Transcriber - Division Of Student Life

Transcriber - Division of Student Life

- 23000001I7

Student Disability Services at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville invites applications and nominations for the position of Transcriber. This is a non-exempt, 12-month, full-time, non-tenure track staff position.

The mission of Student Disability Services (SDS) is to partner with the campus community in creating equitable access to eligible students while promoting disability-inclusive diversity. Staff is comprised of 22 professional and administrative employees and two liaisons to satellite campuses.

The Position: Under the general guidance of the Communication Access Coordinator in Student Disability Services, this position facilitates interpreting and speech-to-text services for students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing to ensure equitable access to university-sponsored programs, and activities. The position collaborates with instructors, departments, and other university entities.

Responsibilities:

Transcribing:

• Provide real-time communication access primarily to individuals who are Deaf or Hard of hearing using an advanced abbreviation software called TypeWell.

• Listen to lectures and discussions, assess the information provided, find the meaning of the communication, and transcribe the information onto a laptop wirelessly connected to a tablet provided to the student.

• Work with team transcriber when required alternating transcribing duties to reduce mental and physical fatigue.

• Provide feedback, corrections, suggestions, and overall support to team transcriber.

• Troubleshoot issues that arise during an assignment.

• Keep supervisor abreast of issues, concerns, and general feedback provided by consumers.

Transcribing Preparation and Post-Assignment Tasks:

• Prepare for transcribing assignments by reviewing course information to learn vocabulary, and technical terminology, understand the concepts to be covered and the instructor’s method (i.e., using group work, outside assignments, in-class writing, etc.);

• Read and analyze undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. level textbooks, course material, articles, and other pertinent information prior to class.

• Document preparation work thoroughly.

• Add terminology used repetitively in the classroom into the Personal Abbreviation List (PAL) to create TypeWell shortcuts. Keep an updated list of all shortcuts for the course.

• After the assignment, edit the transcript for any meaning or vocabulary errors.

• Highlight important information such as upcoming assignments or tests and remove identifying information such as students’ names. Upload the transcript to a secure server within 24 hours for the consumer.

Professional Development:

• Research, propose, and participate in professional development opportunities to stay abreast of trends and best practices in the field.

• Assist with the development of workshops and training related to the field of speech-to-text services.

• Present and represent SDS at national, regional, and local workshops and conferences.

• Participate in relevant HR training. Adhere to the Association of Transcribers and Speech to Text

Miscellaneous Duties:

• Serve as the liaison for Student Disability Services, and interact with faculty, staff, students, and the University community.

• Support the overall function of the department.

The University and Region: UTK is the state’s flagship, land-grant university. We are a Research 1 university, housing 11 colleges and 900+ programs of study. With an enrollment of 30,000 students, our undergraduate and graduate programs are repeatedly ranked among top national programs. The city of Knoxville is a hidden gem with a beautiful and walkable downtown, a diverse music scene, active neighborhoods, unique restaurants, and a robust offering of outdoor and cultural activities. UTK is located within easy driving distance to Asheville, Nashville, Atlanta, and the Great Smoky Mountains; and a day’s drive to Memphis, Chicago, and Washington D.C. Knoxville and the surrounding counties have a statistical area population of over 850,000 people. The Knoxville region houses many leading corporations, including Bush Brothers & Company, Discovery Inc., Tennessee Valley Authority, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

What We Require:

Education: Bachelor’s degree or 4 yrs of professional experience may substitute for Bachelor's degree requirement.

Experience: Completion of TypeWell skills test with passing performance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of TypeWell speech-to-text software system and adherence to ATSP Code of Professional Conduct and TypeWell Transcriber Code of Ethics.

• Ability to type 65 words per minute and pass the TypeWell speed test

• Excellent listening skills and demonstrated ability to identify essential components of information presented orally. Knowledge of academic vocabulary.

• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and positive professional relationships with all constituents of SDS including students, faculty, staff, and patrons.

• Ability to adapt to a flexible schedule based on the needs of the students.

• Ability to work comfortably in an academic setting with diverse populations.

• Demonstrated working knowledge of and adherence to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 508 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and other appropriate laws pertaining to higher education and disability.

What We Prefer:

Experience: 250 or more documented actual transcribing hours.

Salary: The salary for this position is commensurate with experience and other qualifications and is accompanied by a standard university benefits package. Job classification MR05

Application Process: A review of all applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. The successful candidate is expected to begin this role on August 7, 2023. For full consideration, applicants must electronically submit a cover letter, resume, and the names, email addresses, and phone numbers of three professional references. All materials for the position should be submitted through the University of Tennessee Human Resources application system.