Closed Captioning Transcriptionist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of digital communication, the focus on Closed Captioning Transcriptionists has become more prominent than ever.

As media continues to evolve, so does the demand for skilled individuals who can capture, convert, and make accessible our multimedia content for diverse audiences.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Closed Captioning Transcriptionist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of transcription and captioning,

You’re at the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Closed Captioning Transcriptionist job description template, crafted for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Closed Captioning Transcriptionist Duties and Responsibilities

Closed Captioning Transcriptionists play a crucial role in making audio-visual content accessible to those with hearing impairments by adding captions or subtitles to videos.

They must have excellent language and typing skills to perform their duties.

Their primary responsibilities include:

• Transcribing the spoken dialogue from movies, television shows, and other videos into written text
• Adding time codes to the transcriptions to sync them with the audio
• Proofreading transcriptions for spelling, grammatical, or typographical errors
• Ensuring that the text is readable, fits into the given time slot, and does not obstruct important visual content
• Transcribing background noises, music, and other relevant non-verbal audio cues
• Transcribing on-screen text, such as signs, letters, or newspapers, that is relevant to the plot or comprehension of the video
• Using specific software and tools to create and edit captions
• Adhering to specific style guides for captions, such as those established by the broadcaster or production company
• Working with video editors and producers to ensure that captions are correctly placed and timed
• Keeping up-to-date with changes in language, such as slang or new terminology

 

Closed Captioning Transcriptionist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a meticulous and dedicated Closed Captioning Transcriptionist to convert audio content into text.

The role requires listening to audio and video files and accurately transcribing the dialogue, sound effects, and music into written form.

The ideal candidate should have exceptional listening skills, attention to detail, and an understanding of language, grammar, and punctuation rules.

Familiarity with different accents and dialects, as well as knowledge of the closed captioning process and software, will be valuable.

 

Responsibilities

• Transcribing audio and video content into written form
• Adding correct time codes to transcriptions
• Ensuring the accurate representation of dialogue, sound effects, and music in transcriptions
• Proofreading and editing transcriptions for errors and inconsistencies
• Working closely with production teams to ensure timely delivery of transcriptions
• Keeping up-to-date with captioning guidelines and best practices
• Using transcription software effectively and efficiently

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a transcriptionist or similar role
• Exceptional listening skills and a keen eye for detail
• Excellent command of English grammar, punctuation, and spelling
• Proficiency in transcription software and typing
• Familiarity with different accents and dialects
• Ability to work under tight deadlines
• High school diploma or equivalent

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Flexible working hours
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Closed Captioning Transcriptionist
• Work Environment: Remote work with occasional in-office meetings. The ability to maintain quiet working conditions is essential.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Transcription Supervisor or Project Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $30,000 minimum to $50,000 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 Closed Captioning Transcriptionist Do?

Closed Captioning Transcriptionists play a crucial role in making video content accessible to viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing.

They can work for television networks, online media platforms, or as self-employed individuals.

Their primary responsibility is to create written versions of the spoken content in videos.

They transcribe the dialogue, background noise, and any other relevant audio information into text, which is then displayed on-screen as closed captions.

Closed Captioning Transcriptionists must ensure that their transcriptions are highly accurate and are synchronized with the video content.

They need to capture not only the spoken words but also the timing and context, including speaker identification and non-speech information such as sound effects and music.

They also take care of editing and proofreading the transcriptions to ensure clarity and readability.

This includes checking for correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

In addition, they may also be required to adapt the captions for viewers of different age groups or cultural backgrounds.

In some cases, Closed Captioning Transcriptionists may use specialized software to assist them in their work, but their keen listening and typing skills are integral to their role.

They are also responsible for adhering to specific style guidelines and regulations related to captioning.

 

Closed Captioning Transcriptionist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Closed Captioning Transcriptionist should possess the following qualifications and skills:

• Strong listening skills to accurately transcribe audio content for the hearing impaired.
• Excellent typing skills to transcribe the content in real-time, ensuring synchronicity between audio and text.
• Fluency in the language they are transcribing, including a strong command of grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Attention to detail to ensure that the transcriptions are error-free and accurately represent the spoken content.
• Understanding of captioning software and technologies, as well as the ability to quickly adapt to new tools and technologies.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines without compromising the quality of work.
• Knowledge of the subject matter to accurately convey technical terms or jargon.
• Strong research skills for clarifying any unclear or unfamiliar terms and phrases.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with team members and communicate any issues or concerns.

 

Closed Captioning Transcriptionist Experience Requirements

Entry-level Closed Captioning Transcriptionists typically require at least 1 to 2 years of experience in transcription or a related field.

This experience can be gained through internships, part-time roles, or freelance work involving transcription services.

Candidates for this position must have a proficient understanding of the English language and grammar, including punctuation and spelling.

They might also need experience with different transcription software and tools, as well as understanding various accents and dialects.

Transcriptionists with more than 3 years of experience likely have advanced skills in speed typing and the ability to transcribe verbatim dialogues.

They may also have experience working in live broadcast environments like news or sports events.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have a background in specialized areas such as legal or medical transcription.

They may also have managerial experience, overseeing teams of transcriptionists, and could be considered for supervisory roles within a transcription department.

In some cases, Closed Captioning Transcriptionists may need to have specific experience or knowledge in the content area they are transcribing, such as technical jargon for IT conferences, medical terminology for health seminars, or legal language for court proceedings.

 

Closed Captioning Transcriptionist Education and Training Requirements

Closed Captioning Transcriptionists typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent.

They are required to have excellent typing skills, usually a minimum of 60 words per minute, and a high level of proficiency in English grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.

Several vocational schools and community colleges offer certificate programs in transcription which could be beneficial for this role.

These programs offer courses in legal and medical terminology, business writing, and English grammar and punctuation.

For those looking to work in a specialized field like legal or medical transcription, additional training or certification may be required.

This can include a legal transcription certification or a medical transcription certification program, which often involves coursework in the relevant technical terminology and procedures.

Many Closed Captioning Transcriptionists also receive on-the-job training to become familiar with specific transcription software and style guidelines.

Further, they might consider obtaining certification from a professional organization such as the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) or the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT).

Such certification, though not typically mandatory, can improve job prospects and earning potential.

Finally, ongoing skill development is crucial in this rapidly evolving field, particularly in mastering the latest transcription software and staying updated with language usage trends.

 

Closed Captioning Transcriptionist Salary Expectations

A Closed Captioning Transcriptionist earns an average salary of $52,500 (USD) per year.

The earnings can vary greatly depending on factors such as experience, speed and accuracy of transcription, the complexity of the work, and the location of the transcriptionist.

 

Closed Captioning Transcriptionist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Closed Captioning Transcriptionist need?

A Closed Captioning Transcriptionist should have excellent listening skills and the ability to accurately transcribe audio content.

Familiarity with transcription software and a good typing speed are also necessary.

A keen attention to detail is essential for maintaining accuracy and quality of transcriptions, and knowledge of grammar, punctuation and spelling is also necessary.

Some positions may also require knowledge of specific topics or industries.

 

Do Closed Captioning Transcriptionists need a degree?

A degree is not typically required for a Closed Captioning Transcriptionist, though a high school diploma or equivalent is usually necessary.

Some companies might prefer candidates with a degree in English, Communications, or a related field.

Extensive training on the job is generally provided, and knowledge of languages other than English can be an added advantage.

 

What should you look for in a Closed Captioning Transcriptionist resume?

Look for previous experience in transcription or related fields, such as data entry or administrative work.

Proficiency in transcription software and a high typing speed are also key indicators of a potential fit.

Other things to consider include attention to detail, excellent listening skills and a solid understanding of grammar and punctuation.

 

What qualities make a good Closed Captioning Transcriptionist?

Good Closed Captioning Transcriptionists are accurate, detail-oriented, and consistent in their work.

They have excellent listening skills, are able to work independently, and can manage their time effectively to meet deadlines.

A good transcriptionist is also comfortable with repetitive tasks and is able to maintain focus for extended periods of time.

 

Is it difficult to hire Closed Captioning Transcriptionists?

Hiring Closed Captioning Transcriptionists can be challenging due to the specific set of skills required for the job.

It requires a person with a keen ear, a strong command of language, and the ability to work accurately and quickly.

However, with the right job description and screening process, it’s possible to find suitable candidates for the position.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the real-world scenario of being a Closed Captioning Transcriptionist.

And guess what?

It’s not just about transcribing words.

It’s about bridging the communication gap, one caption at a time.

With our go-to Closed Captioning Transcriptionist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to leap into action.

But why limit yourself?

Plunge into our job description generator. It’s your ticket to creating razor-sharp job listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every caption makes a difference.

Let’s bridge that communication gap. Together.

How to Become a Closed Captioning Transcriptionist (Complete Guide)

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