Realtime Captioner (Continuous)

About This Role

This role as a Realtime Captioner involves facilitating communication for Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing individuals and other disabled individuals by providing real-time word-for-word text of spoken English. The position is ideal for someone skilled in court reporting methods and real-time technology, committed to ensuring concurrent participation in communication processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide communication access real-time translating services (CART) to consumers including students, faculty, staff, and university guests
• Display text on a laptop computer screen or other display device as it is being created in various academic, instructional, or administrative settings
• Provide a complete transcription of all spoken words and environmental cues
• Provide consumer(s) with an electronic disk, e-mail, or hard copy version of the transcript
• Provide personal equipment and software, including a real-time-capable steno machine, laptop computer, display monitor for consumers, current software for real-time translation, real-time cables, and other setup items (e.g., extension cords, extra battery, and power surge protector)
• Research technical terminology related to assignments
• Continually develop and modify custom software dictionaries
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Formal training in court reporting and steno methods
• Graduation from a court reporting school (preferred)

Level 1A:

• Six (6) to twelve (12) months of experience providing real-time captioning services, preferably in a higher education setting

Level 2B (in addition to Level 1A requirements):

• Two (2) or more years of captioning experience
• Possess one of the following certifications:
  • State of California Certified Shorthand Reporter certificate
  • Court Reporting Certificate of Completion
  • Certified CART Provider through the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) (preferred)
  • Comparable industry certification
• Thorough knowledge of court reporting methods and theories, real-time software and technology, real-time captioning computer systems and equipment, and the industry-recognized code of ethics
• Comprehensive knowledge of the English language, including grammatical structures, syntax, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation
• Working knowledge of the language and vocabulary used in the assigned translating situations
• General knowledge of deaf and hard-of-hearing accommodation needs
• Ability and specialized skills to caption at a minimum rate of 180 words per minute with a high level of accuracy
• Proficiently use, maintain, and troubleshoot court reporting steno equipment, real-time software, and computer systems and equipment
• Develop, maintain, and proficiently use a thorough dictionary that enables accurate and fluid translation
• Effectively listen for continuity, sense, and detail while translating
• Proficiently write in real time in a conflict-free manner using punctuation and sustaining accuracy in fast-paced stressful situations
• Use advanced editing skills
• Work effectively with consumers
• Maintain confidentiality

Important Details

• Schedule: Intermittent; hours and schedule vary
• Contract: Temporary, renewable appointment; annual contract from July through June, subject to annual renewal based on organizational needs
• Work location: On-campus in Northridge
• Application deadline: June 30, 2027

Application Process

• Applications are currently being accepted to establish an Hourly Interpreter POOL on a continuing basis
• A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily
• Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended
• Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct
• Candidates should apply by completing the CSUN online application

Other Conditions

• The person holding this position may be considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements outlined in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment
• Per the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside of California
• California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is not currently sponsoring staff or management positions for H-1B employment visas. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States.
• The CSU recommends that faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities at any university location be immunized against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus.

About the Company

CSUN strives to be a destination workplace, fostering an environment of success for students and employees. The university has a relentless passion for celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion, and aims to be an employer of choice.