Braille Program Manager

The Office of Secretary of State (OSOS) offers some of the most unique and diverse job opportunities in state government. Its critical responsibilities include: ensuring a fair and accurate elections process; connecting Washingtonians through the power of libraries; protecting our important government records; and registering corporations and charities. The Secretary of State also administers vital community programs that inspire giving, document our history, and assist crime survivors in avoiding further abuse. This independent office under the state Constitution operates from facilities in the Olympia area and statewide.

The OSOS is looking for top-performing employees who embody its core values of integrity, service excellence, visionary leadership, collaboration and teamwork. It is committed to both employee growth and work-life balance. The benefits of working in state government also include potential eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

The Washington State Library connects people to the power of libraries. As Washington's oldest cultural institution, the library's unique and rare collections date back to territorial days. Resources include historical print and digital compilations, collections of state newspapers and maps, state and federal government publications, and the Ask-a-Librarian service.

The library benefits local libraries and their patrons through its consulting services, grants, subsidies, training, and programming. Additionally, the Washington State Library provides services to state prison and state hospital libraries. OSOS also operates the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL) in Seattle, a library for people unable to read standard print.

Braille Program Manager

• Program Specialist 3

Full-time, Permanent

Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL) is a program of the Washington State Library and a Regional Library of the National Library Services for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) network of the Library of Congress. WTBBL provides library services statewide, at the library and by mail or download, to any Washington resident unable to read standard print material due to blindness, visual impairment, DeafBlindness, physical disability (cannot hold a book or turn pages), or reading disability.

The Braille Program Manager (PS3) reports to the Managing Librarian and is responsible for WTBBL's organization-wide braille program which has a statewide and national impact. The Braille Program Manager is the organizational expert in Unified English Braille code (UEB) and is responsible for all of WTBBL's braille production. The Braille Program Manager performs specialized tasks including the transcription of print material to braille, proofreading transcriptions produced by volunteers prior to circulation of material, embossing materials, creating overlay for print/braille materials, and ensuring conformity to braille standards and code. The Braille Program Manager does statewide outreach, produces specialized braille programs, and keeps current on braille trends, making sure that WTBBL stays ahead of the curve. The Braille Program Manager operates and maintains specialized braille-producing equipment and computerized braille transcription systems. The Braille Program Manager is responsible for recruiting, scheduling, training, and managing a cadre of department volunteers.

Please note: Interviews for this position will be conducted on an ongoing basis. The hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at any time. Oversees WTBBL's Braille Program

Tasks include:

• Coordinates all aspects of WTBBL's braille program; defines needs, plans, designs and develops the program and future initiatives.

• Provides specialized consultation with WTBBL staff and others about all organizational braille needs including in-house publications, materials for library programs, or staff needs.

• Works with Collection Development Committee, WTBBL Director, staff and others to determine braille book and other braille material needs for library collections.

• Works to acquire electronic versions of print text or oversees the scanning, formatting and editing process in preparing files for transcription into braille.

• Implements tactile graphics using specialized braille formats and specialized equipment to enhance braille versions of graphic novels and other graphic materials.

• Researches and stays current on trends in braille production, braille equipment and technology, tactile graphics, and methods for implementing high quality braille production for WTBBL and enhanced braille and tactile image programming.

• Embosses newly transcribed materials for proofreaders.

• Transcribes, proofreads, and edits internal communications, WTBBL publications, and special projects.

• Creates electronic braille files for download, embosses hard copies of braille book for circulating collection on demand.

• Uploads braille files to the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled's BARD portal.

• Tracks stages of book production and maintains records of transcribed materials and current assignments, provides regular statistics on materials in process, completed, and pending.

• Maintains professional contacts and participates in professional development opportunities to stay abreast of new braille codes, changes to existing braille codes, new equipment, new braille software, and emerging technologies.

• Builds relationships with blind, low-vision, and other organizations statewide like the Washington State School for the Blind, Department of Services for the Blind, National Federation of the Blind of Washington, Washington Council of the Blind, the Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind, and others.

• Provides technical assistance for braille software and hardware; operates both computer-generated and computer-assisted braille transcription software and hardware, is the onsite expert for the equipment, and is the point person for equipment troubleshooting.

• Reports equipment maintenance and repair issues, working with WTBBL Director, coordinates with vendors for maintenance and repair, recommends braille related equipment for purchase.

• Responds to requests from braille readers and community for transcription needs by providing technical assistance, production, and referral services to patrons, the public, and WTBBL staff as requested or through collaborative efforts with community partners and stakeholders.

• Evaluates and processes external requests for braille production, consults with WTBBL leadership on production and contract opportunities.

• Maintains braille supplies and equipment required for successful department operations, tracks Braille Department budget and monitors braille supply expenses.

• Assists in developing and establishing procedures and policies for new programs and activities, engages in strategic planning for Braille Department.

• In consultation with WTBBL leadership, formulates new program policies, procedures, and standards.

• Writes quarterly column for organization newsletters; writes and edits other publications, brochures, and documents as needed.

Outreach and program development and participation

Tasks include:

• Manages and instructs annual braille transcription training course to train potential new volunteer transcribers; develops lesson plans, grades assignments, and manages class workflows.

• Develops other braille-related trainings and programs in conjunction with WTBBL leadership; may manage and instruct tactile braille reading class to teach individuals on learning and reading UEB.

• Works with WTBBL Outreach Librarian to participate in or augment statewide outreach efforts and programs; develop braille focused promotional events or collateral materials.

• Works with WTBBL Youth Services Librarian to participate in or augment statewide outreach efforts; assists in the annual Braille Challenge and other braille-focused events; assists in outreach to TVIs and braillists throughout the state.

• Acts as WTBBL's Braille Ambassador, working to raise awareness about braille and its importance to learning literacy.

Volunteer scheduling, instruction, training, and management

Tasks include:

• Works with Volunteer Manager to recruit volunteers with specific braille skills.

• Trains volunteers in use of braille code and rules of transcription and proofreading.

• Advises volunteers of appropriate codes and formats, communicates updates and changes.

• Keeps volunteer transcribers and proofreaders informed about industry changes.

• Assigns work and monitors the quality of final materials to ensure they meet accepted standards.

• Proofreads braille transcriptions produced by volunteers prior to circulation of materials, ensuring conformity to braille standards and codes.

• Schedules volunteers and maintains record of current volunteers and assigned work.

• Holds quarterly braille department volunteer meetings.

Miscellaneous

Tasks include:

• Secures the library at closing as needed.

• Provides directional support to library patrons and volunteers.

• Backs up reception desk as necessary.

Required Qualifications:

• Three years of experience providing support to staff or a program including, but not limited to, interpreting policy and instructing others on application of policies, representing a program or office to clients, interacting with members of the public, composing correspondence, scheduling appointments and meetings, or coordinating events.

• Ability to efficiently use a personal computer and applicable software to successfully perform the essential job functions of the position.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Unified English Braille certification.

• Bachelor's degree from a 4-year accredited college or university.

• Demonstrated expertise with braille transcription computer programs and Braille embossers.

• Comfortability with technology and openness to learning new technology; proficiency with email programs, MS Office Suite, and internet searching.

• Able to effectively organize multiple assignments, sometimes of a complex nature or involving competing priorities, to produce work products that are accurate and on time.

• Experience creating tactile graphics with specialized braille formats and or specialized equipment.

• Certification in Literary Braille from the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS).

• Experience with advanced braille formats (e.g. tabular material, computer notation, general textbook format).

• Certification in Mathematics (Nemeth) Braille Transcribing and/or Certification in Music Braille Transcribing.

• Experience directing and monitoring the work of volunteers.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position will require working in office environment and library that serves blind, visually impaired, DeafBlind, physically disabled, and/or reading disabled patrons. The incumbent must be able to work in adverse conditions (i.e. working with moldy or dusty materials, or in areas that are cramped and/or somewhat confining, or prone to loud and continuous noises), perform tasks that require physical agility (i.e. bend, reach, stoop, carry, climb)

and be able to move and maneuver 50 pounds with or without accommodation. The Standard work hours are Monday

• Friday, 8:00am

• 5:00pm; some evenings and weekends may be required. Must be able and willing to travel occasionally. The incumbent must be able to demonstrate and maintain patience and quickly adapt training style and approach to meet the needs of individual patron learning styles.

Works primarily with patrons, external customers, WTBBL staff, NLS, public libraries, partner organizations, assistive technology vendors, and OSOS IT

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Willingness to work with blind, visually impaired, deaf/blind, physically disabled, or reading disabled patrons

How to Apply

• Required: To be considered for this position you must attach the following:

• Letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the duties and qualifications of the position.

• Current resume

• Three Professional references. Personal references will not be considered.

• You must complete the supplemental questions at the end of this application. Incomplete responses such as "see resume" will not be considered.

• All veterans must include a copy of your DD214 to receive preference in the hiring process.  You must black out your social security number before attaching it to your application.

The Office of the Secretary of State is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We do not

discriminate on the basis of religion, age, sex, marital status, color, creed, national origin, political affiliation, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any real or perceived sensory, mental or physical ability. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply. Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process, or those needing the announcement in alternative format, should call (360) 704-5212.