Salary: $1,790.50 - $2,833.00 Semi-Monthly Location : Clark County - Vancouver, WA Job Type: Full Time - Permanent Job Number: 2025-05732 Department: School for the Blind Opening Date: 08/15/2025 Description The Washington State School for the Blind is currently recruiting for a Communications Consultant (Braille Transcriber). This position reports to the Ogden Resource Center Director and must interact with the Braille Program Specialist, contracted and inmate braille transcribers, and braille proofreader on a daily basis to accomplish the task of braille transcription and production. Persons with a disability who need accommodation in the application process, may call 360-###-#### and ask to speak to the HR Consultant. DutiesDuties include, but are not limited to:
- Transcribes daily jobs and small braille projects in a timely manner following all rules and guidelines set forth by the Braille Authority of North America (BANA), state guidelines and agency policies.
- Uses the agencies electronic job log to enter and track all braille job related information.
- Assists with braille production including embossing files, thermoforming tactiles, collating and binding. Completes quality control checks. Prepares projects for shipping by boxing, adhering labels, and delivering to the warehouse.
- Keeps braille workroom clean and organized.
- Explains sometimes complex or technical information regarding braille rules, regulations and procedures.
- Provides instruction for inmate transcribers that are part of our braille prison program.
- Makes public presentations pertaining to braille, blindness and technologies.
- Proofread projects for other transcribers.
- Acts as a copyholder for the braille proofreader when needed.
- Assists in Warehouse as needed.
- Filing and other office tasks.
QualificationsRequired Qualifications:
- Must possess Washington State UEB Certification.
- Experience producing braille materials.
- Strong computer skills including experience in using electronic mail, internet, word processing, braille transcription programs, Adobe Acrobat, and fundamental electronic troubleshooting.
- Ability to understand, interpret and retain information from BANA guidelines and effectively apply the information in communicating with others.
- Communicate via phone, e-mail, and web conferencing applications while acting as a Braille Consultant to the public.
- Ability to effectively express ideas through the spoken word using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the audience.
- Must be able to create collage style tactile graphics.
- Must be self-motivated and be able to work in quiet conditions.
- Must obtain a National Library of Congress (NLS) UEB Literary certificate within 1 year of hire date.
Desired Qualifications:
- 2 years experience in Braille transcribing, with demonstrated expertise in the Literary, Textbook, Foreign Language and Nemeth Braille codes as set forth by BANA.
- Have a current National Library of Congress (NLS) UEB Literary certificate.
- Have minimum of 2 years of Braille Formatting experience.
- Certification in Washington State or National Library of Congress Nemeth certificate.
- Certification in transcribing music is highly desirable.
- Certification in braille proofreading is highly desirable.
- Experience in computer generated tactile graphics using CorelDraw highly desirable.
Note: This position is not eligible for remote work. This position has been approved for in-training. While hiring at the Communication Consultant 2 level is desired, the in-training plan will allow candidates to be considered as a Communication Consultant 1 if not qualified at the highest level until certification is achieved. The salaries for each level are the following: 1. Communication Consultant 1: $42,972 - $57,252 Annually
- Must have Washington State UEB Certification. Must work towards National Literary Braille Certification and study Nemeth and Braille Formatting.
- Training duties available upon request.
2. Communication Consultant 2: $50,592 - $67,992 Annually
- Possess National Literary Braille certification. Work towards national Nemeth Certification.
A trial service period may be required for each level of the in-training appointment. Note: The full salary range(s) have been posted for informational purposes only. Typically, new hires do not start at the top of the range without State of Washington experience in a similarly situated position as these are considered longevity steps. This position may be eligible for Assignment Pay, a premium of 5% which is added to an employee's base salary for recognized specialized skills (i.e. braille certification) that exceed the ordinary requirements for the position.In addition to the base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. More information can be found in the applicable Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to requests regarding the status of your application. Please login to governmentjobs for any status update. Supplemental Information To begin the online application process, click the 'Apply' button at the top of this announcement. To be considered for this position you must include the following information in your online application and complete any supplemental questionnaire(s). Please do not attach letters/resumes, etc. as attachments will not be opened. (If you would like to include these items, it is recommended that you bring them with you to any interview, as applicable.)
- A completed online application profile that includes education and employment history (applications that state see my resume or similar language on the application will be considered incomplete); and,
- Allow contact for three professional references included in your application, including at least one supervisor, with up-to-date contact information.
For questions or information regarding the online application, please email What WSSB Offers: WSSB offers employees a student-focused and mission-driven environment that empowers blind and low vision individuals to reach their full potential. Our beautiful 13.2 acre campus is on the National Register of Historic Places and not only includes state-of-the-art classrooms but a fitness center with saline pool and floor-to-ceiling rock climbing wall, track & field, auditorium, braille center, low vision clinic, LIFTT program offering dorm-style housing and much more! Union Inclusion: This position is included in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Opportunity for All: The Washington State School for the Blind celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws. A background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competency to perform in the position. You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization. Veterans Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security number. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, We thank you and are grateful for your service! Additional Information: The state of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance with the application process, may call (360) ###-#### and ask to speak to Human Resources or email . Should you have any questions regarding this position, or the online application, please email
[email protected]. More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs. Read about our benefits: The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time. Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state. Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs. Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses. Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction. The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees. Retirement and Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site. Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options. Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system. Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information. Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave. Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. Vacation (Annual Leave) Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave. Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave. Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave. Additional Leave Leave Sharing Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits. Updated 07-21-2025
