Government Session Captioner Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of public transparency, the role of a Government Session Captioner is becoming increasingly pivotal.
As the wheel of democracy turns, the demand for proficient individuals who can accurately transcribe, annotate, and safeguard our governmental proceedings intensifies.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Government Session Captioner?
Whether you are:
- A job aspirant trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
- A hiring authority constructing the perfect candidate profile,
- Or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of government session captioning,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we present a customizable Government Session Captioner job description template, created for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right in.
Government Session Captioner Duties and Responsibilities
Government Session Captioners play a crucial role in making government sessions accessible to the public, especially those with hearing impairments.
Their primary responsibility is to provide real-time transcription of the spoken content during government sessions.
The duties and responsibilities of a Government Session Captioner include:
- Attending government sessions in person or virtually to provide live captioning
- Transcribing spoken content into written format accurately and quickly
- Reviewing pre-prepared scripts and making necessary corrections
- Ensuring that all captions comply with the appropriate style and formatting guidelines
- Conducting research to understand context and terms related to specific government sectors
- Working closely with audio-visual teams to ensure that captions are correctly synced with the spoken content
- Performing quality checks on captions to ensure accuracy and readability
- Updating and maintaining a glossary of common phrases and terminologies used in government sessions
- Coordinating with other team members to deliver a seamless captioning service
Government Session Captioner Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a dedicated Government Session Captioner to provide real-time captioning for government meetings, briefings and events.
The Government Session Captioner is responsible for converting spoken language into written text, ensuring that all communications are accessible to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Our ideal candidate is an exceptional listener with a high typing speed and a keen understanding of political and governmental terminology.
Responsibilities
- Provide real-time captioning for live government sessions and events
- Ensure accuracy of all transcriptions, including correct punctuation and grammar
- Use specialized captioning software and equipment
- Perform pre-session research to ensure understanding of topic and terminology
- Review and correct transcriptions for accuracy post-session
- Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of all information handled
- Assist in the preparation and distribution of session transcripts and summaries
- Provide captioning services remotely or on-site as required
Qualifications
- Certification in court reporting or captioning from a recognized institution
- Proven experience in real-time captioning, preferably in a government or political setting
- Exceptional listening and typing skills, with a minimum speed of 200 words per minute
- Detailed understanding of political and governmental terminology
- Proficiency in using captioning software and equipment
- Excellent command of the English language, including grammar, punctuation and vocabulary
- High degree of professionalism and respect for confidentiality
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Government Session Captioner
- Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for on-site captioning at government sessions and events.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Communications or designated supervisor.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $75,000 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 Government Session Captioner Do?
Government Session Captioners primarily work for government agencies, providing real-time transcription services during government sessions and proceedings.
They use specialized equipment and software to transcribe spoken words into written text, which can be displayed live during meetings, conferences, or broadcasted events.
This aids in improving accessibility for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
They are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the transcriptions, including correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
Government Session Captioners also need to be well-versed in government terminology and procedures to be able to transcribe accurately and efficiently.
They may be required to prepare and edit transcriptions for future reference or public record.
Moreover, they often work under tight deadlines and need to maintain a high level of concentration to ensure the accuracy of real-time transcriptions.
In some instances, Government Session Captioners may also provide services for televised government broadcasts, ensuring that captions are accurate and synchronized with the spoken words.
Government Session Captioner Qualifications and Skills
A Government Session Captioner should have the skills and qualifications that align with this crucial role in facilitating communication in government proceedings, such as:
- Exceptional listening abilities and attention to detail to accurately transcribe government sessions in real-time.
- Fast and precise typing skills, often requiring a speed of over 200 words per minute.
- Good understanding and knowledge of government terminology, proceedings and protocols.
- Excellent communication and language skills to understand and interpret complex discussions, including a strong command of English grammar and punctuation.
- Technological proficiency to work with various captioning software and equipment.
- Ability to work under pressure and maintain composure during live sessions.
- Strong concentration and focus skills to maintain accuracy over extended periods of captioning.
- Good organizational skills to manage work schedules and meet strict deadlines.
- Demonstrated experience or certification in court reporting or captioning is often required.
- Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and neutrality in all proceedings.
Government Session Captioner Experience Requirements
Entry-level government session captioners generally need 1 to 2 years of experience in transcription, captioning or a related field.
This can be achieved through internships or part-time roles in government agencies, media companies, or court reporting services.
These professionals may also gain experience by working as freelance transcribers or court reporters.
Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often have developed their skills in real-time captioning and transcription, as well as their knowledge of government proceedings.
They may have worked in roles such as Court Reporter, Transcriptionist, or Caption Editor.
Those with more than 5 years of experience will likely have extensive knowledge of government terminology and procedures, and may have experience captioning complex or high-stakes government sessions.
These professionals are often experienced enough to handle any captioning tasks and may be ready for supervisory or management roles within the government session captioning field.
Regardless of years of experience, many government agencies require session captioners to hold certification from a recognized organization, such as the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) in the United States.
Additionally, fluency in English and strong typing speed are essential requirements for this role.
Government Session Captioner Education and Training Requirements
Government Session Captioners typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent.
They often complete a post-secondary training program in court reporting or broadcast captioning.
These programs may lead to an associate’s degree or a certificate and they typically include courses in stenography, voice writing, legal and medical terminology, and English grammar and phonetics.
Government Session Captioners are required to have a strong command over English language, excellent listening skills, and the ability to type swiftly and accurately.
Many employers prefer candidates who have professional certification, such as the Certified Broadcast Captioner (CBC) or Certified Realtime Captioner (CRC) designation offered by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA).
In addition to these requirements, Government Session Captioners must also have strong concentration skills, as they must be able to remain focused for long periods of time during government sessions.
Continuous learning and staying updated with changes in technology and terminology are crucial for professional growth in this role.
Some states may require licensure for this role, with criteria for obtaining licensure varying by state.
In addition, gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions can provide valuable hands-on training and can be beneficial in securing full-time employment as a Government Session Captioner.
Government Session Captioner Salary Expectations
A Government Session Captioner earns an average salary of $60,000 (USD) per year.
The actual earnings may vary depending on the level of experience, location, and the specific government department they are employed in.
Government Session Captioner Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Government Session Captioner need?
Government Session Captioners should have excellent listening skills and be able to type quickly and accurately.
They need to have a thorough understanding of the English language, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
Knowledge of legal and governmental terminology is also important.
They should be able to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
Do Government Session Captioners need a degree?
A degree is not typically required for a Government Session Captioner, but some roles may require a certificate or associate’s degree in court reporting or captioning.
It’s also beneficial to have experience or training in using captioning software.
Some positions may require a certification from the National Court Reporters Association or another professional organization.
What should you look for in a Government Session Captioner resume?
You should look for a solid history of captioning experience, especially in a government or legal setting.
Proficiency in using captioning software and equipment is a must.
Certifications, relevant education, and a high typing speed are also important.
Check for any language skills, as some roles may require bilingual captioners.
What qualities make a good Government Session Captioner?
A good Government Session Captioner is accurate, reliable, and discreet, as they often work with sensitive or confidential information.
They should be attentive, detail-oriented, and able to sit for long periods.
Good time management skills and the ability to work independently are also important.
Can Government Session Captioners work remotely?
Yes, many Government Session Captioners work remotely.
They often caption live broadcasts of government proceedings or prerecorded content.
However, some roles may require on-site work, especially if the job involves real-time captioning at government events or meetings.
Conclusion
There you have it.
Today, we’ve given you a clear view of what being a Government Session Captioner truly entails.
Surprising, isn’t it?
It’s not just about transcribing spoken words.
It’s about providing accessibility, one caption at a time.
With our comprehensive government session captioner job description template and actual examples, you’re all equipped to make your move.
But why limit yourself?
Go a step further with our job description generator. It’s your best bet for creating detailed job listings or refining your resume to perfection.
Always remember:
Every caption contributes to a more accessible world.
Let’s create that world. Together.
How to Become a Government Session Captioner (Complete Guide)
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