Educational Captioner Job Description [Updated for 2024]

In the era of online learning, the importance of educational captioners is paramount.

As education transcends traditional classrooms and integrates technology, the demand for skilled professionals who can make content accessible and inclusive grows significantly.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an educational captioner?

Whether you are:

• An aspirant seeking to understand the core of this role,
• A recruiter creating a blueprint for the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of educational captioning,

You’ve landed in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right in.

Educational Captioner Duties and Responsibilities

Educational Captioners play a crucial role in assisting deaf or hard of hearing students by converting spoken words, dialogues, or narrations into written form in real-time during lectures, classes, or educational videos.

They hold the following duties and responsibilities:

• Attending lectures, classes, or educational events and providing real-time captioning
• Converting spoken language into written form to provide comprehensive written understanding of the subject matter
• Working with various software and technologies to deliver efficient captioning services
• Collaborating with teachers and educators to ensure accurate translation of educational materials
• Performing edits and revisions to ensure the accuracy of the captions
• Ensuring that the captions synchronize accurately with the spoken words and sounds
• Adapting to different subjects or courses and understanding specific terminologies
• Maintaining confidentiality and professionalism at all times
• Providing written transcripts of lectures or classes if required

 

Educational Captioner Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Educational Captioner to provide captioning services for our learning content.

You will be responsible for transcribing spoken words into written form to facilitate understanding for the hearing impaired or for those who prefer visual aid in learning.

Our ideal candidate has a firm grasp of the English language and understands the importance of accurate, timely, and context-appropriate captions.

Ultimately, the role of the Educational Captioner is to enhance the learning experience by providing clear, concise and accurate captions for our educational content.

 

Responsibilities

• Create accurate, timed captions for various educational content including lectures, presentations, and webinars.
• Ensure captioning services are available for live educational events and prerecorded material.
• Revise and edit captions to ensure accuracy and clarity.
• Adhere to specific captioning style guides.
• Collaborate with teachers and other educational staff to ensure captioning needs are met.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to educational institution’s policies.
• Stay updated on latest technologies and best practices for captioning.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Educational Captioner or a similar role.
• Excellent command of the English language.
• Experience with captioning software tools.
• Ability to comprehend different accents and speech patterns.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work under tight deadlines.
• Understanding of educational content and context.
• Degree in English, Communications, or a related field is preferred.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Educational Captioner
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for team meetings or to provide live captioning at events.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Educational Services or other assigned supervisor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $60,000 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 an Educational Captioner Do?

An Educational Captioner primarily works in educational settings such as schools, colleges, and universities to provide captioning services for deaf or hard-of-hearing students.

Their primary role involves transcribing spoken words into written form in real-time.

This is done through specialized equipment and software for students who are unable to hear or fully comprehend auditory information.

They ensure that the captions are accurate, complete, and synchronized with the speaker’s speech.

This includes not only dialogue, but also descriptions of sounds, music, and other relevant auditory information.

Educational Captioners also collaborate with teachers and other educational staff to prepare for classes, events, or other educational activities.

This may involve familiarizing themselves with the subject matter or terminology to ensure accurate transcription.

They also work to maintain confidentiality and respect the privacy of students and staff, and may be involved in educating others about the needs and challenges of deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals in educational settings.

In addition to their transcribing duties, Educational Captioners may also be responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting their equipment and software to ensure its optimal functioning.

 

Educational Captioner Qualifications and Skills

An effective Educational Captioner should have the skills and qualifications that match your job requirements, such as:

• Excellent listening skills to accurately transcribe educational content.
• Fast and accurate typing skills to keep up with the pace of spoken words.
• Proficiency in grammar, punctuation, and spelling to ensure accuracy in written communication.
• Knowledge of subject matter to accurately transcribe technical or specialized content.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure that all captions are free from errors and accurately represent the spoken content.
• Technological skills to use captioning software and equipment.
• Time management skills to deliver captions within stipulated deadlines.
• Understanding of accessibility standards and regulations to ensure content is accessible to all learners.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate with educators and other team members effectively.

 

Educational Captioner Experience Requirements

Educational Captioners typically have a background in transcription services, education, or a related field.

Entry-level candidates usually have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through an internship or a part-time role in educational services or a related industry.

In their roles, they may gain experience in captioning or transcribing for the hearing-impaired, closed captioning, subtitling, or other relevant activities.

They may also gain experience in using specialized software and equipment used in captioning.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have extensive knowledge and skills in educational captioning, including a solid understanding of grammar, punctuation, timing, and presentation.

These professionals have typically worked in educational institutions, captioning service providers, or broadcasting companies.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience in their background, overseeing a team of captioners, and may be ready for a managerial or supervisory role.

They may also have experience in training and mentoring junior captioners.

Advanced proficiency in real-time captioning, experience in handling complex projects, and adeptness in a variety of captioning tools and software are often required for senior roles.

 

Educational Captioner Education and Training Requirements

Educational Captioners often require a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Communication Studies, English, or Education, although this isn’t always mandatory.

These professionals must have excellent typing speed, accuracy, and familiarity with captioning software.

They should also have a strong understanding of the English language, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

Many aspiring Educational Captioners take courses or complete programs in court reporting or captioning, to gain practical experience with real-time transcription and editing.

They are also required to understand the subject matter they are captioning, hence some may specialize in specific educational fields or grade levels.

Specific certification in captioning, like the Certified Realtime Captioner (CRC) certification offered by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA), can enhance job prospects and credibility.

Continuous professional development is encouraged to keep up-to-date with captioning software advancements and changes in educational requirements and standards.

 

Educational Captioner Salary Expectations

An Educational Captioner earns an average salary of $50,000 (USD) per year.

This amount can vary depending on the individual’s level of experience, education, and the location of the school or institution they are working for.

Additional factors such as the complexity and amount of captioning work required can also influence the salary.

 

Educational Captioner Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Educational Captioner need?

An Educational Captioner needs to have excellent listening skills and a solid grasp on language and grammar to accurately transcribe spoken words into written form.

They should also be proficient in typing and have knowledge of the specific subject matter to understand and interpret industry jargon.

Attention to detail and multitasking skills are also crucial as they often have to transcribe captions in real-time.

 

Do Educational Captioners require a specific degree?

While a specific degree is not required to become an Educational Captioner, a bachelor’s degree in English, Communication, or a related field can be beneficial.

However, most employers prioritize experience and skillset over formal education.

There are also specific training programs and certification courses available for captioning and transcription services that can enhance their qualifications.

 

What should you look for in an Educational Captioner’s resume?

On an Educational Captioner’s resume, look for evidence of strong typing skills, knowledge of grammar and punctuation, and any experience with captioning software.

Evidence of working under pressure and in real-time scenarios is also beneficial.

Specialized knowledge or experience in the field they will be captioning for, such as science, law, or arts, can also be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Educational Captioner?

A good Educational Captioner is extremely detail-oriented, able to quickly and accurately transcribe spoken words into written form.

They must be able to work well under pressure, as they often need to provide real-time captions for live events.

Strong concentration skills are also crucial to maintain accuracy over long periods.

In addition, they must have a strong understanding of the subject matter they are captioning to accurately interpret industry-specific terminology.

 

What challenges are associated with hiring an Educational Captioner?

The hiring process for an Educational Captioner can be challenging due to the specific skill set required for the job.

Candidates must have excellent listening and typing skills, and they must be able to work accurately under pressure.

Finding candidates with these skills, along with knowledge of the specific subject matter they will be captioning, can be a challenge.

Offering competitive pay and a supportive work environment can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the intricate details of what it truly means to be an Educational Captioner.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about transcribing words.

It’s about facilitating access to knowledge, one caption at a time.

Equipped with our comprehensive Educational Captioner job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why not go even further?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your secret weapon for creating precision-crafted listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every caption is a gateway to understanding.

Let’s unlock that door. Together.

How to Become an Educational Captioner (Complete Guide)

Skip the Grind: Easy Jobs with Unexpectedly High Pay

The AI Job Journey: Careers That Are Shifting to Silicon

Against All Odds: Careers That Prosper in Economic Downturns

Job Nirvana: The Most Satisfying Careers You Can Find