Date Posted: July 22, 2019
Classification: ALTERNATIVE MEDIA SPECIALIST (50%)
Open recruitment
Work Schedule: 4 hours per day (8:00AM – 12:00PM);
5 days per week (Monday – Friday);
12 months per year
Salary Range: Step A Step B Step C Step D Step E
(monthly) starting 6 mos 18 mos 30 mos 42 mos
$2,142 $2,249 $2,362 $2,480 $2,604
Benefits: Total Compensation Package: Placement on salary schedule. If a medical plan is selected, the employee will receive a contribution of $1,025.00/month toward the selected medical plan (through CalPERS), Delta Dental, and Life Insurance. The employee pays the balance of their health premiums from their gross earnings on a pre-tax basis. If a medical plan is not selected, employees will receive a contribution of $300.00/month toward single coverage for Delta Dental, and Life Insurance. A vision plan (VSP) is also available. Employees pay the worker contribution to the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).
Current Vacancy: Student Services Division; Special Education Department;
Related Services Program
65 Tower Road; San Mateo, CA 94402
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Job Summary: Under the direction of Visually Impaired teachers, coordinate, and arrange for the adaptation of a wide variety of instructional and student services related materials for students with visual impairments. Materials may be adapted into a variety of formats including, but not limited to braille, tactile graphics, large print, and electronic files, using online alternative media sources and automated translation software. Support organization and distribution of materials.
Essential Job Functions:
- Transcribe a variety of instructional materials into an appropriate media such as Braille, raised-line drawings and large type print; determine appropriate format for visually impaired students; assure materials are prepared in accordance with student needs and established time lines
- Transcribe a variety of special materials such as menus, train and bus schedules, diplomas, agenda items, and Individual Education Plans (IEP), into Braille and other media as directed
- Utilize a computer and various specialized software and peripherals to scan, import, transcribe and adapt a variety of documents into Braille such as math, chemistry, foreign language, tests and other instructional materials according to Braille guidelines; emboss, collate and bind Braille materials
- Operate adaptive instructional software programs and other technology for use in the visually impaired program
- Proofread, edit and verify accuracy of transcribed materials; type instructional materials, lessons and other documents in large type print for partially sighted students; utilize a copier to enlarge documents to appropriate size
- Maintain records of transcription work and archive braille and tactile graphics produced for the San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE)
- Monitor and maintain student memberships in institutional alternative media accounts, e.g. Learning Ally, Bookshare, American Printing House and software licenses; maintain file folder of memberships
- Confer with teachers and other personnel concerning instructional materials and student needs; monitor and assess student needs to determine equipment and material requirements; modify instructional materials to meet the individual needs of students as appropriate
- Receive, process, and distribute a variety of books and instructional materials for the visually impaired; notify instructors of new books and materials; apply bar codes to new items and input related information into assigned computer system
- Utilize the internet, State-wide lists, and other resources to research, obtain and confer with others concerning Braille and instructional materials for the visually impaired; recommend the purchase of textbooks and instructional materials as appropriate
- Communicate with County Office personnel and outside agencies to exchange information and resolve issues or concerns; clarify illustrations, special directions, graphs and other materials for students as needed
- Maintain various records related to instructional materials, books and assigned activities
- Organize Visual Impaired (VI) Library office supplies and maintain inventory
- Determine availability of braille, large print, electronic and other source materials from various suppliers and publishers; evaluate and order appropriate materials as requested; maintain database of source material providers
- Maintain records of all materials borrowed from entities other than SMCOE and help ensure timely return; ship requested materials to other school districts
- Catalog and maintain SMCOE’s library of large-print and Braille books and other materials; check materials in and out of the library as needed; assist with locating specialized instructional material for the visually impaired when needed
- Pick up and deliver instructional materials and other documents to and from various County Office, school district and community locations; visit public libraries to check out materials for transcription
- Assist staff with operating computers, die-cuts, laminators and bindery machines as needed
- Attend and participate in various workshops and conferences as directed
Qualifications: Any combination of education and experience providing the job knowledge, skills, and ability for successful job performance will be considered for positions in this classification. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:
EDUCATION: Graduation from high school supplemented by specialized course work in Braille
EXPERIENCE: Experience with braille production, alternative technology databases and equipment sufficient for SMCOE’s Visually Impaired program
LICENSE: Valid certification as a Braille Transcriber issued by the Library of Congress
Specialized Skills and Knowledge:
- Knowledge of methods, materials, equipment and techniques used in Braille transcription and the preparation of raised-line drawings and large type print
- Ability to transcribe a variety of instructional materials into an appropriate media such as Braille, raised-line drawings and large type print for visually impaired students
- Ability to prepare raised-line drawings of graphs, maps, charts, diagrams, illustrations and other graphics
- Ability to proofread, edit and verify accuracy of transcribed materials
- Knowledge of braille translation guidelines and related Library of Congress rules and practices
- Ability to catalog, circulate, and maintain library of Braille transcriptions and instructional materials
- Knowledge of proper operation and use of Braille and large print transcription equipment and machines
- Ability to operate a variety of specialized equipment including die-cuts, photocopiers, raised-line machines, Perkins Braillers, embossers, binding machines and laminators
- Knowledge of practices and procedures involved in the instruction of visually impaired students
- Knowledge of visually impaired students’learning abilities
- Ability to monitor and assess student needs to determine material requirements
- Ability to prepare necessary materials for visually impaired students to receive regular school information
- Ability to determine appropriate format of materials for visually impaired students
- Knowledge of basic subjects taught in County Office schools including arithmetic, reading, writing, grammar and spelling
- Knowledge of correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary
- Knowledge of oral and written communication skills
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
- Knowledge of operation of a computer and specialized software and peripherals
- Ability to operate a computer and specialized peripherals and software
- Ability to type or input data at an acceptable rate of speed
- Knowledge of record-keeping techniques
- Ability to maintain records related to work performed
- Knowledge of interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
- Ability to meet schedules and time lines
Physical Requirements: Applicants must possess the physical abilities outlined below with or without accommodation. San Mateo County Office of Education will consider reasonable accommodation requests.
- Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate specialized equipment and a computer keyboard
- Hearing and speaking to exchange information
- Seeing to read a variety of materials
- Lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds and occasionally as much as 50 pounds
- Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally to file and retrieve materials
- Sitting or standing for extended periods of time
- Bending at the waist, kneeling, or crouching to file materials
- Ability to operate computers and specialized equipment
- Ability to read and transcribe a variety of materials
- Ability to exchange information with co-workers
- Sitting or standing for extended periods of time
Examination Process: The examination process for this classification will consist of:
- A scored rating by a screening panel of application materials, including supplemental questionnaire, for education, training, experience, completeness, and accuracy
- An oral board examination
Only the highest qualified candidates will be invited to attend the examinations.
Applicants will be notified of screening and examination results by e-mail or letter.
Personnel Commission
101 Twin Dolphin Drive
Redwood City, CA 94065
650-802-5300
classifiedjobs@smcoe.org
http://www.smcoe.org/employees-and-employment/personnel-commission
Proof of citizenship or legal status will be required upon offer of employment.
San Mateo County Office of Education provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons. The recruitment, testing, and hiring of all personnel will be without regard to race, ancestry, national origin, age, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marriage status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, genetic characteristics, or veteran status.
