Remote Captionist job, RC work from home, Canada

Monday, April 18, 2011
Remote Captionist job, RC work from home, Canada

The Remote Captionist (RC) listens to audio and provides a live transcription of the audio using speech recognition technology. This means listening to someone speaking and repeating back what they say in real time. This is the primary task of the RC.
This position is part of a pilot project starting in May, so hours of work and schedule are not yet determined, but will likely offer 20 to 30 hours or less. In September there may be either full-time or part-time positions available, or both.
During the pilot the RC will work from home, therefore take note of the following temporary requirements:
· Guaranteed quiet place in your home to work for the duration of the assignment.
· High-speed Internet connection that no one else will use during working hours.
· Check-ins prior to shift start to confirm your availability.
NOTE: Your home work space will be inspected by 2 staff members (a male and female team) prior to hiring to ensure functional requirements are met.
Qualifications:
It is imperative that the RC have a clear, strong voice (but not necessarily loud) using Canadian English. You must also prove that you can maintain the use of your voice for a full day, day after day. Further qualifications are:
· Fast keyboarding skills, and proven knowledge of many Windows and Office keyboard shortcuts.
· Strong understanding of computer use in a networked environment.
· Better than average vocabulary – Post-Secondary education (including trades) may be an asset.
· Must pass a criminal records check, and be bondable.
· Must be willing to enter into a non-disclosure and a non-competition agreement.
Nice to have:
· Extensive experience in many fields or trades.
· Advanced computer/network knowledge and skill.
· Extensive experience using speech recognition technology, like Dragon Naturally Speaking.
· Dictating experience and/or broadcasting/public speaking experience.
· CART or Closed-Captioning designation and/or experience.
NOTE: This job is not for everyone. We recommend that you listen to someone speaking on TV or the radio and try repeating back, word for word, what is said, and keep that up for an hour or two to see whether you would want to do this work all day, every day. If you find it too difficult, make too many mistakes, or find it too tiring, then this job isn’t for you. That being said, if it is somewhat difficult, then keep in mind that it will get easier with time.
Please note that training will be provided free of charge to qualified applicants, prior to being hired. Some training will be group or one-on-one at our location, but most will be at your home, after which you will be tested. Only those passing testing will be considered for hire.
The above is only some of the information you should know prior to applying for this position. If you are interested in applying, you should first check out our very detailed description of the job, the pilot, and the proposed company at:
www.SystemsEngineering.ca/RC
To apply, send an email to applyRC@techspert.ca and answer the following questions:
1. Do you have a guaranteed quiet, distraction-free workspace at home? Describe how you can guarantee it is quiet.
2. Do you have a high-speed Internet connection that no one else will use while you are working, or are you willing to get one within a few days? Explain.
3. Have you tried testing listening and repeating from the radio or TV (or other source of talking) for an hour or 2, and/or do you have public speaking experience? Explain in detail.
4. Are you willing to take the job if the hours are part-time and possibly spread out throughout the day, such as would match a college student’s class schedule? Assuming $20/hr (not yet determined) explain the minimum hours per week you require, and the maximum you are willing to do.
5. Have you read the full page at www.SystemsEngineering.ca/RC? Describe what you like and dislike about the position and candidate requirements, the proposed company and working conditions, etc.
Attach your resume and cover letter to your email and note that those documents should be in one of the following formats: .doc, .docx, .rtf, .pdf. (Documents created with MS Works or Mac computers should be saved as .rtf or .pdf - If we can’t read them we won’t respond to your email).
If you need answers to questions before you apply, please feel free to send an email to the above address with “questions about position” in the subject line.