Quality Assurance Specialist (Braille Products)

Full Job Description

This position is located in the Content Quality Assurance Section, Collections Division, National Library Services for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library Collections and Services Group.

The position description number for this position is 433614. The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area.

The incumbent of this position will work a flextime work schedule. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.

Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision GS-09 Ability to perform quality control inspections of digital and physical braille materials.** Ability to evaluate quality assurance processes and procedures.** Knowledge of braille and systems that create braille reading materials.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

GS-11 Ability to perform quality control inspections of digital and physical braille materials.** Ability to evaluate quality assurance processes and procedures.** Ability to monitor quality control operations.

Knowledge of braille and systems that create braille reading materials. Ability to communicate effectively in writing and present information orally.

Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing. Major Duties:

As assigned, interprets and coordinates basic standards for the production of electronic braille books and periodicals provided through the NLS program; may perform routine assignments such as information research and documentation to support planning and development of standards.

Performs routine and recurring evaluations of the quality of items manufactured using production methods such as automated braille transcription, direct braille input, optical character recognition, and production from eBook files.

Conducts routine audits of embossed and electronic braille control copies to ensure proper conformance with braille codes, proper technical specifications and format.

Participates in the audit of braille masters and control copies for adherence to NLS standards and specifications and recommends certification of the quality acceptability of electronic braille materials produced for the NLS program.

Participates in the audit of electronic braille files to ensure proper conformance with braille codes, proper technical specifications and format.

Drafts written critiques of the results of each inspection; after approval, communicates results to contractors via established NLS communication systems.

As assigned, interprets and coordinates standards for the production of embossed braille books and periodicals provided through the NLS program; may perform routine assignments such as information research and documentation to support planning and development of standards.

Performs routine and recurring evaluation of the quality of items manufactured using production methods such as automated braille transcription, direct braille input, optical character recognition, and production from eBook files.

Conducts routine analyses of the merits of braille materials produced on new systems and documents results.

Completes routine and recurring evaluation of tactile graphics according to standards and specifications established by NLS and braille authorities with an understanding of the subject and reading level of the surrounding material.

Completes routine and recurring descriptions of illustrations with an understanding of the style, subject and reading level of the surrounding material.

Participates in the audit of braille masters and control copies for adherence to NLS standards and specifications and recommends certification of the quality acceptability of braille materials produced for the NLS program.

Participates in the audit of embossed braille control copies to ensure proper conformance with braille codes, proper technical specifications and format.

Drafts written critiques of the results of each inspection; after approval, communicates results to contractors via established NLS communication systems.

Implements NLS decisions on formatting criteria, including interpoint braille production, page numbering, preliminary page requirements, cover labeling, volume size and other matters.

Drafts reports of results and may make recommendations to section head and other NLS staff for use in producing NLS materials.

Provides routine guidance to contractors, network libraries and multistate center personnel related to the development of quality assurance programs and procedures.

Working with higher graded staff, administers programs to evaluate the precision and accuracy of incoming materials.

Applies standard methods and procedures for inspection, testing, and evaluation of braille materials and identifies and reports problems to supervisor or other higher graded staff.

Participates in assessment of contractor facilities and equipment, individual transcribers, proofreaders and binderies' ability to produce braille material for the NLS program.

Supports or participates in onsite inspections at contractors' facilities; identifies potential problems or issues and advises supervisor or higher graded staff.

With approval, may provide direction to contractors in their efforts to achieve the quality standards set forth by NLS.

Provides consultation and representation of NLS in established and recurring situations, with guidance from other staff or supervisor.

Coordinates and exchanges information with other NLS sections and divisions on matters affecting quality assurance.

May participate in assessments to support internal and external Library or NLS activities. Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.