Braille Transcriber

Salary: $27.79 - $33.90 Hourly
Location : Varies, Berkeley, CA
Job Type: Eligibility Only
Job Number: 2026-03-11
Department: Special Education
Opening Date: 03/11/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


Basic Function and Representative Duties


PLEASE NOTE: This position does not offer Remote Employment. BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the direction of an Administrator, assist in reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of students who are visually impaired, in a classroom or other learning environment by performing a variety of alternate media translation and transcription functions and activities; implementing a standardized procedure for alternate media production; make appropriate compliance and copyright decisions based on AB 422 for the production of alternative media; perform routine clerical and supportive tasks for instructional personnel; locate, order and receive alternate media and other instructional materials; acquisition and distribution of E-text, Braille transcription, large print, and/or alternative media of instructional materials to students who are visually impaired.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

- Assist and interact with students using Braille and related materials including assistive technologies for the Blind; perform Braille translation and transcription of printed material and oral instructions; determine appropriate format and prepare a variety of instructional support materials using established National Federation of the Blind Braille Translation Guidelines; translate print using Braille translation software and hardware; format and edit Braille transcription; produce tactile graphics, and supervise embossing and binding tasks to complete final product; utilize a Braille code form to transcribe Braille material using a computer, hand stylus and Braille typewriter; foster independence of students who are visually impaired

- Assist Teacher of the Visually Impaired and/or other service providers in reinforcing instruction to the individual student or small groups of visually impaired students in a classroom or other learning environment; monitor and reinforce student drills, practices and assignments in various subjects; assist Teacher of the Visually Impaired, classroom teacher and/or other service providers with the implementation of IEP goals.


- Confer with the instructional staff of the visually impaired, classroom teacher, and/or other service providers concerning adapting lesson plans and materials to meet student needs. Troubleshooting problems with technology, formatting issues when translating print to Braille, adapting math, science, music, board work, and other spatial materials to a tactile format, and strategies for intervention.


- Perform routine clerical duties in support of educational activities such as preparing, keyboarding, duplicating, enlarging and ordering materials designed for students who are visually impaired; assist in filing, organizing and maintaining inventory of materials related to visually impaired instructional activities; maintain routine records and student files as assigned; distribute and collect adapted student assignments, documents, and various forms as assigned

- Prepare copies of tests, study materials, textbooks, charts and others for students who are visually impaired; operate specialized equipment to enlarge, copy and record instructional materials, computer enhance instructional materials to alternate media; provide print interlining of student Braille material.

- Assist students with meeting individual education goals and objectives; report progress regarding student performance and behavior.

- Help student access information from the board/overhead by copying onto paper or whiteboard, making a Braille copy, reading to the student, pairing with peers.)


- Supervise correct use of specialized equipment and assistive technology, such as computer and iPad with voice-output, manual and electronic Braille writing and reading devices, abacus, magnification devices and software applications.


- Support visually impaired student, but promote independence by facilitating problem-solving, stepping back and allowing student to act with indirect prompting.

- Monitor and interact with students during outdoor, physical education and other recreational activities as directed, to insure safety and independence.

- Escort students during the regular duty day to and from designated locations; accompany students on field trips, recreational functions, social events and during outdoor activities as directed when necessary.
- Assist in maintaining the health and safety of students by following the health and safety practices and procedures

- Assist in maintaining a learning environment in a safe, orderly and clean manner; provide classroom support by setting up adaptive equipment in work areas and distributing and collecting adaptive paper, supplies and materials.


- Receive and distribute a variety of books and instructional materials from local or national sources utilized for students who are visually impaired ; ensure materials are received and returned as necessary; maintain appropriate inventory of books, supplies and materials applicable to the program; locate, order and received Braille and other instructional materials for students who are visually impaired

- Work with Teachers of the Visually Impaired, librarians, and online publishers to obtain E- text or alternative media for students' use; catalog E-text, maintain a database of holdings, maintain and upload E-text into server for future use by eligible students

- Maintain confidentiality of student information in accordance with state and federal mandates

- Operate a variety of office and classroom equipment including a copier, bookbinder, Braille embosser, computer and software, as appropriate; ensure visually impaired tools are accessible to students, including CCTV, slant boards, monocular, abacus, iPad, Braille technology, and other materials

- Respond to student medical emergencies according to District protocol and prepare related paperwork as appropriate

OTHER DUTIES:

Perform related duties as assigned

Knowledge and Abilities


KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Basic Unified English Braille code, Nemeth Braille Code of Mathematics, Braille textbook format code and foreign language Braille code

Methods of preparing tactile aids such as maps, graphs, and charts

Perkins Braillewriter, specialized Braille software, and Braille embosser

Filing methods and record maintenance systems

Braille transcription techniques:
• Ability to read and write basic literary Braille (Gr. 1) = alphabet and numerals only.
• Ability to use a Braille "contraction chart" for Gr. 2 literary Braille = 2nd level of Braille using 100+ contractions.
• Ability to interline Braille student work, using Braille contraction chart as needed.
• Knowledge of Basic Elementary Arithmetic Level Braille (Nemeth Code)
• Create simple tactile graphics (raised lines for drawings, charts, tables)
• Basic knowledge of accessible technology for the visually impaired
• (For example: Operating screen-reader software on a Windows computer; knowledge of accessibility options on classroom computers, refreshable Braille display)

Braille Translation Software Skills:

(Using Windows computer with software such as Duxbury)
• Ability to use 6-key input on a computer to produce math
• Willingness to receive training in basic functions of Braille translation software for simple literary materials.


Proper operation and use of Braille and large print transcription equipment and machines

Concerns and challenges of students who are visually impaired

Guidance principles and practices related to students who are visually impaired

Basic subjects taught in local schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading

Basic instructional methods and techniques

Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary

Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct

Safe practices in classroom and playground activities

Operation of standard office and classroom equipment including a computer

Oral and written communication skills

Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and professionalism

Basic record-keeping


ABILITY TO:

Perform a variety of Braille translation and transcription functions and activities

Assist with instruction and related activities in a classroom or assigned learning environment

Reinforce instruction to individual or small groups of students with special needs as directed by the teachers and/or other service providers

Assist in the preparation of instructional materials and implementation of lesson plans

Perform routine clerical duties including keyboarding, filing, and duplicating materials

Understand and relate to students with special needs and respect individual differences

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing

Demonstrate an understanding, patient and receptive attitude toward visually impaired students

Read books to students and assist with reading and writing activities

Understand and follow oral and written instructions

Operate standard office and classroom equipment including a computer,


Observe health and safety regulations

Education, Experience and Other Requirements


EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:


Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school; two year demonstrated experience in Braille translation, large print and other alternate media translation, and varied clerical experience; and completion of a minimum of ten modules leading towards Literary Braille Certification issued by the Library of Congress.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Valid First Aid and CPR certificates issued by an authorized agency preferred

Valid California Driver's license preferred

Incumbents must meet requirements specified under the No Child Left Behind Act

Some incumbents in this classification may be required to speak, read and write in a designated second language

Working Conditions and Additional Information


WORKING CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT:

Classroom and other indoor and outdoor learning environments

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate standard office and classroom equipment

Sitting or standing for extended periods of time

Bending at the waist and/or kneeling to assist students

Seeing to read a variety of materials and monitor student activities

Hearing and speaking to exchange information

HAZARDS:

Contact with dissatisfied, assaultive or abusive individuals

Potential physical hazards involved in intervening in fights and other anti-social, and violent behaviors Exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious diseases

EXAMINATION INFORMATION:

The first step in the examination process is the application screening and whether or not the candidate meets the minimum qualifications listed.

The testing process may consist of a written exam; an oral exam; a performance exam; a structured interview (SI); a qualification appraisal interview (QAI); an evaluation of training & experience/education (T&E) and/or any combination thereof.

ONLY the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) test requires and is mandated to have a passing score of 70 on each of the three parts of the test.

All other tests will have a passing score set between 50 and 99 depending of a variety of factors affecting that specific recruitment.


All candidates must pass the first examination process to be invited to the next step/test in the process.

As the testing process consists of a minimum of two examination processes; the weight of each those processes may be determined at any step in the processes.

Qualified candidates will be notified of the date, time, and place of the examination(s)/test(s).

Candidates will be notified of the minimum pass points/test score for each examination and/or test in the examination process.


OTHER: Proof of identification for completion of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, must be submitted at the time of processing for employment.

SALARIES: All salaries as stated are based on present information and are subject to change. Appointments are made at the minimum salary shown in the posting and increases are granted at intervals based on anniversary date.

Notification of Non-Discrimination Policy

The Berkeley Unified School District is committed to fostering a positive working environment for its employees. Accordingly, BUSD practices shall be free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying of any employee based on an employee's actual race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression; the perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

The Board also prohibits retaliation against any district employee or job applicant who complains, testifies or in any way participates in the district's complaint procedures instituted pursuant to this policy.

The following employee has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination regarding Board Policy 4030:

Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator

2020 Bonar Street, Room 116

Berkeley, CA 94702

Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io

Email: View email address on click.appcast.io
SALARIES: All salaries as stated are based on present information and are subject to change. Appointments are made at the minimum salary shown and increases are granted at intervals based on satisfactory service.

BENEFITS (FOR PERMANENT EMPLOYEES): Health plans provide for full coverage for employees and family in the area of medical and dental insurance to a negotiated maximum. All employees who work an average regular assignment of less than 5-1/2 hours a day (.72 FTE or less) shall be entitled to health insurance coverage and dental insurance coverage on a pro-rated basis. This position is covered by Social Security and may be eligible for California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), with joint employee and employer paid contributions. Current members of CalPERS working in other California state, county, city, and school districts can transfer retirement service credit to the District. All employees are enrolled in an Employee Assistant Program (EAP). The District also offers various optional benefits including life insurance, short term disability, Vision Service Plan (VSP), and a medical and dependent care flexible spending option.

VACATION: Regular, non-management, District employees shall accrue vacation as follows:
1-3 Years: Ten (10) working days per year until he/she has completed four (4) years of service.
4-9 Years: Fifteen (15) working days per year until he/she has completed ten (10) years of service.
10-14 Years: Twenty (20) working days per year until he/she has completed fifteen (15) years of service.
15+ Years: Twenty-five (25) working days per year.
Regular twelve (12) month employees shall accrue two (2) additional days of vacation per year at each step indicated above.

HOLIDAYS: Annual employees receive seventeen (17) paid holidays per year:
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans' Day
Thanksgiving Holiday (3 Days)
Winter Board Holiday (3 Days)
New Year's Holiday (2 Days)
Martin Luther King's Birthday
Lincoln's Birthday
Washington's Birthday
Spring Board Holiday
Malcolm X's Birthday
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
School Year employees may receive sixteen (17) paid holidays, including all of the above except Independence Day (4th of July).


PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Classified employees may also participate in professional development activities to enhance their careers.
HEALTH AND CHARACTER INVESTIGATIONS:

Candidates selected for appointment may be required to pass a medical examination given by a Commission-designated physician to determine physical fitness for District employment. The Commission may disqualify any eligible candidates on the basis of the examining physician's report. The District also conducts a fingerprinting background check for all potential candidates for hire. All convictions must be declared and explained on the application; failure to do so will automatically disqualify the application. Tuberculosis tests must be completed and a negative result must be supplied prior to beginning work.
01


Supplemental Training & Experience QuestionnaireINSTRUCTIONS: Describe your qualifications carefully, as this information will help us determine how well you meet the minimum employment qualification standards for this position. Qualified means that you meet the minimum qualifications found in the job description. Incomplete or illegible responses may disqualify your application or reduce the credit given for your qualifications. You may complete your responses on a separate document and attach it to your application if you wish to do so.Respond honestly and truthfully to all questions. Over-evaluating your skill level is considered to provide false and/or misleading information. The statements you make on this form are subject to verification. Applicants found to have provided false or misleading information of their skills will be disqualified from further employment processing or, if hired, will be immediately terminated from employment.Please confirm that you have read these instructions carefully:

• Yes
• No

02


No Child Left BehindTitle I paraprofessionals whose duties include instructional support must have:High school diploma or the equivalent, ANDa) Two years of college (48 units) OR
b) A. A. degree (or higher), OR

c) Pass a local assessment of knowledge and skills in assisting in instruction.Do you meet these requirements and have uploaded proper documentation that verifies this? (Note: applications that do not have this documentation attached will not be screened in).

• Yes
• No

03


CERTIFICATES AND TRAINING: List the certificates and licenses below that you possess. You will be asked to provide proof of these certificates and training.Please list all valid licenses and certifications you possess in the format below(list all that may apply):1. Name of Certificate/Training, Expiration Date2. Name of Certificate/Training, Expiration Date3. Name of Certificate/Training, Expiration Date
04


Describe your previous experience and responsibilities in Braille translation, large print, and other alternate media translation. Please list the name of the employer where your experience was earned and the length of time you have worked in that capacity
05


Describe your experience in providing services to visually impaired students. What factors need to be considered in providing service to this population of students? Please list the name of the employer where your experience was earned.
06


List what kinds of Braille translation software systems you've used and describe the length of time, and the skill level you possess in those systems.
Required Question