Reader Support Specialist

Location

Washington DC | United States

Job description

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SUMMARY

Arcticom, a subsidiary of Bering Straits Native Corporation, is currently seeking a qualified Reader Support Specialist to assist an employee who is blind. For the purposes of this PWS the term Reader shall be used for this position. The mission of the reader is to facilitate effective resources to seamlessly integrate the employee into any work-related environment.

The distinguishing feature of the Reader Support Specialist is their autonomous provision of services directed by the employee in need, demonstrating a high degree of professional autonomy and integrity. Arcticom supports this Global Talent Management (GTM) Bureau contract, yet services are frequently provided to bureaus outside GTM, emphasizing the necessity for a strong functional knowledge of the Department of State's operations. The reader employs critical thinking skills to ensure barrier-free access, providing support without taking ownership of the work product.

The position works independently or as a member of a team at the direction of the government which is directly related to the business operation of GTM.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Essential Duties and Responsibilities are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed for this position and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. Other duties may be assigned

• Verbally identifying key individuals relevant to the accommodated employee to facilitate communication.
• Providing visual access to various documents, including cables, faxes, letters, memoranda, reports, pamphlets, invitations, and meeting notices.
• Reading and reviewing hard copy and electronically displayed information, formatting documents to DOS standards, and adjusting font sizes for easy viewing.
• Reading texts at a suitable pace for comprehension and dictation purposes.
• Assisting with form filling, signing, and managing electronic materials.
• Navigating complex vocabulary, including foreign names, technical language, and Department of State-specific jargon.
• Reading aloud documents to expose errors and ensure completeness, including punctuation, spelling, and missing information.
• Formatting documents to meet DOS standards, following guidance from the employee on corrections.
• Providing sight comparisons between handwritten/printed documents and electronic versions.
• Offering visual information to help employees navigate unfamiliar software systems, interfaces, templates, and training materials.
• Performing duties manually or using various technology and software packages.
• Integrating multiple types of software to generate specific working documents and forms (spreadsheets, databases, word processing, etc.).
• Independently reaching out to technology support to resolve accommodation technology issues.

Examples of OMS/READER Orientation and Mobility Support:

• The Reader Support Specialist will familiarize yourself with event locations in advance to ensure seamless access for the accommodated employee.
• Providing mobility assistance using the sighted guide (human guide) technique.
• Assisting by pushing the employee in a wheelchair to specific locations.
• Offering visual environmental cues, such as describing people in the room or features along a corridor.
• Helping the employee locate specific individuals during events.
• Providing mobility support in navigating buffet lines.
• Offering visual descriptions and navigational support during training sessions.
• Taking notes during meetings.
• Handwriting material or ensuring the legibility of handwritten or printed materials.
• Providing specific DOS protocol visual information to the client during events.

Handover Notes:

• Crucial for a smooth transition of services to another OMS/ Reader Support Specialist or direct hire, detailing processes, file locations, formatting conventions, and key points.

In Cases Where Services Are Not Required:

• Reader may undertake administrative functions for GTM/OAA leadership. These duties are secondary and never supersede primary

1. Rehabilitation Act Expertise:
   • Functional understanding of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and its nexus to providing reasonable accommodation.
2. Communication Proficiency:
   • Proficient command of English, both spoken and written.
3. Administrative and Technical Competence:
   • Familiarity with administrative, clerical, and technical processes.
   • Experience in human resources or disability services is advantageous.
4. Independence and Efficiency:
   • Ability to work independently and efficiently without close supervision.
5. Technical Proficiency:
   • Strong command of computer systems and software applications, including Microsoft Windows, Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), Communicator, and Internet Explorer.
   • Capability to troubleshoot IT issues related to accessible technologies.
6. Security Protocols:
   • Knowledge of the Department’s computer security protocols.
7. Adaptability:
   • Flexibility to adapt to new systems, policies, guidelines, and procedures.
8. Typing Skills:
   • Accurate typing at a minimum of 30 words per minute.
9. Internet Research:
   • Proficiency in navigating and conducting complex research using the internet.
10. Event Support:
    • Willingness to accompany Department of State employees to official events, serving as a note-taker.
11. International Travel:
    • Ability to travel internationally for periods of three or more months, up to a maximum of two years.
    • Possesses a valid passport with an expiration date exceeding 6 months and is capable of international travel for durations up to three (3) months.
12. Flexible Work Hours:
    • Flexibility to work outside regular business hours and occasional overtime, with short notice, to meet mission requirements.
13. Administrative Duties:
    • Ability to handle administrative functions during periods when eligible employee(s) do not require services, including data entry, filing, escorting, and electronic document review. These duties are secondary and never take priority over the eligible employee.

Accessibility Support:

• Support functions related to accessibility, such as room setup, emailing schedules, and sending meeting notes.

Place(s) of Performance

The work under this task will take place in the following location(s):

The work will be performed at the Department of State, and Department of State annexes and at approved telework locations in the Washington, DC metro area, Domestic field offices and other State Department facilities within the Continental United States (CONUS) as well as Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS).

QUALIFICATIONS - EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required (Minimum Necessary) Qualifications (applies to both this section and KSAO’s)

Educational Background:

• Possesses a master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree with experiences equivalent to a master’s degree.

Professional Experience:

• Possesses a minimum of 2 years of experience providing services of a similar scope.

Additional Qualifications

• Requires a Secret security clearance, potentially upgradable to TS/SCI at the discretion of the COR.
• Possesses a valid passport with an expiration date exceeding 6 months and is capable of international travel for durations up to three (3) months.

Audio Description and Sight Translations:

• Deliver precise and clear audio descriptions or sight translations, aligning with the required register (formal/informal).

Language Proficiency Across Registers:

• Exhibit command of spoken and written English across diverse linguistic registers:
  1. Frozen Register: Static and formalized language.
  2. Formal Register: Elevated, precise, and professional language.
  3. Consultative Register: Language for specific topic discussions.
  4. Casual Register: Informal language may include regional phrases or slang.
  5. Intimate Register: Personal language used among close acquaintances.

Visual Descriptions and Transcription:

• Provide clear, accurate, and concise visual descriptions.
• Demonstrate strong English proficiency, including mastery of commonly confused homophones (e.g., their, there, they’re).
• Accurately transcribe verbal information while maintaining the appropriate register.

Accessibility Services:

• Tailor services to ensure equal access for employees with disabilities, encompassing visual description, orientation, mobility assistance, and sight translations.
• Customize services professionally to meet individual employee requirements.

Room Accessibility:

• Implement strategies for full room accessibility, either through proactive measures or effective communication to facilitate seamless accommodations.

NECESSARY PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Employees must always maintain a constant state of mental alertness. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining the physical condition necessary for bending, stooping, sitting, walking, or standing for prolonged periods of time; most of the time is spent sitting in a comfortable position with frequent opportunities to move about.

DOT COVERED/SAFETY-SENSITIVE ROLE REQUIREMENTS

This position  is not subject to federal requirements regarding the Department of Transportation’s “safety-sensitive” functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work Environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be borne by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Job is performed in an office setting with exposure to computer screens and requires extensive use of a computer, keyboard, mouse, and multi-line telephone system. The work described herein is primarily a modern office setting. Occasional travel may be required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position is self-managed and works at the direction of the government and is directly related to the business operation supporting the customer’s objectives.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFYING FACTORS

As a condition of employment, you will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screening and have acceptable background check results. If applicable to the contract, you must also obtain the appropriate clearance levels required and be able to obtain access to military installations.

Shareholder Preference. BSNC gives hiring, promotion, training and retention preference to BSNC shareholders, shareholder descendants and shareholder spouses who meet the minimum qualifications for the job.

Bering Straits Native Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender, or gender-identity, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, pregnancy or parental status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

We participate in the E-Verify Employment Verification Program. We are a drug free workplace.

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