to earn an average salary of $51,000 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can fluctuate based on factors like experience, education, and location.

Larger companies may offer a higher salary, while smaller firms may pay less.

The specialist’s ability to ensure the accuracy and quality of captions on various media platforms can also significantly impact their earning potential.

 

Captioning Quality Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Captioning Quality Specialist need?

A Captioning Quality Specialist should have excellent listening skills to accurately transcribe the audio.

They must have a keen attention to detail to ensure that the captions accurately reflect the audio and that all grammar, spelling, and punctuation are correct.

They should also have strong time management skills to ensure that captions are synchronized with the audio.

 

Do Captioning Quality Specialists need a degree?

A degree is not usually required for a Captioning Quality Specialist, but they should have a high school diploma or equivalent.

A background in English, communication, or a foreign language could be beneficial.

Most importantly, they should have excellent language skills and be proficient in the language they are transcribing.

 

What should you look for in a Captioning Quality Specialist resume?

When reviewing a Captioning Quality Specialist resume, check for experience in transcribing and captioning.

Familiarity with captioning software and standards, as well as any specializations, like closed captioning or real-time captioning, is also essential.

Any relevant education or certifications, such as certification from the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA), can be a valuable asset.

 

What qualities make a good Captioning Quality Specialist?

A good Captioning Quality Specialist is meticulous and has a keen eye for detail to ensure that all captions are accurate and free of errors.

They should have excellent listening skills and be able to understand different accents and dialects.

Good time management skills are also crucial to ensure that all captions are synchronized with the audio.

 

What are the daily duties of a Captioning Quality Specialist?

On a typical day, a Captioning Quality Specialist reviews and edits captions for accuracy and synchronization with the audio.

They may also transcribe audio into captions.

They work with various software to ensure that all captions meet the required standards.

They may also have meetings with team members or managers to discuss project deadlines and any issues they may be facing.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the in-depth reality of being a Captioning Quality Specialist.

You know what?

It’s not just about transcribing audio.

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

With our ready-to-use Captioning Quality Specialist job description template and genuine examples, you’re ready to step forward.

But why halt your journey here?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next move to creating accurate job listings or refining your resume to absolute precision.

Always remember:

Every caption contributes to a clearer understanding.

Let’s bridge that communication gap. Together.

How to Become a Captioning Quality Specialist (Complete Guide)

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