Job Description

Braille Transcriber

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Braille Transcriber

Salary

$44,824.00 - $66,123.20 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50309 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-00990

Agency

131 Iowa Department for the Blind

Opening Date

10/17/2025

Closing Date

10/27/2025 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-DNP

Point of Contact

Sarah Willford Sarah.Willeford@blind.state.ia.us

To Apply

Applicants are encoruraged attach a resume/cover letter to the online application.

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Job Description

The Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB) is seeking applicants for the position of Braille Transcriber for the Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (ILBPD). This position is responsible for providing library and braille services by producing, coordinating, and delivering appropriate braille and tactile image services, transcribing, and embossing a broad range of materials, producing associated tactile images and providing training/information to individuals.

Duties and responsibilities to include the following:

Braille Production

• Produces braille and E-Text documents using direct 6-key entry, scanning, word processing, and braille translation software.

• Evaluates braille projects, determines formatting requirements; makes decisions regarding graphics to be reproduced; makes decisions regarding inclusion of auxiliary components such as indexes and footnotes; determines suitability of project for inclusion in the library's permanent collection.

• Interprets braille rules to determine proper formatting and usage.

• Creates braille documents based on print material by (1) keying in text; (2) scanning printed material and using optical character recognition software to create text documents; (3) importing existing electronic documents; (4) transcribing in braille through 6-key entry; or (5) a combination of methods.

• Translates documents into braille using translation software.

• Embosses braille documents and tactiles using braille embossers.

• Creates tactiles using a CorelDraw

• Uses a Tactile Image Enhancer or creates tactiles by hand.

• Reads braille to review final hard-copy braille for format, quality and completion.

• Completes braille projects by: bursting and binding materials, use of forms-cutter, interleaving tactiles, inserting print title pages and use of the comb binder.

• Assists in proofreading of braille materials.

• Organizes and tracks materials in the library's Production Tracking System.

• Explains braille rules and proofreading corrections to volunteer certified braillists.

Instructional Materials Center and Patron Services

• Explains services and interprets eligibility requirements to parents, students, counselors, teachers, and other professionals.

• Assist in researching and ordering materials for Instructional Material Center requests.

• Searches library collection, on-line databases, and other sources to determine if materials are available in requested media.

• Assists in receiving and prioritizing Braille requests based on established guidelines.

• Provide Reader Advisory services to patrons by conducting reference and reader advisory interviews to guide patrons to reading materials and information resources.

• Work regularly scheduled shifts at the Information Desk, as well as substituting as needed.

Outreach and Education

• Participates in library and department projects and programs.

• Represents the Library at outreach event(s) including conferences, displays, information booths, and open houses.

Minimum Qualification and Special Requirements

Proficiency in Unified English Braille (UEB) literary code and transcription; Experience in UEB with Nemeth and computerized braille transcription; Proficiency in braille formats.

What We Offer

• Team-oriented, positive work environment

• Excellent affordable benefit package

• Paid holidays plus vacation and sick time

• Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS) retirement plan

• Optional retirement savings 457 plan with employer contributions

• Employee discount programs

Compensation

The hiring salary range is $44,824.00 - $66,123.20 and starting pay is determined by meeting minimum qualifications. You begin at the lower range, with potential increases based on each year of related experience above the minimum qualifications.

Schedule

Monday through Friday 8:00am - 4:30p with some evenings and weekend hours for special programming held throughout the year.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Four years of Brailling work experience or volunteer with formal training in literary, Nemeth or computerized Braille transcription with possession of a Library of Congress Certificate of Proficiency in Literary Braille.

For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job description. ( and\ pay/JobClassDescriptions/BrailleTranscriber-02585.pdf)

Additional Qualification Requirements

Positions allocated to this class may be required to acquire a Certificate of Proficiency in Nemeth.

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator ( .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS ( .

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here ( to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely.Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question.Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree.

• No

  02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

  03

How many years do you have of Brailling work experience or volunteer with formal training in literary, Nemeth or computerized Braille transcription with possession of a Library of Congress Certificate of Proficiency in Literary Braille.

• None

• One year to less than two year of the identified experience.

• Two years to less than four year of the identified experience.

• Four years or more of the identified experience.

  04

Iowa State Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. This applicant survey information will only be used for program evaluation and reporting requirements and will not be used as a factor in any hiring decision. Where did you hear about the job that you are applying for? Please check all that apply.

• State of Iowa Careers Website

• ISD/IESBVI school website

• Indeed

• SchoolSpring

• Handshake

• CEASD

• DeafEd.net

• AER

• COSBI

• LinkedIn

• Other

Required Question

Employer

State of Iowa

Agency

131 Iowa Department for the Blind

Address

524 4th St

Des Moines, Iowa, 50309

Website

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Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Work experience placement, Monday to Friday, Shift work, Weekend work, Afternoon shift,

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